<tc>CBD and terpenes: What they are and what influence they have on the effects of CBD</tc>

If you've never heard of terpenes, or you don't know what their function is and how it affects the effects of CBD oil - you're in the right place. Terpenes are molecules that we all encounter in our daily lives. You can find them in many different plants, including flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs. Cannabis plants are especially rich in terpenes.

Manufacturers often add additional terpenes to their CBD products because it has been scientifically proven that terpenes have the ability to increase the effectiveness and benefits of CBD based on the "Entourage Effect", which you can learn more about in this article of ours.

But why add terpenes to CBD oil at all? And why do some CBD manufacturers emphasize their importance? Is it really a valuable ingredient or just another way to increase the price of CBD products?

Read on to find out the answers to all these questions.

What are terpenes?

Terpenes are compounds in plants that determine their aroma and taste. You can smell terpenes every time you smell a flower or smell a fresh fruit or vegetable – we are practically surrounded by terpenes all the time.

There are several hundred different terpenes in the world, and more than 100 are found in cannabis plants. However, only a few terpenes in industrial hemp are concentrated enough to be considered significant. As we mentioned earlier, some CBD manufacturers add additional terpenes to their CBD oil to support the terpene levels naturally found in the flowers of the hemp plant. But who needs it? The reason is simple – terpenes, like related cannabinoids (CBC, CBN, CBG, THC, etc.), causes the so-called Escort (or Entourage) effect, which enhances the effectiveness of CBD, but we will talk about this at the end of the article.

Scientists have been studying the properties of terpenes for some time and have come to the conclusion that certain terpenes may have many therapeutic properties. It should also be noted that terpenes, due to their holistic, natural effect, are an integral part of aromatherapy, helping to relax and calm down during the session.

7 Most commonly found terpenes in CBD oil and their characteristics

1. Limonene

The name suggests where this terpene can be found. Limonene is usually found in citrus peels. It smells like lime, orange and lemon, but this terpene doesn't just have a fresh aroma. Limonene has antifungal properties; it can also improve mood, reduce inflammation, or reduce feelings of anxiety. Adding limonene to CBD oil can enhance the human well-being characteristics of this terpene, and enhance the absorption of other terpenes.

2. Myrcene

Myrcene is another common terpene. It has a spicy, earthy and herbal aroma, just like cannabis flowers. Although it is the smallest terpene in molecular size, it can have a strong relaxing effect on the body, causing a feeling of drowsiness. As for the health benefits of myrcene, it also includes antibacterial and pain-relieving properties.

3. Pinen

The terpene Pinene can be found in pine needles as well as some citrus fruits. Pinene is mentioned in traditional Chinese medicine for its healing properties. It can be used as an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and bronchodilator active ingredient.

4. Linalool

5. Caryophyllene

One of the most promising terpenes, caryophyllene is found naturally in cloves, cinnamon and black pepper. It gives certain types of cannabis a spicy, woody aroma. The most intriguing feature of this terpene is its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system (CB1 and CB2 receptors) in a similar manner to cannabinoids. In addition, it can cause analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects.

6. Humulene

Humulene is another terpene common in cannabis. It can act as an appetite suppressant and anti-inflammatory. As for the aroma, it is full of hops, which are also found in high concentrations of humulene. Other plants high in humulene include cilantro, cloves, and basil.

7. Terpinolene

Terpinolene can give cannabis a smoky or woody aroma; it can also be found in sage and rosemary and has antioxidant, antibacterial and mildly sedative properties. Scientists have found that terpinolene inhibits the human central nervous system, i.e.i.e this terpene can reduce anxiety levels and help you relax.

Are terpenes the same as terpenoids?

When reading about terpenes, you may come across the term "terpenoids".

Are terpenes the same as terpenoids? And if not, how are they different?

Terpenes and terpenoids differ slightly in their molecular structure. You can say that terpenes are a fresh version of terpenoids. What you smell when you smell a fresh cannabis plant is the terpene aroma released by the glands of the cannabis flower. And terpenoids are formed after drying cannabis flowers. Basically, these two circumstances (fresh plant or dried) determine the transformation of the molecule.

Terpenoids are often used in industry for their aromatic properties. Manufacturers of various products incorporate terpenoids as an ingredient in the creation of spices, perfumes and essential oils. However, a growing body of research suggests that terpenes and terpenoids play an important role in the potentiating effects of cannabinoids. [Research]

Recent scientific studies show that terpenes can change, increase (positive) or decrease (negative) the attributes, duration, and intensity of the CBD extract of the respective hemp species. In other words, the effect of CBD products that do not contain terpenes will be less effective and the health benefits will be significantly less.

Why add terpenes to CBD oil?

As you understood from the previous paragraph, terpenes have a positive influence on the effectiveness of CBD products and provide them with additional attributes (sedative effects, anti-inflammatory properties, neuroprotective effects, etc.).i.e) Not only can they improve the experience of CBD oil users, but they can also enhance the effects of the main cannabinoids. There is an ever-increasing number of people who believe that full-spectrum CBD oil with terpenes is significantly more beneficial than a product based on CBD distillates or isolate (without terpenes). Read the article: Types of CBD oil and their differences.

For example, adding additional terpenes such as linalool and myrcene to a CBD product will give the product more relaxing, calming properties. On the other hand, terpenes such as limonene and caryophyllene can increase alertness, concentration, and give you more energy.

Another reason why terpenes should be added to CBD oil is the "Entourage Effect", which is explained below.

CBD Oil, Terpenes and the "Escort Effect"

For the first time about the "Entourage effect" in 1998. learned Israeli scientist Rafael Mechulam. This concept in 2011 further popularized by another prominent scientist, Ethan Russo, who published a detailed report in the British Journal of Pharmacology detailing the 'Entourage Effect'. [Article]

Simply put, the Escort Effect refers to the effect when the cannabinoids in cannabis (CBD, CBG, CBN, CBC, etc.)i.e), terpenes and flavonoids act synergistically and enhance each other's effects. For example, limonene helps the body absorb other terpenes more efficiently, while caryophyllene directly interacts with the cannabinoid receptors themselves, activating their molecular absorption and effectiveness.

This is why different strains of the cannabis plant provide different effects. This is not only due to the amount of cannabinoids in their composition - although it also plays an important role - but also due to the terpenes and their unique properties. This is another reason why many CBD users prefer full-spectrum CBD. "Full spectrum") than CBD isolate.

Key Findings About Terpenes: Why Choose CBD Oil With Terpenes

As you can see, terpenes are a very effective component of CBD oil, which can significantly enhance the effectiveness of these products and give them an additional effect. It is for this reason that some manufacturers of CBD products include terpenes in the composition of their CBD oil. Terpenes can not only have a positive influence on the effects of CBD products, but also complement and enhance the effects of the main cannabinoids and trace elements.

Hemp CBD oil is extracted using the supercritical CO2 extraction method, which is the most advanced and effective way to extract CBD. Because CO2 extraction is a non-invasive method that does not use any solvents or extremely high temperatures. Therefore, the extraction process of CBD extract contains all the beneficial cannabinoids, terpenes and phenols.

Before buying CBD products, do not forget to pay attention to whether they contain terpenes, and choose full-spectrum CBD oils that are extracted without using invasive methods. Only then will you be assured of the maximum effectiveness of CBD oil and the desired effect when using CBD extract.

Note: This and other articles on Hemp's blog are for informational purposes only. According to the directive of the European Commission, cannabidiol is classified as a 'new food', therefore CBD products should not be used as a food supplement in Lithuania.