Cannabis plants constitute terpenes that are responsible for their flavor and aroma characteristics. During the extraction of cannabidiol (CBD) compound from cannabis hemp, manufacturers may opt to extract all the plant compounds including terpenes. This is what usually leads to the formation of full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils. So, what are terpenes? Are they the same as terpenoids? Besides that, why are they important and what are the terpenes found in CBD oil?
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are a class of organic compounds found in plants and certain animals. The naturally occurring chemical compounds are responsible for the flavors, aromas, and sometimes colors associated with plants. In cannabis plants, terpenes usually make strains distinct and different from the others through taste or smell.
Unlike THC, terpenes won’t make you high. However, there are some types of terpenes that are usually considered ‘psychoactive’ since they normally affect the brain. There are several types of terpenes based on their chemical profiles, including:
- Monoterpenes e.g., pinene, limonene, and myrcene
- Hemiterpenes e.g., isoprene
- Sesquiterpenes e.g., humulene
- Diterpenes e.g., cafestol
- Sesterterpnes e.g., geranylfarnesol
According to research studies, there are almost 400 types of terpenes that are native to cannabis plants. However, the whole plant kingdom has over 20,000 types of terpenes. Terpenes can be orally ingested or smoked to experience their organic benefits.
Are Terpenes the Same as Terpenoids?
It’s common to see people use terpenes and terpenoids interchangeably to mean the same thing. Terpenes and terpenoids are not the same. This is because there is a slight difference in their chemical structures. As a result, they tend to produce different effects on the body.
Terpenes are organic compounds that live in the trichomes i.e., hormonal glands of the cannabis plants. It should be noted that trichomes are normally found on the surface of cannabis plant flowers. On the other hand, terpenoids usually start to form after drying and curing the herb. Manufacturers normally use terpenoids to make spices, essential oils, and perfumes. According to research studies, terpenoids can help to enhance, reduce, or even change the strength and longevity of the effects of cannabinoids on the body.
What Terpenes are Found in CBD Oil?
Terpenes are found in cannabis plants, and they play several roles. They are responsible for giving different strains their unique scents and flavors. Besides that, they produce specific effects and ensure that the cannabis strains have relatively consistent profiles. Some of the terpenes found in CBD oil include:
Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes that’s found in the cannabis plant. It’s responsible for the mildly sweet flavor in some cannabis strains. Besides that, it normally has spicy, musky, and earthy scent notes.
The presence of myrcene in CBD oil provides users with anti-inflammatory properties. it can help ease the symptoms of pain and inflammation. In addition to that, this terpene has sedative effects. Thus, you can use it if you are struggling with sleep issues. A 2002 study found that its sedative effects also make it ideal for use in people suffering from anxiety. Its antioxidant properties give it a better capacity in protecting the skin and reversing the effects of aging.
Limonene
Limonene terpene is widely known for its distinct energizing citrus aroma. However, it also has great anti-inflammatory properties. It supports the efficacy of CBD oil in treating inflammation. This includes conditions such as swollen joints, multiple sclerosis, and other inflammatory issues.
Its antioxidant effects make it possible to eliminate free damaging radicals that usually accumulate with time in the body. Limonene is an anti-stressor that eases the symptoms of stress and anxiety. It possibly has disease-preventing effects as well.
Alpha-Pinene
Alpha-Pinene is known for its strong anti-inflammatory effects. As a result, its presence in CBD oil makes it ideal for handling diseases such as arthritis, multiple sclerosis, and Crohn’s disease. Besides that, research studies indicate that this terpene also has a positive effect as a bronchodilator. Thus, it may be suitable for managing diseases such as asthma and bronchitis.
This terpene’s anti-microbial and anti-bacterial properties allow it to work against a huge range of fungi and bacteria. Note that alpha-pinene is known to be the most effective terpene type that can increase the skin’s permeability. Thus, it’s found in CBD oil products for facial scrubs, pain relief gels, and cold creams.
Beta-Caryophyllene
Beta-Caryophyllene is a unique sesquiterpene with a spicy and peppery aroma. It’s the first type of terpene to be referred to as a dietary cannabinoid. Its working mechanism involves binding itself to the CB2 receptors found in the digestive system, immune system, and nervous system.
Preliminary lab studies in animals such as rodents indicate that Beta-Caryophyllene can help provide pain relief. Besides that, it has strong anti-inflammatory effects. It can also provide lasting relaxation without inducing sedative effects.
Geraniol
This fragrant terpene has a unique rose scent with a subtly sweet flavor. Geraniol is a therapeutic and refreshing powerhouse that’s mainly used to make essential oils. It found a stable niche in the flavor and fragrance industries. The terpene has a sweet floral aroma and is commonly used with skin creams, deodorants, perfumes, detergents, cleaning products, and others. In the food sector, geraniol is a flavoring agent that’s used to make ice creams, candies, baked goods, and beverages.
It has anti-inflammatory properties that make it effective in treating inflammation and easing oxidative stress. Besides its therapeutic anti-cancer properties can be ideal in the management of lung, breast, and pancreatic cancers. Other benefits of geraniol terpene in CBD oil include providing anti-anxiety and neuroprotective effects.
Eucalyptol
This is a monoterpenoid with a cooling spicy taste. Eucalyptol has a fresh, relaxing mint-like smell. Generally, it’s a promising compound that’s ideal for managing conditions such as inflammation. It has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. these make it effective in managing various diseases including cardiovascular disease, respiratory disease, colon damage, and pancreatitis. Additionally, this terpene has anti-fungal, antibacterial, and anticancer properties. its vibrant minty scent with a cooling effect may help ease pain and symptoms of sinus infection. Some people use it for its mental benefits. Eucalyptol can help improve memory function while enhancing cognitive energy.
Linalool
It’s another terpene that’s rarely found in certain types of cannabis strains. Even though it doesn’t pop up frequently, this terpene is very popular and that’s why it’s commonly found in CBD oil. Its potent nature makes it ideal for managing epileptic seizures. Preliminary research studies indicate that there is a possible link between linalool terpene and positive anti-epileptic effects.
The monoterpenoid’s wood and floral aroma also provide excellent sedation and relaxation. So, alternatively, you can use it to manage sleep problems and ease stress symptoms. Other health benefits and positive effects of linalool include boosting immune function, managing neurological conditions, and soothing skin irritation.
Alpha-Humulene
Alpha-humulene, a sesquiterpene, derives its name from the hops plant i.e., Humulus lupulus. It’s popularly used to suppress appetite. This makes it an effective supplement additive for people struggling with weight loss. Besides that, the terpene has anti-inflammatory properties that make it ideal for treating allergies and conditions such as arthritis.
Hemp products with high amounts of alpha-humulene usually produce lasting relaxing effects. The terpene can also boost the user’s creativity while calming the mind. As a result, you can use it to manage symptoms of insomnia, sleeplessness, and anxiety.
Benefits & Effects of Terpenes in CBD
Taking CBD terpenes can provide the body with lots of beneficial effects. In fact, most CBD users find products with terpenes to be more beneficial than isolate or distillate products. Potential benefits of terpenes in CBD include:
- Providing energizing effect. Humulene is one of the terpenes that can increase your energy production, leading to better productivity.
- Treating anxiety and depression. Linalool, for instance, usually affects the brain positively. It can provide a calming effect by reducing daytime stress. This makes it effective as an organic sleep aid as well.
- Sedatives for enhancing good sleep patterns. Certain terpenes have potent sedative effects and anti-depressant that can promote relaxation and ease symptoms of insomnia and restlessness.
- Anti-fungal properties are effective for killing fungus. Myrcene, for example, can be an effective alternative for anti-fungal medications and can be good in managing a myriad of fungal illnesses. Additionally, some may have antiviral and anti-bacterial properties. These properties make them ideal for external or internal use.
- Beta-pinene and alpha-pinene are known to have strong anti-cancer properties. they can help reduce the progress or onset of cancer in some animals and humans.
- Some cannabis strains are highly effective in stimulating appetite in people with poor appetite or suffering from nausea. Research says that this normally happens due to the presence of terpenes.
- Preliminary research studies and anecdotal evidence suggests that terpenes can provide pain relief. They also have anti-inflammatory properties that make them suitable for fighting inflammation.
Are Terpenes Safe?
Terpenes are organic plant extracts that are definitely safe to use. The oily substance is responsible for the flavors and fragrances found in various plants. They also provide the body with several health benefits, including hormonal regulation.
However, there is still a need for more research studies. this will help determine the full potential of the therapeutic properties of terpenes. Besides that, it will give a better overview of any possible life-threatening effects. Even so, it’s still important for users to understand that there are people who may be allergic to terpenes. Some people may end up having runny noses due to the smell of the terpenes.
How to Use CBD Terpenes
CBD terpenes can be found in multiple forms. Manufacturers can use CBD extracts with terpenes to make a variety of products. this includes products for vaping/inhalation, sublingual application, etc. You can use CBD terpenes in the following two ways:
Add Terpenes into CBD Oil: Simply add the terpene extracts into a CBD oil product. The CBD oil terpene would be ideal for use for sublingual application. This technique usually produces almost instant results.
CBD Vapes with Terpenes: You can also add terpenes to CBD vape oils. This creates a vape product that’s ideal for inhalation. The vape oil with terpenes should be heated to produce the vapor for inhalation.
It should be noted that terpenes in hemp plants usually determine the type of cannabis strain. That’s why you might find that a strain appeals more to you in achieving your wellness goals than the other. Only full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD products contain terpenes. It should be noted that full-spectrum CBD contains all the plant compounds in hemp, including THC. On the other hand, broad-spectrum CBD contains all plant compounds except THC.
How Terpenes Contribute to the Entourage Effect
The functionality of terpenes almost mimics that of cannabinoids. That’s why they effectively offer support for other cannabinoids such as CBD, CBC, CBG, and THC among others. By working alongside these cannabinoids and enhancing their positive qualities, terpenes contribute to the entourage effect.
Cannabinoids such as CBD usually work with the endocannabinoid system found in the body. The working mechanism involves the binding of cannabinoids to other cannabinoid receptors found throughout the body. However, terpenes don’t correlate with any specific system in the body or bind to any area. They work by supporting cannabinoids’ capabilities synergistically. Thus, they significantly enhance the ability of the body to effectively absorb and use cannabinoids to their maximum potential.
Closing Thoughts
Terpenes are important natural compounds found in the cannabis plant. They are responsible for the aromas and flavors that make different cannabis strains distinct. The common types of terpenes found in cannabis oil include myrcene, limonene, alpha-pinene, geraniol, beta-caryophyllene, and linalool among others. They work synergistically with CBD as well as other plant compounds to produce the potent entourage effect. They can be effective in easing the symptoms of anxiety, stress, insomnia, pain, and inflammation among others. Generally, terpenes are safe due to their organic nature. However, they can still result in allergic reactions in some people due to their smell.
