CBD and terpenes: what are they?
If you've never heard of terpenes , you might be surprised to learn that they're all around us and you encounter them in your everyday life. Think of the sweet smell of flowers, the smell of fresh fruit in the kitchen or your favorite perfume. Terpenes are aromatic substances that, among other things, help to strengthen the positive effects of CBD oils . From the following text you will learn basic information about the most common terpenes and their benefits.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are compounds that plants produce to repel pests and attract pollinators. They are responsible for the fresh scent of citrus and the soothing scent of lavender. Terpenes act as antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties .
One of the richest sources of terpenes in the plant kingdom is cannabis sativa ). This of course applies to all varieties of this plant. Each cultivar – the botanically correct term for a variety of cannabis – has a different terpene profile that affects its effects. However, it is true that the reaction to terpenes (and therefore their effects) varies from person to person.
Knowing the terpene profile of a CBD oil or CBD edible will give you an idea of what effects to expect and can also help you better determine what works for you. In this text, we will provide you with all the essential information you would want and need to know about terpenes; including whether they can have psychoactive effects and what effect they have on health.
Terpenes in CBD oil
Note the difference between terpenes and terpenoids . Terpenes are natural compounds in the flower (stick) of the cannabis plant. Terpenoids, on the other hand, are terpenes that have been chemically modified. The process of drying and curing (final removal of moisture) of the cannabis flower leads to the formation of terpenoids .
CBD oil , which is full-spectrum or broad-spectrum - that is, it contains other components of hemp in addition to CBD , contains terpenoids . CBD isolate does not contain them, but some manufacturers add terpenes back into it to enhance the effects of CBD (more on that later).
If you are a fan of naturalness, we recommend choosing between CBD oils that have undergone as little modification as possible. The composition of such CBD "drops" is closest to the natural original, which contains the plant from which the extract and the resulting oil come.
Effects of terpenes
Terpenes do not have the intoxicating effects typically associated with THC (delta-9- tetrahydrocannabinol ), although some have sedative effects that reduce anxiety. Below we list the main terpenes most commonly found in CBD oil .
Myrcene : this type of terpene is named after the Brazilian Myrcia shrub sphaerocarpa , which is used in traditional medicine to treat diarrhea, high blood pressure, and even diabetes. Myrcene has sedative effects. It is found in most varieties of cannabis, but also in hops, mango, lemongrass and basil.
Beta- caryophyllene : a terpene that is also present in most varieties of cannabis, is the source of the unique aroma of black pepper. It has recently been shown to interact with the CB2 cannabinoid receptor in the body, suggesting that it may reduce pain and inflammation . A 2020 study published in the journal Neuropsychopharmacology found that beta- caryophyllene reduced addictive behavior in mice.
Alpha- humulene : this earthy, fruity-smelling terpene is found in hops, sage and ginseng in addition to most cannabis varieties. Alpha- humulene has anti-inflammatory effects. Scientific findings to date suggest that it may help suppress appetite .
Limonene: Limonene is found in the peel of citrus fruits and is used as a lemon flavoring in many products including foods, perfumes and household cleaners. It is also an effective pesticide and solvent. A study published in April 2020 in the journal Advances in Experimental Medicine and Biology suggests that limonene is anti-anxiety .
Linalool : linalool is found in many plants, this terpene is responsible for example for the scent of lavender and is also found in spices such as cinnamon and coriander. It has sedative and relaxing effects and acts as an anticonvulsant , meaning it can help prevent seizures .
Pinene : this type of terpene is found in pine needles and a number of citrus fruits. According to a study published in 2019 in the journal Biomolecules , pinene is popular in traditional Chinese medicine as an anticancer agent that suppresses cancer cells. It is also believed to have anti-inflammatory properties .
Understanding Terpenes and the "Entourage Effect"
CBD products with these types of terpenes are thought to help create the so-called “entourage effect”. According to this theory, substances in cannabis, such as CBD and THC, have synergistic effects (supporting each other in their effects), making the CBD product more effective.
Cannabinoids and terpenoids can work together to provide, for example, pain relief , reduce inflammation and psychological problems such as anxiety , and even help fight bacterial infections . However, more research is needed to understand exactly how the entourage effect works.
What to look for before buying
To find out information about the terpenes contained in CBD oil , make sure that the product has been tested by an independent laboratory and has a valid certificate of analysis. Thanks to this, you will have a better chance of finding out if and which terpenes it contains. This analysis will include a phytocannabinoid profile , which lists the levels of CBD , THC and other cannabinoids as well as terpenes.
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