Back in the old days, we only knew about the two prevailing cannabinoids in the therapeutic world; CBD and THC.
However, nowadays, a new catchword is gaining attention in the CBD industry – CBD terpenes.
So, what are terpenes, and how do they work? To get the answers to these questions, we must look at the importance of terpenes, their benefits, and whether or not they have any side effects.
Moreover, if you are a newbie, a little knowledge about using terpenes in CBD oil can also help you make the most out of your purchase.
So let’s find out everything about CBD terpenes, their uses, and more in this article.
What Are Terpenes?
If you’ve never heard of terpenes, you’d be surprised to know that terpenes have always been part of your day-to-day life.
Wondering how? Just think of your favorite enticing, citrusy body fragrance, the taste of fresh fruits, and the uplifting scent of flowers from your garden. Yes, all of these have terpenes in them!
Terps (also known as terpenes and terpenoids) are aromatic, natural essential oils that plants and herbs produce.
These essential oils are responsible for the different characteristics of the plants, like their distinctive smell and flavors. They also produce artificial scents and tastes in many consumer-grade products such as lotions, fragrances, and some foods.
Often, terpenes get associated with Cannabis plants since these are the richest source of terps. The Cannabis plant has more than 200 terpenes, which is higher than what is found in other plants.
Plus, studies show that our environment contains more than 20,000 terpenes, and each has its unique properties.
Apart from their unusual smell, terpenes also play essential roles for the host plants. For example, they attract pollinators and protect the plant by repelling various threats like insects, fungus, and predators.
They also boost plant immune function, keep them safe from damage, and aid their recovery.
Terpenes are not just beneficial for plants; they are also helpful to humans.
While many different terpenes have been identified, only a few of them have valuable therapeutic properties for human welfare. For the same reason, several researchers and medical experts have now started to take an interest in the potential of CBD terpenes.
CBD Terpenes for Humans
Most terpenes are bioactive, which means they can affect several biological functions in the human body. However, their effect depends on the administration method and the quantity that is consumed.
When ingested, they bind to the brain’s receptors to produce a physiological response that affects the body’s ability to create different neurotransmitters like serotonin and dopamine.
In other words, terps can impact our emotional, mental, and physical health positively. That’s why terpenes are the key ingredients in aromatherapy to influence stress levels, mood, energy levels, etc.
You will find tons of research on terpenes, discovering their scope for medical use. For example, a study published in Chemico-Biological Interactions indicates that several terpenes have potentially beneficial effects on the human body.
This opened many doors for terpenes to serve as an alternative medicine along with CBD.
To clarify their benefits, first, let’s take a closer look at how terpenes CBD works.
How Does Terpenes CBD Work?
Since terpenes can cater to their users with multiple therapeutic properties, they work even better when combined with CBD.
Once you intake CBD terpenes, they bind to your brain’s receptors and neurotransmitters to enhance norepinephrine activity or increase dopamine activity.
Researchers discovered that terpenes directly impact the brain’s neurotransmitters in various ways. Luckily, the medical industry showed interest in using this information to create cannabis strains tailored to deliver specific effects.
Different Terpenes CBD and Their Benefits
While numerous types of terpenes are present in mother nature, scientists have discovered and studied only a few for human welfare.
Some of the known terpenes include:
Linalool
You’d be familiar with linalool terpene if you’ve used lavender for its calming and relaxing effects. It is found in abundance in the lavender plant and is responsible for the eccentric scent of its flowers.
Linalool is generally known for its anti-depressant, anti-anxiety, and stress-relieving effects, which are also proven by a research study.
These terpenes are present in strains like OG Shark, Amnesia Haze, and Special Kush.
Moreover, they can help offset the anxiety that sometimes comes as a side effect of THC. That is why linalool is an ideal terpene for relieving stress.
What’s more, linalool is also the core ingredient of aromatherapy due to this ability.
Humulene
While most cannabis strains increase appetite, humulene may reduce appetite. That’s why it is more suitable for people suffering from conditions like obesity.
This terpene is rich in basil, cloves, and hops, while it is also present in strains like Sour Diesel, Girl Scout Cookies, and Liberty Haze.
Humulene has also shown antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties in several studies. Moreover, this terpene can also help prevent allergic reactions and asthma.
A study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology observed that humulene significantly reduced allergic inflammation in several animal models.
This indicates that humulene can be used as a potential treatment for asthma; however, we still need more research to confirm this hypothesis.
Besides, another study also showed that humulene protects from cancer-causing cells in humans.
However, researchers must continue working to give substantial support to this study.
Caryophyllene
The caryophyllene or beta-caryophyllene terpene has a woody, spicy, peppery scent. Besides cannabis, it is also present in cinnamon and black pepper.
Strains that contain this terpene include Rock Star, Skywalker, and Super Silver Haze.
Studies show that this terpene can treat inflammation, depression, and anxiety. In addition, its properties help reduce pain levels in people suffering from different ailments.
It can help treat long-term chronic pain as well.
Limonene
Limonene is present in abundance in cannabis plants. Some cannabis strains that contain a high amount of limonene include Super Lemon Haze, OG Kush, and Sour Diesel.
It is also present in the rinds of various citrus fruits and is responsible for their strong citrusy scent.
This terpene has potent anti-cancer, antibacterial, anti-fungal, antidiabetic, antiviral, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. Due to its pleasant smell, it is also used in several cosmetic and household cleaning products.
Moreover, limonene can also enhance mood, relieve stress, combat symptoms of depression, treat peptic ulcers, and reduce weight. Besides, you can also take it as a supplement.
Pinene
Pinene is one of the most available terpenes in the world. Cannabis strains that contain pinene include Blue Dream and Strawberry Cough.
Apart from cannabis, it is found in pine needles, basil, and rosemary.
Moreover, it is available in two varieties – alpha-pinene, which gives pine needles their wonderful pine scent, and beta-pinene, which smells like rosemary, parsley, or dill.
Pinene works like a bronchodilator, but it also has strong antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. Alpha-pinene can also relieve pain, boost energy levels, and aid memory.
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Myrcene
Besides being a component of mangoes, myrcene is also found in modern commercial cannabis, thyme, hops, and lemongrass plants.
In fact, in some cannabis plants’ terpene profiles, myrcene can be found to be up to 65%!
Stains with high myrcene levels include Special Kush, White Widow, and Skunk XL.
This terpene is responsible for the distinctive aroma of marijuana. Moreover, it also helps in identifying whether a particular cannabis strain is Sativa or an Indica.
Myrcene is a versatile terpene with antibacterial, antimicrobial, and antioxidant properties.
A study on mice showed that it also has sedative effects that relieve pain and inflammation. These properties help prevent the breakdown of some cartilage cells, posing towards its efficacy in treating osteoarthritis.
All in all, myrcene is an all-rounder terpene that also has anti-fungal and anti-cancer properties. It can also help to suppress cough.
Other Types of Terpenes
Terpenes’ incredible therapeutic effects don’t just end here; some other terpenes also have somewhat similar benefits to the ones mentioned above.
Some additional terpenes are:
- Terpinolene
- Geraniol
- Ocimene
- Phytol
- Nerolidol
Apart from that, some research suggests that terpenes CBD also have one another benefit – the entourage effect.
The Entourage Effect and Its Importance
Cannabis can make people high, and many people mistakenly attribute that effect to its high THC content.
But more recently, studies have shown that some other components of cannabis plants can also enhance or reduce the psychoactive properties while producing the entourage effect.
The entourage effect happens when all the chemical compounds found in cannabis – cannabinoids, flavonoids, terpenes, THC, and many others – work synergistically to produce a wide spectrum of health benefits and psychoactive effects.
That means a CBD product with a single natural compound won’t impact users as much as a product with many different natural ingredients.
The mixture of these natural compounds influences how we metabolize them and how we respond or feel when we take them.
How to Use Terpenes the Right Way?
You can use terpenes in a variety of ways. But, of course, you don’t want to waste your newly-bought bottle of terpene oil by misusing it!
So, here are a few ways you can make the most out of your purchase:
- Aromatherapy: You can use a diffuser to feel the calming effects of terpenes during your aromatherapy sessions. Plus, you can also go for strong ones with a powerful aroma to have an electric experience.
- Terpenes CBD Products: You can combine terpenes with different things like CBD oil or creams to create beneficial CBD-infused products.
- Vaping: Although you can’t directly consume terpene oil through vaping, you can use CBD vape oil and mix it with a few drops of the terpene oil to get the effects.
- Cosmetics: You can also blend the terpene oil with your cosmetics or makeup products and apply them topically whenever you want to relax.
Can Terpenes CBD Get Me High?
Unlike THC, terpenes do not produce a psychoactive high. However, they work subtly by altering users’ moods through their interaction with dopamine and serotonin systems.
They also impact the high created by cannabinoids and often “tweak” it.
For instance, limonene provides a stimulating and refreshing sensation, while myrcene delivers more of a stoning and relaxing effect.
Will Terpenes Appear On A Drug Test?
When it comes to terpenes and drug testing, you’re completely safe as it won’t show up on a drug test.
Terpenes are everywhere, and you may even be ingesting plenty of it every day without even noticing.
Believe it or not, you introduce terpenes to your system while carrying out the simplest of tasks, like every breath you take while you walk through the woods, or when you take a sniff here and there, and even when you take a bite of your favorite fruit or vegetable.
Can I Add Terpenes To My CBD Oil products?
This question is common among users who are learning how to use terpenes.
Experienced users often add terpenes to their CBD products to enjoy their desired effects. Luckily, terpenes have given multiple benefits to their users to date.
Moreover, most people also mix terpenes with CBD to enhance specific effects. For instance, some users increase their CBD oil limonene content to feel more calm and relaxed.
Besides, you can also find pure terpenes from online stores like True Terpenes and add them to your CBD oils to enjoy their unique effects. Also, various terpenes formulations are available on the market that may be suitable for your needs.
So, you can easily buy and mix them directly with your CBD oil bottle.
However, you should follow the company’s dilution guide, especially when purchasing pure terpenes in their undiluted form. Just like essential oils, you should never consume terpenes without diluting them properly.
What Should I Look For Before Buying CBD Terpenes?
Before buying a CBD product, make sure you find out about its terpenes content by checking the company’s certificate of analysis and third-party lab results.
That will help you decide if the product contains terpenes or not and show you the type of terpene included in the product.
Apart from terpenes, the COA also includes the phytocannabinoid profile listing THC, CBD, and several natural compounds contained in the product.
Conclusion
There is more to cannabis products than just cannabinoids. Hopefully, this article helped you know more about terpenes, terpenes CBD products, and the right way of using them.
With all the CBD terpenes and their healing effects discussed above, it is now easier than ever to find a product to treat a particular ailment.
Terpenes in CBD oil are a great deal in the therapeutic world, especially when choosing and using the right products.
So, when selecting your CBD products, check out the brand’s reputation beforehand to ensure that you’re buying a quality product.
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