When researching the world of CBD, it’s likely that you’ll find lots of information focused on cannabinoids. However, did you know that terpenes, another type of plant compound found in hemp, can have a significant impact on CBD products? Each type of terpene offers its own individual and unique benefits, and can also work synergistically with other compounds. This article covers what terpenes are, the types of terpenes most commonly found in certain types of CBD products, and how they contribute to the entourage effect.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many different types of plants, including hemp. They contribute to the aromas of these plants. For example, terpenes are responsible for the easily recognisable scents of lavender and pine needles. Due to this, they are used in various fragrant cosmetic products like perfumes. Occasionally, they are also used in food products as they are able to impact flavour as well as scent. Terpenes may also have therapeutic benefits. For example, they are thought to contribute to the well-known calming benefits of lavender.
The aromas that terpenes emit play an important role in plant protection. For example, they aid in many plants’ defence against pests, disease, and predators. Terpenes can also help plants attract pollinators. Additionally, some types of terpenes contribute to immune function in plants, aiding in any necessary recovery. From survival to reproduction and beyond, terpenes are a key element in the successful lifecycle of various plant species across the world.
Terpenes in CBD products
CBD isolate products don’t contain any terpenes from hemp as their extracts go through additional processing to remove all other plant compounds and cannabinoids to produce pure CBD. The only exception to this rule is when CBD isolate products are infused with other elements, such as our CBD Patches with Lavender, as the lavender infusion may contain varying levels of terpenes like linalool. However, it’s important to recognise that any such terpenes found in this type of product are not sourced from hemp, and instead come from the lavender plant, meaning that it remains a CBD isolate product.
In contrast, full spectrum CBD products and some broad spectrum CBD products will contain terpenes from hemp. This is because in full spectrum CBD, none of the cannabinoids or other plant compounds are removed after the extraction process. In broad spectrum CBD, the only compound that is guaranteed to be absent is THC, with the rest of the cannabinoid and compound makeup varying between products. Here are some of the terpenes that can be found in these types of CBD products:
- Limonene is often found in citrus-flavoured CBD products and it naturally occurs in the rind of citrus fruits as well as hemp extracts. It is thought to offer various therapeutic effects.
- Myrcene is known for its earthy, musky scent, and is commonly found in hemp, as well as fruits like mango and herbs like basil. It has been used for centuries in traditional folk remedies for issues like inflammation.
- Linalool provides a floral aroma and is found in lavender as well as hemp. It is thought to be one of the sources of lavender’s calming and sleep-promoting properties.
- Pinene has a pine-like scent and is found in many hemp strains. There are numerous different types of pinene, many of which are the subjects of scientific research studies that aim to uncover their potential to offer several health benefits.
These terpenes all offer their own unique set of benefits, which are amplified by combining with other compounds and cannabinoids to create the entourage effect.
Terpenes and the entourage effect
The entourage effect refers to the theory that CBD products can be more potent and effective when they contain other cannabinoids and compounds that naturally occur in hemp. The idea is that all of these elements work in synergy within the body to produce wider ranging and more diverse benefits than what CBD could accomplish alone. This is one of the main selling points of broad and full spectrum CBD products.
Among the additional compounds that play a role in certain CBD products are various types of terpenes, like those listed above. They, along with antioxidant rich compounds like flavonoids and beneficial cannabinoids like CBDa and CBG, are thought to help make CBD products more holistic, well rounded, and effective. This is because they all bring their own unique set of benefits to the table, which can then combine with each other to produce the entourage effect.
The exact benefits that terpenes bring to these products depend on the specific blend of terpenes present in each product. For example, broad spectrum products in general tend to have a more limited range of terpenes than full spectrum products, and this can result in different benefits and effects.
Final thoughts
Terpenes are a widely overlooked element of popular CBD products, despite their significance. Like CBD, the benefits of each individual terpene are impressive. So, when these benefits are combined with those of other terpenes, compounds, and cannabinoids, the overall effects are amplified and further reaching. Terpenes also play a key role in the health benefits of other plant-based foods and drinks, including fruits and vegetables. So, when shopping for high quality CBD products, remember that it’s well worth taking terpenes into consideration.
