What are terpenes?

What do terpenes have to do with CBD?

Can terpenes make you "high"?

Terpenes and flavonoids: what's the difference?

What is the relationship between terpenes and terpenoids?

What terpenes are found in CBD products and what are their potential benefits?

Can we consume terpenes alone?

To finish

Even if you've never tried CBD products, you've probably consumed terpenes before. In fact, we are exposed to these compounds almost every day. What are these mysterious molecules, how can they affect our body, and what is the difference between terpenes, flavonoids and terpenoids? Find out the answers in today's article and happy reading.

What are terpenes?

Generally speaking, terpenes are the molecules that determine the smell of things. Terpenes are volatile compounds found in plants that are responsible for their aroma. Indeed, their main function is to determine the smell of each plant. For example, you know the smell of orange. This smell is created by terpenes. Do you like the scent of fresh flowers? It is also related to terpenes.

Terpenes play an important role in protecting plants against bacteria and various environmental conditions, and they are also extracted for various purposes.

It is important to note that terpenes have not only been identified as responsible for the smell of certain cannabis flowers, but may also have therapeutic properties, either on their own or as co-activating agents.

What do terpenes have to do with CBD?

Cannabis plants also contain various terpenes. In fact, the terpene-coupled components of CBD work better and may even cause the entourage effect.

The above study found that CBD enhanced with terpenes has a higher potential to alter the activity of the endocannabinoid system, and thus modulate mood disorders and other related disorders. The combined effect of all components is actually stronger than the total effect of each plant component.

You might be wondering if all CBD products contain terpenes, but make no mistake, that's not the case. The factor that determines whether cannabidiol products contain terpenes is the manufacturing process. Basically, hemp and cannabis naturally produce a number of terpenes. So, we can think that all CBD products contain terpenes. But we would like to draw your attention to how the product is obtained. It depends on whether your CBD oil is isolated or what is commonly referred to as a broad-spectrum or full-spectrum oil. These types of oil contain cannabidiol, which is extracted from hemp, along with terpenes, THC, and all other materials. On the other hand, CBD isolates are purified of anything but a pure cannabidiol molecule. So, pay attention to the nature of your CBD, whether it is an isolate or not. If the cannabidiol is extracted separately from all the other natural components of the plant, you will not find any terpenes in it. This is why you will not notice any smell, flavor or entourage effect with CBD isolates. By contrast, CBD flowers and full-spectrum CBD oils will give you a high terpene content.

Can terpenes make you "high"?

Our answer to this question is “no”. Terpenes contain minimal levels of tetrahydrocannabinol or THC, which is psychoactive. As this study demonstrates, terpenes reduce the impact of the psychoactive effects of THC. However, since the study of terpenes, and in particular the relationship between terpenes and CBD, is still a new area of ​​research, we remind you that further studies on the subject are necessary.

Terpenes and flavonoids: what's the difference?

These two terms go hand in hand, so they can sometimes be confused. Let us enlighten you on this point. Terpenes and flavonoids are found in CBD products as well as in various plants around the world. But what is the difference between the two? Flavonoids give plants their color. Why are blueberries blue, tomatoes red and carrots naturally orange? This is thanks to flavonoids. They also have an essential role in protecting plants against pests and diseases and act as sun protection against the most dangerous ultraviolet rays. However, flavonoids can perform similar functions to terpenes. For example, they may have antioxidant effects and help reduce inflammation. Additionally, both could interact with the endocannabinoid system.

What is the relationship between terpenes and terpenoids?

Terpenoids are other components to which terpenes can be compared. Although the two terms are increasingly being used interchangeably, they have different meanings. The two differ slightly in their molecular structure. From a chemical point of view, terpenes are hydrocarbons, while terpenoids are their derivatives containing oxygen, and more often alcohols, aldehydes and ketones.

What you smell when you're near a living plant is a clump of terpenes secreted by resin glands in its lower parts. On the other hand, terpenoids are formed when a flower is dried and cured. In other words, terpenoids are modified terpenes. Ultimately, these two processes change the way molecules are converted.

What terpenes are found in CBD products and what are their potential benefits?

The spectrum of terpenes found in plants around the world is incredibly rich, with approximately 75,000 different types of terpenes. The cannabis plant alone contains around 200 identifiable terpenes. Combinations of these terpenes can also be found in other plants. In this section, we are going to highlight some terpenes found in cannabis and talk about the plants in which they are also present, the smell they have and how they can interact with our body.

As you can see, the number of terpenes found in CBD is truly impressive. All of them can be grouped according to different characteristics listed below:

boiling temperature ;

aromas;

potential effects;

where can they be found other than in CBD products;

potential beneficial effects from a medical point of view.

Now let’s take a look at the different distinct types of terpenes found in CBD and their description in detail. For each major terpene, you will discover its most salient characteristics and the beneficial effects it can have on our body.

Borneol

Let's start with borneol. This terpene is found in sage, thyme or ginger as well as in CBD products. The smell of camphor makes it one of the most recognizable terpenes. It is mostly commonly used in Chinese medicine.

caryophyllene

This terpene is found in black pepper and various other spices. It has a spicy, peppery taste reminiscent of cloves. The key characteristic of caryophyllene is that it is the only known terpene that can potentially stimulate CB1 and CB2 receptors in the brain.

Humulene

It is found in hops, used to produce beer. Humulene is an earthy terpene that is also found in different tree species. This terpene is widely used in oriental medicine.

Isoborneol

Isoborneol has the same molecules as borneol, but has a different structure. Its aroma is also different from that of borneol. Isoborneol smells like cinnamon. It is quite rare to find isoborneol as well as borneol in CBD products.

Limonene

As its name suggests, this terpene smells like lemon or lime. No wonder then that in its pure form, limonene is naturally found in oranges. It is a volatile substance present in most essential oils, some in large quantities. It is also contained in various CBD products. The number of different uses of limonene is high: it can be used in perfumes and in a large number of mosquito repellent products. Additionally, limonene can be used to manage anxiety, depression, and stress.

Linalool

This terpene can be found in plants such as mint or birch. Linalool smells like lavender. It may have a sedative effect and has been studied as a possible treatment for epilepsy and cancer.

Myrcene

Myrcene is one of the most common terpenes in today's CBD products. It can help dull pain and reduce inflammation. Myrcene has a spicy, earthy and musky smell. This terpene can also be found in hops, lemongrass, basil and mango.

Ocimene

This one is rare in CBD products but conversely, it is commonly found in various flowers and herbs. Ocimene may have anti-viral and anti-bacterial properties. Its unique aroma is created by a mixture of woody and slightly sweet notes.

Phellandrene

Phellandrene is a terpene that is also rare in most CBD products, although it is common in several botanicals such as water fennel, parsley, cinnamon, dill, pepper, juniper, ginger and the pine. Just like humulene, this terpene is used by practitioners of Eastern medicine. And for the aroma? Phellandrene has a woody mint aroma with hints of lemon.

phytol

This is extremely rare in products that contain cannabidiol. However, this terpene is found in green tea, and it has a grassy aroma. Phytol has applications in the pharmaceutical industry, where it is used to synthesize vitamins E and K.

Pinene

It is one of the most common terpenes in the world. The number of plants in which it is found is also considerable: conifers, orange peel, turpentine, pine needles, rosemary, dill, basil and parsley. It may have anti-inflammatory and sedative properties.

Sabinene

Unlike pinene, sabinene is very rare. It is found in Norway spruce, carrot seeds and black pepper. And its potential properties? This terpene may have antibacterial and antioxidant properties. Sabinene has a spicy, woody smell.

Terpinolene

And finally, we have terpinolene. This terpene is found in various botanicals, including lemon, mint, parsnip, and juniper. Its smell is quite interesting: it varies from moment to moment from lemon to flowers. Terpinolene can play an important role in boosting your energy.

Can we consume terpenes alone?

Terpenes not only provide beneficial effects in conjunction with other plant components but can also be effective when consumed separately. They can be used on the skin or ingested. Of course, you should never drink essential oils because it is dangerous. You can try terpene isolates produced by some manufacturers. These pure terpenes can be added to skincare products, cocktails, CBD oils, food, and even e-liquids. However, some terpenes are more suitable for inhaling, while others can hold water and be dangerous to your lungs. Just remember that and take care of yourself.

Terpenes have been the subject of various studies. Although more research to prove the real effects of these components is needed, some results are already impressive. Let's see some of them below.

Some studies explore the potential therapeutic effects of terpenes we might be consuming by simply walking through the forest or a field of flowers and breathing in the scent of nature.

Have you ever noticed that an ordinary walk in the park or the forest gives you a physical feeling of relaxation and a sense of calm? Now you know that it is probably related to the fact that you breathe thousands of volatile molecules. The above study confirmed that terpene isolates acquired from forests can fall into different categories and be anti-inflammatory, anti-tumorigenic or neuroprotective.

Another study demonstrated that certain terpenes can have antioxidant, antiviral or antiseptic properties. Terpenes are often used in traditional medicine and many of them are also used in modern medicine in the manufacture of various drugs.

Other important properties of terpenes benefit not only humans but also plants that contain these terpenes. This includes possible insecticidal and antimicrobial properties, allowing us to avoid using strong chemicals like pesticides that can potentially negatively affect all living organisms. Terpenes exist in nature and may have fewer side effects.

To finish

To conclude, it is important to mention that we have only explored the most important of the terpenes found in plants all over the world. Additionally, it is always difficult to predict the exact effects of certain terpenes because studies are often done on animals and use high concentrations of terpenes. There is certainly still a lot to discover on the subject. Anyway, we hope you found this article informative and learned a few things about terpenes, those fascinating components of cannabis. If you have any further questions on CBD-related topics, please do not hesitate to contact us for assistance. Our team of professionals will be happy to help you and provide you with interesting information. And don't forget to continue to follow us on our blog for more unusual content.