For humans, different terpenes have different effects and health benefits. Every plant has a unique blend of terpenes and every human will react to them differently.
In this article, we will find out what exactly terpenes are and why they are so important. Finally, we will look at the most well-known terpenes, their benefits and their use
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are volatile compounds found in plants and responsible for their aromas. We encounter terpenes every time we smell a flower or taste fresh fruit. They are all around us.
The purpose of terpenes is to protect the plant they inhabit, while giving it a unique aromatic specificity. Terpenes are one of the reasons why there is such a wide variety of cannabis plants, with different tastes and aromas. Some terpenes are very powerful and can have therapeutic functions.
There are several hundred different terpenes in the world, and more than 200 have been identified in cannabis plants. There are surely many more to be discovered. However, only a few terpenes in industrial hemp are concentrated enough to be considered significant. We will detail some of them in this article
Terpenes in CBD oil
In order to understand their usefulness in CBD oil, we must first differentiate between terpenes and terpenoids. Terpenes are the natural compounds in the flower or bud of the cannabis plant. Terpenoids, on the other hand, are terpenes that have been chemically modified. The process of drying and hardening a cannabis flower leads to the formation of terpenoids.
For example, Full Spectrum CBD oil will contain terpenes because the entire cannabis plant is used in its production. On the contrary, CBD isolate will not have any because it is pure CBD. Many of the plant's natural components are lost during production, including other cannabinoids and terpenes. To remedy this, some manufacturers add terpenoids to supposedly enhance the effects of CBD.
Scientists have been studying the properties of terpenes for some time now and have come to an important conclusion. Hemp cannabinoids (like CBD) work more effectively in the presence of terpenes, rather than when isolated on their own.
This suggests that full spectrum CBD products would be more effective in a physiological sense. More studies need to be conducted to better understand the full spectrum of CBD and the benefits of terpenes on the body. So if you're looking for a CBD oil that contains a range of beneficial and natural terpenes, you'll opt for a full spectrum product
You can find high quality Full Spectrum Premium CBD on our 321 CBD French store.
The benefits of terpenes in CBD
Terpenes are very important in cannabis because not only can they tailor the experience of CBD oil users, but they can also enhance the effects of the main cannabinoids. Many users find CBD oil with terpenes more beneficial than a distillate or isolate product.
Also, each terpene has its own set of benefits. For example, oils high in linalool and myrcene, two terpenes known for their mild and relaxing properties, are effective for sleep. CBD oils with terpenes like limonene and caryophyllene can be used to help provide energy and increased levels of concentration
Terpenes therefore offer incredible therapeutic functions: anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, analgesic, antimicrobial etc. It is impossible to list all terpenes and their benefits in one article. However, we can distinguish the most well-known ones and their benefits.
The 5 terpenes to know in CBD
Myrcene
Myrcene terpenes are among the most common terpenes associated with hemp. They have a rich, earthy, herbal scent. Although it is the smallest terpene in cannabis, it can produce powerful relaxing effects on the body, leading to feelings of drowsiness. As for its health benefits, Myrcene has antibacterial and analgesic properties.
Linalool
Another very common terpene in hemp is Linalool. It is a compound that has a floral and delicate aroma, common to many plant species (including lavender). As for the effects of terpene Linalool, some brands add it to their topical product line for its lovely scent, which is commonly used in aromatherapy. Linalool works effectively on sleep and anxiety.
Limonene
The terpene Limonene is commonly found in the peels of citrus fruits, especially lemons. It is also a crucial terpene in many hemp extract products, and adds a wonderful boost in terms of the flavor and aroma profile of a CBD oil. Limonene is known to have antifungal properties. It can also improve mood, reduce inflammation and curb anxiety. Adding Limonene to CBD oil can increase the absorption rate of other terpenes.
Pinene
Pinene terpenes are found in pine needles. But they are also found in several distinct strains of hemp. Pinene is also found in a number of conifers, as well as in some citrus fruits. It has a distinct aroma, and its presence is immediately recognizable in a variety of CBD products. It has been mentioned in traditional Chinese medicine for its therapeutic qualities. It can be used as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and bronchodilator.
Caryophyllene
One of the most abundant terpenes of all, Caryophyllene is found in cloves, cinnamon and black pepper, as well as in hemp. It offers a woody, spicy aroma. The most intriguing feature of this terpene is its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system in the same way as cannabinoids. In addition, it can produce analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.
How to choose your CBD oil with terpenes?
When choosing your CBD oil, first make sure that the product has been tested by a laboratory and has a valid certificate of analysis. This will give you a better chance of knowing if it contains terpenes, and if so which ones.
The CA or CoA is a certificate of analysis that includes a phytocannabinoid profile listing the levels of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids, as well as the terpenes in the product. It is the most important tool for determining the quality and purity of a CBD product
Overall, it's clear that terpenes are essential not only in hemp, but also in a countless variety of plants and their essential oil extracts. Terpenes can give an extra boost to any hemp product. To check out our terpene-rich product lines, visit our French CBD store.