As we explained in other posts, cannabis has an extraordinary terpene profile that combines a lot more of these compounds than ordinary plants. This is why cannabis shares terpenes such as Linalool, Limonene, or menthol with other plants and fruit. In this post, we’ll be focusing on what mint and cannabis have in common, and the beneficial properties that we can extract from nature.
What is Mint?
Before talking about what cannabis and mint (Mentha Piperita L) have in common, we’d like to talk a bit more about mint itself, quite a common herb nowadays that has applications other than gastronomy. Mint is quite popular thanks to its fresh aroma and taste, and it’s used in drinks such as mojitos or to make delicious recipes – but apart from that, this plant has a series of benefits that can be used in therapeutic settings:
- Improves digestion: mint infusions can help relieve a bloated stomach, as well as reducing flatulence. Mint also contributes to the body segregating digestive enzymes that make the digestive process easier.
- Can be used for intestinal irritation: this is why it’s used to treat the symptoms of Crohn’s disease and stomach issues.
- Can clear up airways and the nose.
- Has antiseptic and calming properties; can be used to treat dermal issues such as acne.
- Improves blood oxygen levels.
- It’s highly useful as pain relief for headaches and migraines.
What do Cannabis and Mint Have in Common?
Now that you know a bit more about mint, let’s have a look at what this versatile plant has in common with cannabis. Apart from sharing some similar therapeutic qualities mentioned above, these two plants share a terpene called menthol. Menthol is clearly found in higher quantities in mint, hence the name, but some cannabis strains also contain certain amounts of menthol within their composition.
What is menthol?
Menthol is a mono-terpene that’s found in large quantities in mint and was isolated for the first time using the Piperita strain.
When in contact with the skin, mouth, and nasal cavity, menthol produces a fresh, cool sensation, which is why it’s used quite a lot when it comes to making toothpaste and other hygiene products. Plus, menthol is a compound that’s often used in the pharmaceutical industry thanks to its many medicinal properties:
- Pain relief
- Antiseptic
- Antibacterial
- Anti-inflammatory
- Decongestant
- Expectorant
Does Cannabis Contain Menthol?
Now that you know what menthol is and what properties this interesting terpene has, let’s go one step further – mint isn’t the only plant that contains this interesting molecule; so does cannabis!
Cannabis plants have the unique quality of having one of the most complex terpene profiles of all plants, which is why their aroma and flavor are so special. Its aromatic composition combines a much higher amount of terpenes when compared to the rest of the plants, including menthol.
While it’s true that menthol isn’t one of the main terpenes in cannabis (those which can be found in larger amounts), there are strains that have higher concentrations of menthol than the rest, and this can influence both the flavor and aroma, as well as the properties themselves.
Therefore, the ingredient that cannabis and mint have in common is the terpene menthol, a compound that’s highly valued thanks to its aromatic qualities and therapeutic applications.
What Cannabis Strains Contain More Menthol?
As we were saying, there are strains that contain higher amounts of menthol in their terpene profiles. Let’s have a look at the strains that contain this terpene, and the qualities of each one:
Mojito: A Refreshing Tropical Breeze
This strain contains larger amounts of menthol than the rest of strains, and it might be one of the reasons why its flavor and aroma are so special. It comes from a cross between Limegerian (Lime Kush x Nigerian) x Orange Blossom Trail (Orange Bud x OG Kush); this strain is one of the favored strains by those that enjoy intense, exotic flavors. Mojito is an interesting contrast between citric, lime-like flavors with hints of mint and chocolate.
Cheese: The Most Pungent Aroma
Without a doubt, one of the qualities that has made Cheese a classic strain is definitely its aromatic profile. Very few strains “stink” quite as much as this famous UK strain. As well as coming from one of the first ever hybrids in history, Skunk, it has become famous worldwide due to its particular aroma which is incredibly similar to cheese. An intense combination of citric Skunk flavors with hints of cured cheese and incense, that has made it one of the best sellers for decades now.
Wifi OG: Intense USA Flavors
This renowned US strain contains higher than average menthol levels, and this might have been responsible for elevating it to the “premium” category. Wifi OG comes from a cross between two amazing US strains; Fire OG x The White. The resulting combination of these two aromatic legends is spectacular: an intense mix that combines acidic and earthy hints, OG style, with citric tones similar to Diesel. An amazing combination that has earned the respect and admiration of some of the most demanding connoisseurs.
So, what do you think? Did you know about the similarities between mint and cannabis? Let us know what you think in the comments below!
Until next time!
Cali Terpenes
