What Are Cannabis Terpenes And Why Are They Important?

While you may not know exactly what terpenes are, if you’ve ever enjoyed the smell of blooming wildflowers or been taken aback by the pungent odor of the corpse flower, you’ve definitely experienced them.

Terpenes are natural compounds that give plants their unique aromas and flavors. CBD users may be familiar with the term from seeing it on product labels, but exactly what are these beneficial compounds, and why should you care about them?

What Are CBD Terpenes?

CBD terpenes are terpenes that are commonly found in hemp. They are the chemical compounds that give hemp flower strains their various aromas and subtle tastes. They also offer plants protection against things like bacteria, fungus, environmental stressors and insects. Research has identified at least 100 terpenes in the cannabis plant.

Terpenes are produced in the trichomes of the hemp plant. If you look closely at the hemp flower, you can see tiny hairs with bulbous gland heads – these are trichomes, and the plant’s cannabinoids and terpenes are made in these gland heads. Many factors contribute to the production of terpenes, including humidity, light, and temperature, which is why the conditions in which hemp plants are grown are so important. Even a slight temperature change can alter the terpene profile of a plant.

What Function Do Terpenes Have In CBD?

Terpenes have a significant influence on the smell and flavor of hemp flowers and play an essential role in the therapeutic effects of a specific strain. Since CBD is extracted from hemp plants, products made with CBD can have different characteristics and medicinal properties, depending on the terpenes present in the plants used in the extraction process.

When looking for CBD products that contain beneficial terpenes, opt for a full spectrum product. Look for phrases like ‘terpene enhanced’ or ‘ECS support’ on the label – these products will contain terpenes, which can contribute to the product’s overall effectiveness. Products made from CBD isolate have had all other cannabinoids and terpenes except CBD removed during the extraction process.

What Are The Benefits Of Terpenes?

When terpenes are combined with other cannabinoids in a product like CBD oil, these cannabinoids and terpenes work together to create what is known as the entourage effect. The entourage effect describes the phenomenon where all compounds in the hemp plant – including cannabinoids and terpenes - work together synergistically to provide greater therapeutic effects than they would by themselves.

Many of the terpenes found in hemp are believed to have therapeutic properties, helping to impact the plant’s benefit on the body. Terpenes are also known to have a unique effect on the endocannabinoid system (ECS), the body’s complex system for maintaining homeostasis and balance, since each type can deliver a different sensory experience. Included below are some of the most common cannabis terpenes:

- Myrcene – The most common terpene found in hemp. Earthy, herbal scent with sedating, relaxing effects. It is associated with anti-inflammatory, anticarcinogenic properties.

- Caryophyllene– Peppery, woody scent, believed to help relieve pain, stress, and anxiety.

- Pinene – Found mainly in pine needles and hemp, it produces a pine scent. Associated with memory boost, alertness, increased energy. Known as an anti-inflammatory and antiseptic.

- Limonene – Citrus aroma (found in the rinds of citrus fruits, especially lemons). Common in CBD products for its flavor and aroma profile, it is also known as a stress-buster and mood booster.

- Linalool – Has a floral, delicate aroma common in many plant species, most recognizably lavender. It is very common in aromatherapy and often added to topical CBD products to give them a pleasant scent. Known for anxiety relief and sedating effects, with anti-depressant properties.

Although hundreds of terpenes are present in the hemp plant, researchers have just begun to study these compounds, so their full therapeutic potential is unknown. What is known is that terpenes play an essential part in giving each strain of hemp its unique characteristics and beneficial properties. Their presence in full-spectrum hemp products produces the entourage effect, helping to make these products even more effective for consumers.

For high quality, terpene-enhanced full-spectrum CBD oils and botanicals products, visit The Farmacy Botanical Shoppe’s website at www.farmacybotanical.com and look for the Structure brand of products.

Carolyn Leeper is a freelance writer and co-founder of The Farmacy Botanical Shoppe, a CBD botanical shop in San Antonio, Texas that offers botanical local deliveries. Carolyn and her husband, Ben, founded The Farmacy Botanical Shoppe in 2019 with the goal of helping people and pets live their best lives, naturally. When she’s not out delivering CBD wellness to the people of San Antonio, Carolyn enjoys exploring the city’s many parks and natural areas with her dogs.

Learn more at https://www.farmacybotanical.com/.

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