What Are Terpenes in CBD and Why Do These Matter?

Terpenes are the organic, aromatic elements found in plants in the form of oils. These typically give a unique aroma to plants. Terpenes are found in the trichomes of female cannabis plants in the form of sticky resin glands. Cannabis plants consist of more than 150 types of terpenes, each responsible for providing aromatic diversity to the wide range of cannabis cultivars and strains available.

Multiple elements of cannabis act together to amplify each element’s effect thereby creating a synergy. Due to this, the overall effect of the plants is greater than the sum of its parts; this phenomenon is known as the ‘entourage effect. When cannabinoids like THC and CBD are paired with other cannabis elements such as terpenes, these create particular medicinal or other similar types of effects that pave the way for the therapeutic combinations and medicinal purposes that researchers are beginning to explore.

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic elements that provide smell to many plants and some insects. Manufacturers make use of isolated terpenes to create the flavors and scents of many everyday-use products, like perfumes, body products, and even food items. These play a significant role in plants. In some plants, terpenes help to attract pollinators, while in others these create a strong reaction to help repel predators, such as insects or animals.

Some terpenes are known to play a protective role in the plant. This means that these help the plant to recover from damage, while others act as a part of the plant’s immune system to keep away infectious germs.

Please Note: Sometimes people also use the term terpenoids. However, terpenes and terpenoids are different. Terpenes come in the natural form of these compounds found in the plant. As a plant dries and cures in the production of cannabis, the terpenes oxidise and become terpenoids.

Terpenes in CBD

While CBD itself doesn’t contain terpenes, these both are commonly used together. Several broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD products include a variety of terpenes in their formulas, which not only help to provide an original aroma but also add to the way of benefits.

While it cannot be measured, the entourage effect, most certainly, arises with the addition of terpenes. But what is meant by the entourage effect? CBD, THC, and the rest of the cannabinoids act together in synergy and produce a wholesome effect- known as the entourage effect. Since terpenes are a very integral part of the chemical profile of cannabis, there is a high chance that these also add to this synergy.

How do terpenes work?

• Terpenes are believed to help plants defend against harsh weather conditions and predators.
• In humans, their role remains somewhat unclear. However, both cannabis researchers and consumers are increasingly relying on terpenes to categorize cannabis products and anticipate their effects.
• The prevailing theory is that a plant’s terpene profile interacts with its cannabinoid content such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) to create the distinct effects linked to various strains.
• This could explain why two strains with identical THC levels can result in vastly different experiences.

What make it different from cannabinoids?

• Cannabinoids are the chemical compounds found in cannabis.
• Cannabinoids, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), activate receptors in the human body’s endocannabinoid system.
• Cannabidiol (CBD) is a cannabinoid that is becoming quite popular for its medicinal properties. Although CBD acts on some of the same receptors as THC, it leaves a different impact and does not create any euphoria.
• The cannabis plant also contains terpenes, which fall among the most abundant compounds in the natural world. Terpenes are primarily responsible for providing the smell to most plants and some insects. However, some may even act on the endocannabinoid system in the body in a similar way to cannabinoids. The key difference is that the body absorbs and uses these elements differently.

Types of Terpenes

Here are a few common terpenes and their potential effects:

• Caryophyllene: It is found in cloves, rosemary, and hops. It is beneficial for managing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
• Pinene: It is known to have potentially both anti-depressant and anti-cancer properties.
• Humulene: This is found in ginseng, and has been long used for its medicinal properties and energizing effects.
• Limonene: It is one of the most commonly found terpenes. It has distinct citrus elements and may potentially have anti-cancerous properties. It is also known to have anti-anxiety properties.
• Linalool: It has a lavender-like aroma and is known to help alleviate stress.
• Myrcene: It is found in mangoes and has antifungal as well as antibacterial properties. It is also known to have sedating effects.
• Bisabolol: It is often found in sensitive skincare products, and also in chamomile flowers.
• Carene: It is found in hemp, rosemary and lemons. It has traditionally been used to make perfumes and cosmetics as it has a sweet and earthy aroma.

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The Advantages of Terpenes in CBD

• Terpenes in cannabis are essential because not only can these enhance the experience of CBD oil users, but also enhance the effects of the main cannabinoids. Many users have found CBD oil with terpenes more beneficial than a distillate or isolated product.
• Each terpene comes with its own set of benefits. For example, oils high in linalool and myrcene, two terpenes recognized for their mild and relaxing properties, are very effective for sleep. CBD oils containing terpenes like limonene and caryophyllene can be used to help provide energy and increased levels of concentration in individuals.
• Therefore, terpenes are known to offer incredible therapeutic functions along with anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, analgesic, antimicrobial properties, etc.

Do Terpenes induce a "High"?

• Terpenes don’t cause a traditional “high,” but some are considered psychoactive due to their effects on the brain.
• Although terpenes alone aren’t intoxicating, they may influence the impact of THC, the cannabinoid responsible for the high associated with cannabis.
• Many cannabis enthusiasts and experts argue that consumers often overemphasize THC content when selecting a strain. Instead, they suggest focusing on specific terpene profiles to achieve desired effects.
• Early research indicates that certain terpenes might offer potential benefits for mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

How can you enhance the benefits of terpenes?

Choose Strains with Desired Terpene Profiles - Research strains that feature terpene profiles aligned with your goals, such as relaxation, energy, or focus.

Store Cannabis Properly - Preserve terpene potency by storing cannabis in an airtight container, away from heat, light, and humidity.

Use Low-Heat Consumption Methods - Opt for methods like vaporizing at lower temperatures to prevent terpene degradation caused by high heat.

Combine with Complementary Cannabinoids - Pair terpenes with cannabinoids (like THC or CBD) that enhance the desired effects through the entourage effect.

Explore Aromatherapy - Incorporate terpene-rich essential oils, such as lavender or citrus, to complement cannabis use or as standalone mood boosters.

Purchase Fresh, High-Quality Products - Select fresh cannabis or terpene-rich products from trusted sources to ensure maximum potency and efficacy.

Experiment with Whole-Plant Products - Choose full-spectrum or whole-plant extracts to benefit from the natural synergy of terpenes and cannabinoids.

Pay Attention to Your Environment - Create a conducive setting for terpene benefits to take effect, whether for relaxation, focus, or socialization.

Seek Professional Guidance - Consult a knowledgeable budtender or medical expert to identify products best suited to your needs.

Avoid Overheating During Cooking - When infusing terpenes into edibles, use low-heat methods to retain their aromatic and therapeutic properties.