Ask any stoner, and they’ll go on and on about the wonders of marijuana.
From stress relief to an enhanced appreciation for pizza, cannabis enthusiasts have long sung its praises.
Looks like your stoner friend was onto something after all, some of the compounds responsible for weed’s signature scent might actually offer some serious pain relief.
According to new research from the University of Arizona Health Sciences, certain terpenes found in Cannabis sativa could be effective for treating chronic pain conditions like fibromyalgia and post-surgical discomfort— without the high.
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis (and other plants) distinctive smells.
But beyond just making your favorite strain smell like citrus, pine, or skunk, these compounds might hold real medicinal value.
In a recent study, researchers tested four cannabis-derived terpenes—geraniol, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-humulene—on mouse models of fibromyalgia and post-operative pain.
Geraniol emerged as the MVP, showing a significant reduction in pain levels.
“Our research shows that terpenes aren’t great for acute pain from injuries like stubbing your toe or touching a hot stove,” said lead researcher John Streicher, PhD. “But we are seeing significant pain relief for chronic or pathological pain.”
Fibromyalgia affects up to 5% of the world’s population, causing widespread pain, fatigue, and cognitive issues.
Treatment options are limited, but cannabis-derived terpenes could change that.
“With fibromyalgia, there’s not much understanding of what causes the pain, and treatment options are lacking,” Streicher noted.
“Our findings suggest terpenes may be a viable option, potentially helping an undertreated population.”
For those wary of traditional pain medications, terpenes offer an alternative. Unlike THC, they work without inducing a high.
Cannabis terpenes: Potential replacement for post-surgery meds
Post-surgical pain can lead to long-term complications due to inflammation and heightened pain sensitivity. Opioids are the go-to solution, but they come with risks like addiction and constipation, which can cause further complications.
“Opioids help with post-surgical pain, but they can cause constipation, increasing the risk of complications like adhesions,” Streicher explained. “We’re always looking for better options, and this study suggests terpenes could be one.”
The research also found that terpenes work through the adenosine A2a receptor—the same one caffeine blocks—hinting at a potential sedative effect for future studies.
“The work being done by Dr. Streicher’s lab on terpenes and chronic pain highlights the importance of basic research,” said Todd Vanderah, PhD, director of the Comprehensive Center for Pain & Addiction at U of A Health Sciences.
“There are hundreds of unique plant compounds, including those in cannabis, that remain undiscovered,” Vanderah continued.
“Nature creates incredible chemical structures, and many could have potential benefits for human health.”
With millions suffering from chronic pain, cannabis-derived terpenes could mark a breakthrough in pain management.
And while your stoner friend may still swear by a good indica, science is proving they might be onto something—just with a bit more precision.
