Do you use CBD to help make your life better? Yes! It’s true, CBD has an abundance of incredible properties that help us be a better version of ourselves.
Terpenes have the same amazing effects as CBD! If you aren’t using CBD that includes terpenes in it you are truly missing out, and dare I say wasting money.
If you want to experience more potent, powerful, and longer-lasting effects of CBD you need to ensure the CBD you are buying has the benefits of terpenes in it! If you don’t know anything about terpenes or how to find them in your cannabis you have come to the right place.
This guide will tell you all about what terpenes are, the main terpenes that exist in cannabis, their flavor profiles, and medicinal benefits.
Are you ready to start getting the most out of your CBD? Read on for more information!
What Are Terpenes?
Everyone has heard about THC and CBD in cannabis, but what are terpenes?
Terpenes are organic compounds that exist in cannabis, they are different than cannabinoids because the body processes them differently than cannabinoids. Terpenes are found in a plethora of plants, not just cannabis.
Terpenes can be found in pine, hops, some citrus fruits and more. They play a huge role in the smell and taste of plants.
Terpenes are the behind the scene characters that exist in cannabis. They are not widely talked about but are essentially the fuel for the popular cannabinoids in cannabis such as CBD and THC. The most high-functioning form of CBD you can find is CBD isolate with terpenes.
There are over 200 known terpenes that exist in cannabis! This makes sense because it is such a diverse, and unique plant. Although there are about 6 key terpenes that are widely found in the cannabis plant.
They each have their effects, tastes, and smells! Each of these terpenes has different medicinal benefits as well. For CBD users, generally, the goal is to aid in the treatment of some sort of ailment, this is why terpenes are so important because they will help CBD to be even more beneficial when they coexist together.
Most people that use cannabis focus on the abundance of potent cannabinoids in the plant-like THC, or CBD but for these to produce full, and potent effects they need terpenes. Using all the components in the plant; rather than just focusing on one compound, links to better, longer-lasting effects.
The Entourage Effect
The symbiotic relationship between the CBD cannabinoid and terpenes is known as the entourage effect.
The entourage effect is when the influence of terpenes creates a more potent and long-lasting effect of the desired cannabinoids in the plant, aka CBD in this case. This means CBD is more readily absorbed by the body when there are terpenes present because the plant is in its natural state, therefore more recognizable to the body.
Terpenes influence CBD receptors, basically “turning them on” to more-readily accept CBD that is consumed. When these receptors are “turned on” the effects of CBD is more potent, lasts longer, and has more medicinal effects.
There is a wide range of the medicinal effects terpenes provide. These include aiding in mental discrepancies such as anxiety, depression, and stress.
Terpenes can also be utilized as an anti-inflammatory aid, help with pain, and help those with asthma. Terpenes are great for aiding those with epilepsy too, as it has anti-seizure properties and is extremely beneficial for those with insomnia.
Benefits of Terpenes: The Main Types Found in Cannabis Plants
As mentioned before; there are around 20,000 terpenes known to be in existence and around 200 of these are known to exist in cannabis plants. Here are the main terpenes that are found in cannabis plants along with their unique benefits, tastes, and scents.
Humulene
Humulene is a common terpene found in cannabis, it has a woody, earthy, and slightly spicy herbal scent. Humulene is found naturally in clove, basil, hops, and Sativa strains of cannabis plants.
Humulene is anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, and works as an appetite suppressant. “Huh? Isn’t cannabis supposed to make you hungry?” Generally yes! But Humulene can give cannabis strains that include it, the opposite effect and suppress appetite in a much healthier way than diet pills.
If you thought you could never lose weight by smoking cannabis this should be great news!
Caryophyllene
You can find Caryophyllene in plants such as black pepper, basil, and oregano, and cinnamon. The flavor profile is warm and spicy just what you would expect from cinnamon!
Medicinally, Caryphynllene has been shown in studies with rodents to reduce alcohol intake, making it ideal for treating alcoholism and forms of addiction.
Not only that, but Carypphyllene has anti-inflammatory effects (like most terpenes), as well as antioxidant effects. It is known to aid in Inflammatory Bowel Disease, and even help treat anxiety and depression.
Another attribute of this terpene is potentially increasing the longevity of life by reducing stress in the body, and diminishing long-terms harmful effects of stress.
Limonene
Limonene is naturally-occurring in a plethora of citrus fruits such as lemon and lime. This makes sense with the name, right? It smells and tastes of you guessed it….citrus! It is what gives certain cannabis strains that potent, fruity, sour scent. Yum!
When talking medicinal effects limonene is an anti-fungal agent, anti-inflammatory, and boosts mood.
This terpene is special because it can increase the absorption rate of other terpenes, creating a more potent effect all around. You could say that Limonene is the superhero of terpenes.
Additionally, Limonene can help with skin disorders such as acne or rosacea because it helps specifically with skin inflammation. It can help with acid reflux and heartburn, as well, making it great for easing the stomach.
Myrcene
It is one of the most popular terpenes in cannabis. The scent is both earthy, herbal, and extremely pungent. Myrcene has powerful effects on the body even though it is the smallest terpene. (size does not always matter!)
Myrcene is the terpene that gives cannabis that sleepy effect which is great for aiding in insomnia. It is also great at relieving pain, commonly used as a muscle relaxant and is antibacterial.
This terpene is also found in mango, thyme, and lemongrass, and is widely known for its calming effects, existing in strains such as “Blue Dream” that are extremely calming to the body.
Linalool
The aroma of Linalool is extremely floral and sweet. It is commonly found in plants such as lavender and is often added to makeup, moisturizers and other products because of its pleasant scent.
Linalool is often a huge component in aromatherapy because it’s extremely calming, and anti-anxiety effects. It does the same thing in cannabis as well! It supports the immune system, relieves both physical and mental pain aiding in depression, and is anti-seizure.
Not only that but this particular terpene can help increase sleep and help you feel more awake and energized in the mornings, I mean what else can do that? Interestingly enough, the scent of Linalool also repels mosquitos.
Pinene
The scent and flavor profile of Pinene is obvious! It smells like pine and is often found in pine trees, as well as other coniferous trees and some citrus fruits.
Pinene is known to have a plethora of therapeutic benefits, the main ones including anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial benefits. Pinene is known to widen the throat when used, which is great for those suffering from asthma.
This terpene is also known to help with gastrointestinal issues, and increase memory retention meaning that it can play a huge role in treating disorders such as dementia and Alzheimer’s. Another interesting fact is that the pine-scent of pinene is known to repel bugs. It’s not a bad idea to bring a CBD strain that includes Pinene on a camping trip.
Seeing the Whole Picture
Now you understand! CBD is an incredible compound that helps millions of people every day, but without the benefits of terpenes, you are only getting a fraction of the positive effects. Why would you sell yourself short?
Next time you are looking to buy CBD make sure your product includes terpenes. Utilize this guide to ensure you are receiving the desired effects unique to your needs in your terpenes.
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