Phytol Terpene & Its Medicinal Benefits

Phytol is one of cannabis’s lesser-known aromatic compounds. This minor terpene contributes to various plants’ gentle, floral-grassy aroma. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties offer medicinal support for MMJ patients suffering from chronic pain, inflammation, anxiety, and cancer.

What Is Phytol Terpene?

Phytol is a naturally occurring terpene found in a range of chlorophyll-rich plants, including the cannabis plant. Rich natural sources of phytol besides cannabis include some spices, herbs (basil), green leafy vegetables like kale and spinach, eucalyptus, and peppermint oil. Tea lovers will be interested to know that most green tea varieties are also a great source of phytol.

What Does Phytol Smell Like?

Plants that are rich in phytol tend to have a mild, floral, and “green” aroma and flavor profile. This terpene’s appealing taste and scent make it a popular ingredient in foods and blends of essential oils.

Phytol's Role in Cannabis

Phytol contributes to the taste and smell of some cannabis strains and their potential health benefits. It’s not one of the primary aroma contributors like the terpenes myrcene or limonene. Rather, it plays a subtler role. 

Cannabis strains containing phytol are thought to offer antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic (anti-anxiety), and anticancer effects. These properties are especially helpful for patients with AZ qualifying conditions like chronic pain, Crohn’s disease, cancer, and PTSD.

Medicinal Benefits of Phytol

Phytol's therapeutic properties include the following:

• Anti-inflammatory: Phytol's anti-inflammatory properties have been studied extensively. It may be useful for painful conditions marked by inflammation, such as arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. Its antioxidant properties also make it a compelling tool in combating diseases caused by oxidative stress.

• Pain Relief: Phytol’s anti-inflammatory properties may help with pain relief for some patients.

• Anxiety Reduction and Sedative: Research has shown phytol to offer sedative and anxiolytic activities in mice. It may help to calm anxiety and improve rest in patients with sleep problems.

• Anticonvulsant: Studies have shown that phytol suppresses seizures at high doses.

• Anticancer Properties: Phytol has shown anticancer activity against lung, breast, colon, prostate, cervix, skin, liver, and gastric cancer, as well as human lymphoid leukemia.

Qualifying Conditions That Benefit From Phytol

Ask your medical marijuana doctor about the potential benefits of phytol for the following Arizona qualifying conditions (and any contraindications) when you go to apply for or renew your medical marijuana card.

Severe and Chronic Pain

Many types of severe or chronic pain are byproducts of inflammatory diseases like arthritis. Phytol-rich strains could help by reducing inflammation. Prioritize indica and full-spectrum strains, as these tend to be the best weed strains for pain relief.

Crohn's Disease

Crohn’s disease is a type of inflammatory bowel disease characterized by abdominal pain, chronic diarrhea, and gut inflammation. Crohn’s patients are eligible for an MMJ card in Arizona. Phytol-containing strains like OG Kush could help with inflammation and appetite loss resulting from the disease.

Cancer

Phytol’s anticancer properties make strains rich in the terpene ideal for cancer patients. Speak to your doctor about incorporating cannabis safely into your existing treatment schedule.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Phytol's anxiolytic and sedative properties make it a great choice for post-traumatic stress disorder. The phytol-rich OG Kush, for example, is known as one of the best MMJ strains for PTSD. This is an ideal strain to consume at night, especially if insomnia or anxiety are keeping you from getting the rest you need.

Seizures

Phytol’s anticonvulsant properties could contribute to an improvement in seizures. 

Phytol's Benefits Extend Beyond Qualifying Conditions

Periods of poor health are highly stressful and emotional times. Phytol-rich strains may help with these secondary effects by supporting relaxation and sleep.

Top Phytol-Rich Cannabis Strains

Certain cannabis strains are naturally rich in phytol. Ask the budtenders at your local MMJ dispensary about the following strains or ask for their recommendations:

Sour Diesel

Hybrid, 10% THC/0% CBD

Sour Diesel is a fast-acting, sativa-dominant cannabis strain famous for its energizing and euphoric effects. It has a pungent, diesel-like aroma with citrusy notes, making it a go-to choice for boosting mood, focus, and creativity.

OG Kush

Hybrid, 25% THC/0% CBD

OG Kush is a hybrid cannabis strain known for its pungent, earthy aroma. This strain delivers a potent blend of euphoria and deep physical relaxation.

Jack Herer

Sativa, 18% THC, 1% CBG

Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant cannabis strain known for its uplifting, clear-headed high and balanced blend of cerebral stimulation and gentle body relaxation. It features a spicy, pine-like aroma with earthy undertones and is noted for enhancing creativity, focus, and mood.

Girl Scout Cookies

Hybrid, 25% THC, 1% CBG

Girl Scout Cookies (GSC) is a famous hybrid strain that combines the sweet, dessert-like flavors of mint, cherry, and earthy spice with a euphoric, full-body high.

Warning: Don’t Vape Phytol

A 2020 animal study showed that phytol caused adverse effects when used as a thinning agent in vapes. Enjoy this terpene as part of your favorite phytol-rich strains, but don’t vape products that contain pure phytol as an additive.

Phytol Terpene Supports Cannabis Wellness

Phytol offers promise to many MMJ patients as a natural complement to their cannabis treatment. From anti-inflammatory and anxiolytic properties to anticancer effects, phytol brings compelling therapeutic potential to the table.

Cannabis strains that contain this terpene are especially relevant to patients with inflammation-related pain, Crohn’s disease, and cancer. Consult with an expert medical marijuana doctor about how phytol could enhance your treatment schedule.