Community Corner
Rasta Canna Bar - The Power of Terpenes
Research uncovers new benefits of the entire cannabis sativa plant, including the health and wellness properties of its aromatic compounds.
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The human sense of smell is one of the human body's most essential yet mysterious functions. For the longest time, scientists believed that the nasal cavity contained scent receptors corresponding to a matching molecule that the brain would identify upon connection.
However, in recent years, the prevailing understanding, primarily gathered through the prism of quantum physics, is that those scent receptors actually hear the vibrations emitted from the atoms of a given odor, which is how mammals identify a molecule's smell. This new theory explains why items as diverse and seemingly unrelated as cyanide and almonds emit the same distinctive scent.
Of particular interest to cannabis lovers when it comes to selecting a favorite strain to smoke or ingest through an edible is the flower's unique aroma. The part of the plant that produces that identifying odor is known as a terpene. A terpene is an aromatic compound that determines the scent of many different types of flowers in herbs. In marijuana, terpenes emit a skunky, pungent, or musky aroma that bestows the cannabis plant with its distinguishing smell and contributes to its flavor.
The cannabis sativa plant contains more than 150 types of terpenes, with most only present in trace amounts. However, some of the more prominent ones combine to provide notable marijuana strains with their signature scents. For example, the terpenes in Sour Diesel generate that recognizable grassy, pungent smell, while the pleasing aroma of sweet and sour cherry pie characterizes the aromatic profile of Cherry Pie.
However, the power of terpenes in the cannabis plant goes well beyond the aesthetic level of scents. Recent studies show that these magical compounds also provide a wide range of potential therapeutic and medicinal benefits for consumers. For thousands of years, human beings have understood the power of harnessing terpenes to create essential oils for use in practices such as aromatherapy.
While much of the early focus by scientists concerning the medical benefits of the cannabis plant centered around the therapeutic qualities of cannabinoids like CBD and THC, many are now beginning to uncover a veritable treasure trove of uses for terpenes in treating a wide array of disorders, like combatting unwelcome pathogens and microbes.
These early findings have identified many potential therapeutic benefits associated with terpenes. Some of them include:
Antiviral
Many terpenes have demonstrated a significant ability to fight and kill viruses, including alpha- and beta-pinene, caryophyllene, camphor, and carvone.
Anticancer
Some researchers have discovered that certain terpenes, including those found in cannabis, exhibit strong anticancer behavior, which can contribute to inhibiting the growth of cancer cells.
Antidepressant
25% of all antidepressant drugs are derived from herbal extracts containing terpenes. Examples include beta-pinene and linalool, commonly used to formulate medication for treating chronic depression.
Antimicrobial
A wide array of terpenes has also demonstrated the ability to fight off and stop the damaging health effects of certain harmful microorganisms. Some of those terpenes include geraniol, menthol, eucalyptol and terpinolene.
Pain Relief
Scientists have also discovered that some cannabis terpenes might have the ability to create a pain-relieving effect by mimicking certain cannabinoids. One study in 2021 that combined terpenes with cannabinoids found a substantial amplification in pain relief with no discernable increase in adverse side effects.
It is important to note that much of this research is in its infancy stage, with most preclinical studies being performed exclusively on animals or through in vitro (test tubes). Much more analysis by the scientific community must occur before scientists can achieve a sound understanding of these compounds. However, the potential uses and benefits are another encouraging indicator concerning the overall health and wellness benefits of the cannabis sativa plant.
Those potential benefits underlie why terpenes are available as add-ons to many of the custom beverages at Rasta Canna Bar. This week's featured drink, Strawberry Cough Smoothie for a Stress-Free Life, is just one example of a refreshing option to enjoy at the end of a long, hot summer day.
Comprised of fresh strawberries and bananas, hemp milk, and blended with Strawberry Cough Plant Terpenes, this chilled mixture combines sumptuous fruity flavors with the perfect amount of stress-reducing terpenes. Customers are also encouraged to add their choice of Rasta Feeling derived from hemp as an added boost to this colorful and tasty treat.
Cleverly modeled after traditional popular drinks, Rasta Canna Bar cocktails and beverages include fun concoctions like the Stoner Sunset, High Cosmopolitan, and Dank Colada. However, what makes the experience unique and potentially healthier is that all offerings contain hemp-derived cannabinoids instead of alcohol. By perusing the full menu, customers will find a wide range of creative and tasty options.
Along with custom cocktails, RCB offers shots inspired by traditional spirits, such as delta-9 THC-infused versions reminiscent of tequila, fireball and cognac. The bar will also provide delta-9 THC seltzers, THC-infused N/A beers, and a variety of smoothies containing CBD, CBG, CBN and delta-8 and delta-9 THC. Finally, traditional non-alcoholic drinks are also available for those seeking a less elevated time.
Rasta Canna Bar is in the heart of Grand Central at 2531 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. Feel free to swing by and enjoy live music provided by resident DJ (DJ Aly) on Friday and Saturday nights from 7 - 10 pm. RCB is the perfect place to begin, end or spend the entire evening. There's a new place to unwind from the grind and connect with a more elevated and enlightened community. Come and Experience a Higher Bar.
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