The cannabis experience, at its core, can be likened to many forms of entertainment, sustenance, and even our most profound relationships.
There’s a uniting overlap, whether you’re watching a movie, eating an entree or snack, or getting to know somebody. Nuance and depth triumph all—one note won’t do.
The relationship we have with cannabis is much the same. Most cannabis enthusiasts want more than a one-note connection with the plant and the strains it yields.
Many people seek more than “getting high” and melting into their couch.
Of course, there’s nothing wrong with smoking and melting into a puddle of relaxation, but that’s not all there is to cannabis.
For instance, indulging in a strain that heightens your senses and enhances your appreciation for life’s finer things is enriching and eye-opening. Another example is a strain that inspires creativity or gives you a burst of energy.
Then, there are flavors, aromas, and odors to consider. These traits all benefit the physical act of smoking or vaping, making it a more indulgent, satisfying experience. Rather than blindly smoking, you can lose yourself in a strain’s invigorating tastes and smells.
Terpenes are integral to flavors, aromas, odors, and even our inebriated responses to cannabis. They’re prime contributors to the “entourage effect.”
Specifically, terpenes and other components of the cannabis plant (e.g., its present cannabinoids) generate a more well-rounded experience for adult recreational users.
Bisabolol is the terpene discussed in this blog. Below, we’ll delve into the specificity of bisabolol, exploring what it adds to the cannabis strains in which it’s present.
What Is Bisabolol?
You wouldn’t be alone in wondering, “What is bisabolol?”
Aside from being a pain to pronounce, bisabolol (aka α-Bisabolol and levomenol) is most commonly derived from the chamomile flower, favored for its soothing capabilities.
The naturally occurring terpene is synonymous with its ability to add subtlety and depth to a cannabis strain with sweet, floral aromas.
Bisabolol’s standing as a highly stable sesquiterpene alcohol makes it more therapeutic than most terpenes [1].
You’ll commonly find bisabolol in cosmetic products due to its skin-based anti-inflammatory properties [2].
What Does Bisabolol Do In Cannabis?
Enjoying strains rich in bisabolol is a unique experience for many cannabis enthusiasts. The terpene triggers an intense sensory experience mixed with potent therapeutic effects.
Bisabolol goes beyond the aromas and scents when found in cannabis strains. Instead, it contributes to a more profound interaction with any given set of cannabinoids.
Most poignant with bisabolol is how it impacts the entourage effect. Bisobolol appears to be one of the most synergistic terpenes, helping activate THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids in a more nuanced manner. This helps generate a more conscious high that’s focused on relief and wellness.
One point worth mentioning is bisabolol’s role in topical analgesics.
Thanks to CBD-based formulas, topicals have more of a presence in the cannabis space than ever, and bisabolol has proven itself a potentially integral ingredient.
What Is Bisabolol Good For? What Are Its Therapeutic Benefits?
Broadly speaking, bisabolol’s therapeutic properties apply to reducing depression symptoms, bolstering well-being, and even offsetting insomnia.
Furthermore, studies indicate bisabolol can aid in kidney injury treatments. Due to its antioxidant traits, the terpene has displayed protective benefits and positive efficacy for kidney conditions [3].
Bisabolol works as an analgesic pain reliever, and evidence suggests its anti-inflammatory capabilities when applied and absorbed through the skin.
Additionally, bisabolol’s anti-inflammatory properties reduce skin irritation. Further research suggests it can reduce the production of cytokines and the resulting skin inflammation without causing side effects.
Cancer treatments are another therapeutic application of bisabolol. The terpene can potentially kill leukemia cells. It’s also believed to inhibit various forms of cancer (e.g., ovarian, breast, skin, and prostate).
The therapeutic hits keep coming with bisabolol, continuing with antibacterial and antifungal effects. Its fungicidal capabilities apply to Staphylococcus aureus and other common fungal infections.
When combined with tea tree oil, bisabolol had antimicrobial effects against halitosis (bad breath) bacteria, proving useful in oral healthcare products.
In addition to what’s already been discussed, bisabolol’s gastro-protective properties are noteworthy. Studies suggest it can offset damage to the digestive system. Bisabolol also helps protect against the gut-related side effects of the anti-inflammatory medicine diclofenac. The two might work synergistically.
Many believe bisabolol can help offset anxiety, potentially impacting the brain’s gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA) receptors to induce relaxation.
What Strains Have Bisabolol?
Bisabolol is a relaxing terpene that contributes to a sense of blissful calm when you indulge in cannabis strains rich in it.
The Revlato 41 hybrid contains bisabolol.
This strain’s effects include stress and pain relief. It also offers a body buzz and an uplifting sense of euphoria conducive to creativity. We’d be remiss to forget Revlato’s earthy, pine, and diesel flavors.
The Point Break hybrid also contains bisabolol.
Its orange-rind and woodsy scents and flavors are pleasant on the nose and tongue. It yields a full-bodied high that fills you with energy before you chill out and prepare to sleep. Point Break is a euphoric strain with sour, citrusy notes.
Bisabolol And Aromatherapy
Since bisabolol is derived from chamomile, its potent aromatherapeutic qualities should come as no surprise.
Bisabolol triggers gastrointestinal tract receptors in aromatherapy, relaxing smooth muscles [4]. Plus, bisabolol oil has anticarcinogenic properties that fight malignant glioma cells.
Detecting Bisabolol In Cannabis Products
The most straightforward method of detecting bisabolol in cannabis products is reading the information provided in product descriptions on websites or the packaging.
With increasing regulations on cannabis products, dispensaries typically make this information seamlessly available because their products are lab-tested.
Still, you don’t always have the luxury of product descriptions. In this instance, smell your given strain for understated floral fragrances, chamomile, or sweet apple hints.
That said, we suggest not relying solely on your nose. Instead, rely on the expertise of in-store budtenders. Or, contact dispensaries online with inquiries. It’s best to know what’s in your cannabis before consuming it.
Precautions And Considerations
Contact dermatitis has been reported in Europe and the US as a potential allergic response to bisabolol [5].
Unless you’re using a cannabis topical, you likely don’t need to worry about allergic responses to bisabolol.
However, precautions and concerns about terpenes and cannabis go beyond allergies.
First and foremost, you don’t want to become dependent on any cannabis strain or terpene. Moderate use provides many therapeutic benefits—something we’re proud of at Stash.
Conscious and responsible cannabis usage is crucial in harnessing its most wellness-boosting properties. The line between moderate and overdoing it can be crossed in an instant. Be aware of your responses and your intake.
Conclusion
Bisabolol is a terpene that contributes strongly to the sensory experience of the cannabis strains in which it’s found. Furthermore, it has abundant therapeutic properties that show significant potential in improving the health of individuals dosing products containing it.
Enjoying strains with bisabolol promises an enriching and immersive experience.
Yet, the magic behind terpenes is their sheer number and abundance in cannabis.
To the above point, you won’t know your best blend of terpenes until you experiment (responsibly) with various strains and figure out the best balance for your needs.
Explore Stash’s online menu to learn about a wide range of premium cannabis products rich in terpenes. You’re bound to find one strain (or a few strains) that inspires your curiosity.
Or, you can visit one of our two Illinois locations and speak with our budtenders, who’ll steer you on the right terpene-paved path.
Alternatively, feel free to contact us online with any inquiries about terpenes, cannabinoids, or our products in general.
Sources
- https://www.revcanna.com/news/terpene-profile-bisabolol?store=abingdon
- https://www.leafly.ca/learn/cannabis-glossary/bisabolol
- https://www.trulieve.com/discover/blog/everything-you-need-to-know-about-bisabolol-and-its-benefits#:~:text=Bisabolol’s%20medicinal%20benefits%20include%20anti,it%20ideal%20for%20topical%20formulations.
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/pharmacology-toxicology-and-pharmaceutical-science/bisabolol#:~:text=Bisabolol%20stimulates%20gastrointestinal%20tract%20receptors,but%20without%20the%20sedative%20effects.
- https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/abs/10.2310/6620.2010.09072?journalCode=derm.1#:~:text=Contact%20dermatitis%20from%20bisabolol%20has,or%20potentially%20worsening%20atopic%20dermatitis.
