What Are Terpenes?

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The glossary of CBD and hemp terms is extensive, and some of the terminology can be a bit confusing. With unusual terms like cannabinoids and endocannabinoid system, it is no wonder that there is some mystery surrounding hemp and CBD. Terpenes is another term that even many avid CBD users don’t know.

What Is a Terpene?

Terpenes are the flavorful and aromatic compounds found in various plants, including flowers, herbs, and citrus fruits. Terpenes are found in all kinds of plants—not just hemp. For example, terpenes are what give lavender its light floral aroma. These compounds help the plants attract pollinators, while also protecting them against predators.

Isolated terpenes are also used to create the flavors and scents of many products that people use every day, such as perfumes, foods, and lotions.

Cannabis plants produce hundreds of different terpenes, which is why the plant has such a strong scent. Different strains of cannabis contain different terpene compositions, which can slightly change the smell and effects that the plant produces. They may also affect the taste of the cannabis when it is ingested or smoked.

Another term that gets thrown around a lot is terpenoids, which are often confused with terpenes. The terms are similar, but not the same. Terpenes oxidize as plants dry out and cure. At this point, terpenes become terpenoids.

What Are Terpenes in CBD Oil?

The terpenes in CBD oil are the terpenes that naturally occur within the cannabis family of plants.  Cannabis terpenes aren’t added to hemp to enhance its flavor or fragrance. They’re a natural part of the experience and are allowed to mingle with the cannabinoids in full spectrum CBD oil products.

Cannabis-derived terpenes can also be isolated and used separately from CBD oil. This changes the full experience. Isolated terpenes boast different potential health benefits. You won’t get the soothing effects of CBD when you use terpenes by themselves.

When terpenes are allowed to remain in CBD oil, the resulting product is called full spectrum hemp extract or full spectrum CBD oil. The full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes is present, which means the resulting extract is whole.  Full spectrum CBD products are the least processed of all CBD products.

What Are Terpenes in CBD Oil?

The terpenes in CBD oil are the terpenes that naturally occur within the cannabis family of plants.  Cannabis terpenes aren’t added to hemp to enhance its flavor or fragrance. They’re a natural part of the experience and are allowed to mingle with the cannabinoids in full spectrum CBD oil products.

Cannabis-derived terpenes can also be isolated and used separately from CBD oil. This changes the full experience. Isolated terpenes boast different potential health benefits. You won’t get the soothing effects of CBD when you use terpenes by themselves.

When terpenes are allowed to remain in CBD oil, the resulting product is called full spectrum hemp extract or full spectrum CBD oil. The full spectrum of cannabinoids and terpenes is present, which means the resulting extract is whole.  Full spectrum CBD products are the least processed of all CBD products.

How Do Terpenes Affect People?

Each terpene can affect the human body differently. We even use products that contain terpenes that we may not even realize. For example, humans have used terpenes for aromatherapy for centuries. 

A dab of lavender oil on the inside of your wrist can inspire feelings of relaxation.

Similarly, the therapeutic benefits of the terpenes in hemp can offer a variety of different benefits, but these benefits are dependent on the specific terpene and its abundance in the hemp oil, which we will discuss in more detail below.

While terpenes do affect the body, they are not responsible for the “high” that THC is known for, but research does suggest that terpenes can alter the effects of cannabis products.

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What Is Terpene Toxicity?

While terpenes can provide amazing benefits to the human body, there is a limit to what is safe and healthy. Overconsumption of terpenes can result in problems such as irritated lungs and skin issues. Some terpenes are also photosensitive, which means that direct sun exposure could be problematic for those who ingest them.

Enjoying the aroma of terpenes from a reasonable distance won’t lead to terpene toxicity. As long as you aren’t swallowing them in large amounts, applying undiluted terpenes to your skin, or directly inhaling concentrated terpenes, they’re perfectly harmless.

How Are Terpenes Different Than Cannabinoids?

Terpenes and cannabinoids are both chemical compounds that are found in cannabis plants. It is easy to group them together, but they are very different. First, cannabinoids are only found in cannabis plants, while terpenes are found in a wide variety of plants.

While terpenes are responsible for scents and flavors, cannabinoids work with a system within the body called the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system helps regulate various functions of the body, and it contains receptors that are activated by cannabinoids that each provide a different effect. Some terpenes can also act on the endocannabinoid system, but the body absorbs and uses them differently than cannabinoids.

There are many terpenes that are bioactive. This means that they can affect the body, but these effects are dependent on the terpene’s concentration and how it is used. In some cases, terpenes are used to build essential oils, which can be used for aromatherapy purposes. Aromatherapy is believed to impact mood and stress levels.

Research shows that due to the entourage effect, these terpenes may be able to affect or enhance the other effects of cannabis products. This study found that people with epilepsy who were taking a CBD-rich extract saw improved symptoms and fewer side effects than those taking purified CBD, suggesting that other components in cannabis may have an impact on how the body responds to CBD or other cannabinoids.

What Are Hemp Terpenes?

Cannabis terpenes are an important part of the full spectrum CBD experience. Potential CBD terpene benefits vary from terpene to terpene. Each terpene has the potential to work differently, and terpenes often occur together. 

The concentration and balance of these terpenes contributes to the reported different effects of cannabis strains. 

You might hear people say that a particular strain of hemp makes them feel energized, or they turn to a specific strain if they want to relax before bedtime. It’s the unique balance of cannabinoids and terpenes that makes up a strain’s overall effect profile. 

Scientists don’t know the exact number of terpenes that exist; in fact, they have only studied a few of them. Hemp plants contain more than 200 different terpenes. Some of the more well-known terpenes in cannabis plants are covered below. If you’re looking to custom tailor an experience, choose a strain of hemp with a terpene profile suited to your desired mood. 

Keep it mellow with linalool, or crank up your alertness with limonene. Take a refreshing nap with myrcene or meditate with nerolidol.

D-Limonene

As the name suggests, d-limonene gives off a citrusy scent and can be found in large quantities in lemons, grapefruits, and oranges. Research shows that this terpene has antibacterial properties, as well as antioxidant properties, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory effects and natural soothing effects.

The bright, citrusy aroma of limonene often makes people feel peppy or energized. If you find that the smell of freshly squeezed lemonade perks you up, you’ll probably experience a similar uplifting effect from limonene.

Linalool

This terpene is most abundant in lavender plants, and it is responsible for the scent we associate with the flower. Linalool offers a wide range of benefits as it is antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory. In addition, and it is considered to be neuroprotective., and it has antidepressant, anticancer, and anti-anxiety properties.

Linalool is an excellent terpene for relaxation, meditation, and quiet contemplation. Most aromatherapy studies with significant findings used lavender essential oil to induce serene feelings. That’s why so many spas use lavender-scented products during a pampering session. If you associate lavender with feelings of calm bliss, you’ll love linalool.

Myrcene

Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes. It can be found in nearly every variety of cannabis, as well as bay leaves, thyme, mangoes, and parsley. Its taste is described as earthy and grassy. Myrcene is said to relieve muscle cramps and treat insomnia.

Some people find that the aroma of myrcene helps them calm down. It’s a woodsy smell and taste that might remind you of camping under the stars or planting a garden.

Alpha-Pinene

The scent of pine tree is created by the terpene alpha-pinene. This terpene is present in not only pine, but also rosemary and nearly all varieties of cannabis. Alpha-pinene is used to help breathing problems, as it opens the bronchial tubes.

As you might expect, pinene smells and tastes almost exactly like a pine forest. The experience of this terpene is unique for everyone, and it might have to do with personal recall of scent memory. Some people find that pine scents are relaxing like a walk through a forest. Other people find them slightly energizing.

Nerolidol

As one of the most beneficial terpenes, nerolidol offers a long list of benefits. Studies have shown that nerolidol has strong antibacterial and antifungal effects. Nerolidol also has sedative and relaxing effects, so it is often used as a sleep aid. It can be found in lemongrass, ginger, jasmine, tea tree, and neroli. You might recognize its strong, woodsy smell.

Nerolidol and similar terpenes are often used to add deep, woody notes to feminine perfumes. Feminine people often find the aroma to be delicate and serene. This terpene pairs very well with soothing acts of self-care, like long bubble baths or pampering sessions.

Humulene

Most commonly found in clove, basil, and hops, humulene acts as an appetite suppressant. 

Humulene is responsible for the natural aroma of beer. If you don’t like the way beer smells, you’re probably not going to like humulene-heavy strains of cannabis. People who enjoy humulene report that the aroma makes them feel a little sleepy. It can have a gentle sedative effect.

Caryophyllene

Some strains of cannabis have a peppery quality that you might recognize from black pepper, oregano, cloves, and rosemary. Caryophyllene can lead to relaxation.

Caryophyllene is spicy and comforting, like a warm mug of chai in the winter or the smell of spiced apple pie baking in the oven.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene is considered a minor terpene, but it often has a robust presence. It’s responsible for giving the hemp flower its unique floral note. Terpinolene is also found in high concentrations within fruit blossoms, like apple blossoms and orange blossoms. It’s a main flavor compound in things like rosewater.

Terpinolene is flowery, sweet, and a little fruity. Many people describe its effects as a gentle pick-me-up. It’s an aroma that manages to be gently energizing without being overpowering.

Ocimene

Ocimene terpenes are simple hydrocarbons that have a naturally sweet smell and flavor. Ocimene is one of the most abundant terpenes in nature. The sweetness of the sweet basil plant, as well as mint, comes from naturally occurring ocimene.

Most people would describe ocimene as uplifting. If you enjoy the sweet tingle of things like peppermint or spearmint, you’ll love ocimene.

The Wrap-Up on Terpenes and Hemp

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