The Western, reductionist approach to medicine often overlooks the holistic aspects of good health: Meaning that, for example, while exercise and a healthy diet each offer their own benefits, the combination of both is greater than the sum of the individual parts. This analogy applies to cannabis, too, and the relationship between cannabinoids (the plant's active compounds) and terpenes (aromatic compounds that give plants their flavor and smell). While the therapeutic benefits of cannabinoids like THC and CBD have received much attention, the healing capacities of terpenes have been somewhat overlooked. In addition to providing their own benefits, like anti-anxiety or anti-inflammatory properties, terpenes also act as cannabinoid boosters.
