The Cannabis plant has been around for centuries. Throughout history people have used the plant primarily for medicinal purposes. Through ancient recordkeeping and primitive storytelling, humans documented their experiences with animals, weather and plants.
History.com describes the history of this complex and beneficial plant which has deep roots as an herbal medicine, “likely starting in Asia around 500 BC. The history of cannabis cultivation in America dates back to the early colonists, who grew hemp for textiles and rope. Political and racial factors in the 20th century led to the criminalization of marijuana in the United States, though its legal status is changing in many places.”
While legal medical marijuana is still in its infancy in Florida, it has been well-documented that cannabis has been utilized as a medicine. Sir William Brooke O’Shaughnessy, an Irish doctor studying in India in the 1830s, discovered that cannabis could help lessen stomach pain and vomiting in people suffering from cholera. According to this article on History.com, in the late 1800s cannabis extracts (oils) were commonly sold in doctors’ offices and in pharmacies as an aid for patients “with stomach problems and other ailments.”
In “The Cannabis and Cannabinoids: Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Potential” written by Franjo Grotenhermen and Ethan Russo, the authors cite the 1964 discovery of THC by Gaoni and Mechoulam. Their discovery was the catalyst which allowed for more cannabis research. Since then, researchers from around the world have dedicated experimentation efforts to further understand the chemical constituents of the cannabis plant.
Cannabis is in the spotlight now and the world is jumping on the botanical bandwagon. Every industry from mass media to health and beauty to marketing and manufacturing is exploring the benefits of cannabis. Science is just beginning to uncover the value of the cannabis plant.
Terpenes appear in abundance within nature, and over 20,000 (approximately) terpenes exist within our ecosystems. Every single plant, herb, flower, vegetable and fruit possess terpenes; and each terpene serves a very specific purpose. Terpenes contribute to the characteristic odor and flavor of any plant.
It has been estimated that over 150 terpenes exist across cannabis plant varieties. The Cannabis plant terpenes are generally classified as primary and secondary terpenes, based on how frequent they occur in cannabis. The odor represents a distinction between cannabis varieties which indicates that different plants can offer different benefits. Beyond the flavor and the scent though, terpenes can offer relief from an assortment of ailments.
Geraniol is a terpene found in cannabis. Geranoil is found in geraniums, lemongrass, carrots, roses, blueberries, nutmeg and oranges. It has a fruity, floral, sweet, and citrusy scent.
This terpene, which naturally occurs within the essential oils of many plants, is so useful and popular that it is used as a common ingredient in consumer products. It is one of the most important molecules in the flavor and fragrance industries. Geraniol is known to exhibit insecticidal and repellent properties and used as a natural pest control agent exhibiting low toxicity. It has a pleasant smell.
Geraniol has been suggested to represent a new class of chemoprevention agents for cancer. The biological effects of Geraniol have been studied and it has been determined there are vascular effects, in addition to anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antioxidant properties.
Interestingly, Geraniol is commonly used as a natural food flavoring and as a food additive as well.
Geraniol is researched and used across many industries. Even the beer industry has explored the benefits of terpenes in beer. “Beer in Health and Disease Prevention,” a book published in 2008, explores just how beneficial terpenes are to the human condition. The book discusses the science behind the antibacterial and antifungal therapies and suggests that Geraniol and also another terpene, farnesol, could aid in the prevention of Parkinsonism and that this science “warrants further investigation.”
This 2016 report published in the International Journal of Oncology states that “Geraniol is a dietary monoterpene alcohol that is found in the essential oils of aromatic plants. To date, experimental evidence supports the therapeutic or preventive effects of geraniol on different types of cancer, such as breast, lung, colon, prostate, pancreatic, and hepatic cancer, and has revealed the mechanistic basis for its pharmacological actions.”
Cannabis strains that are high in geraniol include Afghan, Kush and Skunk varieties.
Through the powers of the endocannabinoid system and with the proper use of medical marijuana, patients can experience long-lasting and natural pain and symptom relief. Opioid patients may find that medical marijuana helps alleviate some of the side-effects from those medications. Some patients find they rely less on their opioids when they implement medical marijuana into their health routine.
Speak to a certifying medical marijuana physician to determine the recommended strain and method of consumption. Also, the Medical Marijuana Treatment Center staff are highly-trained and skilled and can answer any questions you may have about medical marijuana. Each patient’s needs are unique.
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