What are CBD Terpenes?
Terpenes are the organic compounds found in several plants, including which the cannabis plant is included. Terpenes are the reason for the pungent smell that prevents the plant from pests and attracts pollinators. In humans, terpenes are responsible for medicine production and may treat several ailments. They are also responsible for the aromaof plants such as citrus fruits. However, the primary source of terpenes is the cannabissativa plant. The sativa plant is the composition of the marijuana and the hemp plant species.Terpenes are the ones responsible for the unique smell of cannabis.
What Are Terpenes?
Dennis et al (2021) explained that terpenes are also present in THC and CBD oils. There are several CBD terpenes, in which every type consists of unique medical importance. In conjunction with THC, the terpenes in CBD products are the source of such taste.marijuana contains terpenes. People use vaporizers, liquids, and edibles containing terpenes. Therefore, if an individual is consuming CBD for medicinalreasons, it will work better with the presence of the terpenes.
Do Terpenes Contain THC or CBD?
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are two of the several cannabinoids available in the cannabis plant. Mauck et al (2019) stated that terpenes are the most dominant cannabinoids and the most studied compounds. Terpenes usually enhance the entourage effect, which is usually shown by the whole spectrum of cannabis. This spectrum contains all the terpenes, cannabinoids, and other elements of the cannabis plant. These components work synergistically to result in cannabis’ stunning effects. This implies that a small portion of the terpenes may have all the effects combined into a single substance.
Coan et al (2018) explained that THC andCBD are much more effective than THCalone inmanagingpain. Also, Seltzer et al. (2020) noted that CBD works more effectively in cancer treatment than THC alone. These effects are brought about by the other cannabinoids but not the terpenes.
Therefore, this is a critical consideration to be adhered to when using CBD to alleviate therapeutic issues. Suppose, for instance, you use CBD isolate, mainly made of a CBD product only, and realize that the effects persist. In that case, a full spectrum type of CBD trial is the most preferable for such cases. This CBD consists of terpenes and other cannabinoids, such as THC.
What Are Terpenes Used for?
As applied to cannabis and other plant types, terpenes provide cannabis with their scent and flavor. There are several types of terpenes primarily available in cannabis. Every strain of cannabis consists of different terpene blends. For example, a cannabis strain composed of limonene contains a lemony-like smell. Terpenes provide some other plants with their color and their flavor. A strain of terpenes consisting of several pinenes will provide ascent equivalent to the pine needles. The Linalool will give the cannabis a smell of flower-like.
A strain may consist of several scents in which a single or more categoriesmight be more potent than their counterparts.
According to Sen (2015), being naturally a pesticide, terpenes can be used by people to manufacture pesticides and cleaning products. Terpenes may also be used in dye manufacture.
As much as terpenes give different strains unique scents, they also give the strains certain benefits based on their health. A stronger profiled terpene will provide numerous effects in which a few are approved as others are broadly seen as beliefs.
In some cases, most manufacturers add terpenes into the productsof CBD in various proportions to facilitate the benefits of the CBD products they are producing. Therefore, when consuming CBD products, we should be aware that there is a possibility that we are ingesting the terpenes.
Massage therapies performed in our bodies and other natural healing acts also uses terpene through aromatherapy balms and oils.
Other terpenes can be used to reduce stress, inflammation, relieve nausea, and act as pain relievers. The compounds might as well be able to treat some diseases such as diabetes or cancer.
What are the Benefits of Terpenes?
Terpenes are essentially responsible for the effects of physiology associated with plants. For instance, caryophyllene binds to the cannabinoid receptors, such as the CB2 receptors. Bento et al (2011) explained that this terpene is the only one known to bind to the cannabinoid receptors. In such a case, it provides an effective treatment for a condition known as gastrointestinal and auto-immune disorders. This function of this terpene, activates the CB2 receptors, reducing inflammation and pain.
Also, Cox-Georgian et al. (2019) noted that terpene, which is an aromatic substance, is identified to have the ability to provide a range of therapeutic effects; it can offer pain relief patients. Combined with THC and CBD, they can create an entourage effect that promotes the cannabis plant to induce its therapeutic effects in a single treatment. The entourage effect is the main effect that makes cannabis effectively deliver its roles.
Users of cannabis are advised to work with the combinations of the cannabinoids and the terpenes as they synergistically interact with picking those products that contain terpene profiles and are more potent. Every strain of cannabis consists of varying concentrations of terpenes. However, eachof the terpenes contains specified properties in medical terms, so an intense terpene profile will provide a specific and powerful relief sensation.
How Do I Use Terpenes?
Terpenes are one of the compounds currently gaining popularity in the cannabis industry. Therefore, most consumers are looking for ways to terpenes. They contain several health benefits when used alone or taking it with other cannabinoids. However, some people are unsure how they might consume the terpenes and reach their desires.
Recent studies have not yet improvised any scientific way of taking terpenes, but more information is being retrieved on how terpenes may behave with the body when used in various mannerisms. The safest manners of using terpenes include:
Consuming Terpenes Orally
Oral terpene intake is among the standard ways of using terpenes. You can either use terpenes through chewing, swallowing, or keeping them beneath the tongue though that’s upon an individual. There have been no reported severe effects of using terpenes orally for a couple of years.
Since it has been consumed orally for several years, it doesn’t mean it is the only way of using terpenes. Sultan et al (2016) explained that oral consumption or swallowing terpenes or oils is not recommended unless they are added to a liquid. If you are not well-conversant with the safety of the terpenes. In that case, you should consult your doctor to get a transparent way of using the terpenes.
The best terpenes used orally include the Linalool to protect the liver from damage. Linalool may also affect how the cannabinoids are metabolized during the first-pass liver metabolism; an experience that is strong and can last for long, is achieved through this terpene way of consumption.
Local Application of Terpenes
Since consumption of terpenes has been booming every day in history, its usage as soaps, lotions, and cleaning oils is equally effective. Current humans have created a lot of applications of various compounds on the skin to help relieve pains, irritations, and itching.
For example, Baswan et al. (2020) suggested that caryophyllene functions together with THC, leading to a reduction of the itching body when used locally. However, a lot of precautions are required since most pure terpenes might be lethal when handled bare-handed. Also, one should always use eye and skin protectors while using terpenes.
Finally, for the best use of terpenes on marijuana products,combine them with oils such as coconut oil, glycerin, or vegetable oil before they are used. This is done because the products are not soluble in water.
What Are the Most Popular Cannabis Terpenes?
Knowing what terpenes in the CBD are, let’s look at the various categories of terpenes and some of their benefits.
Pinene
Pinene is found in the pine tree’s needles. It is also available in other plants such as conifers, rosemary, sages, and certain varieties of citrus fruits. The smell from these plants might be so great and flavorful. Moshrefi et al. (2022) noted that the effects of the pinene in aromatherapy practices are that, it may affect brain retention and alertness. Lee et al. (2013) noted that it can induce therapeutic effects such as antimicrobial and anti-inflammation effects.
Myrcene
Myrcene is among the many famous terpenes linked to the hemp plant. It has natural and herbal-likesmells. Despite being the lesser type of terpene from cannabis,Połeć et al. (2020) noted that its production may induce powerful relaxation effects within the body. Such effects may result in feelings of dizziness. Bai & Tang(2020) suggested that its health benefits range from antibacterial to analgesia.
Linalool
The other most familiar type of terpene found within the hemp plant is Linalool. It consists of delicate and floral scents.
It is also found in other plant types, such as lavender, citrus, birch, laurel, and rosewood. It is added by most brands into their colorful products or to the topical to provide its pleasant aroma.
Weston-Green,Clunas& Jimenez Naranjo (2021) noted that linalool may offer calmness when applied in aromatherapy to help in enhancing sleep. According to the study, this terpene can also help alleviate stress, depression, convulsions, and pain.
Limonene
Limonene is mainly found within the cuttings of citrus fruits, especially lemons. It is equally a vital type of terpene in most hemp plant products and can be used to add asignificant boost to CBD oil in terms of its taste and scent. According to Perna et al. (2019), this terpene promotes mood, reduces inflammation, and controls anxiety.
The addition of limonene to CBD may promote the rate at which terpenes are absorbed.
Caryophyllene
This is the primary terpene that is found in abundance within the hemp plant. It is available in cloves, cinnamon, and black pepper. It is an intricate type of terpene that consists of a pleasant smell.
The most effective part of this terpene is its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system as the cannabinoid does. Additionally, Prakash (2017) suggested that this terpene may provide an analgesic effects and controls inflammation.
Frequently Asked Questions about Terpenes
Why Are Terpenes Added to CBD Products?
Terpenes may promote the cannabinoid effects. Most consumers find it more beneficial when they use CBD oil combined with the terpenes rather than when it is an isolate or distillate product.
Moreover, each terpene consists of its set of benefits. For instance, CBD oils contain huge contents of Linalool and myrcene. The two terpenes are responsible for relaxation effects for sleep. A combination of terpenes such as limonene and caryophyllene provides energy and raise the concentration levelsWith CBD oils.
Is It Safe to Take Terpenes?
Terpenes are natural compounds found in cannabisand other. Although beneficial, these compounds might be harmful if not properly consumed. It must always be diluted before its usage.
Will Terpenes Show Up on a Drug Test?
Though terpenes interact with THC and CBD, they do not induce the high effects. Terpenes cannot fail an individual during a drug test.
Can I Vape Terpenes?
Usually, terpenes are generally safer when vaped since they are harmless within the body. This mainlyshows the extent and number of people who rely on vaping terpenes. Inhaling little amounts of terpenes is essentially safe, but huge contents of terpenes may damage the lungs or subject an individual to severe headaches.
How Will I Feel after Taking Terpenes?
Terpenesdo not induce the ‘high’ feelings. However, Cox-Georgian et al. (2019) noted that most terpenes may result in psychoactive impacts because of their effects on the brain.
How Long Will the Effects of Terpenes Last?
Terpenes can stay within the system for up to a week in people who consume them during odd times and take it above 4 times a week. For heavy consumers of terpenes, they can be detected within the system for thirty days or above.
Why Are Terpenes Added to CBD Oil?
Terpenes are essential elements. As discussed, they enhance the users’ experience of CBD oil and promote the main cannabinoids’ effects. Most consumers believe that CBD oil with terpenes is more beneficialthan distillate or isolate products. Also, terpenes are added to CBD oil to facilitate the entourage effects.
Do Terpenes Help with Pain?
When used on their own, terpenes can affect the cannabinoids by mimicking their effects, such as reducing the pain sensation.
Do Terpenes Help with Anxiety?
Anxiety basically affects each individual. It is believed to result in a reduction of other ailments and diseases. For instance, Linalool, a type of terpene mainlyfrom the lavender tree, can reduce anxiety.(Weston-Green, Clunas& Jimenez Naranjo 2021)
What Terpene Makes You Giggly?
Most people like terpenes that make them giggle. For instance, myrcene is linked to feelings of giggle. However, pinene and limonene may be included in the list. Once these terpenes are in huge quantities in a cannabis strain, they tend to provide more giggling effects.
Conclusion
There are several categories of terpenes available globally, and about 200 hundred of them have been identified within the cannabis plant. The terpenes are usually added to the CBD oils to promote the earth’s plant flavors. This is done because of the added benefits they provide. Several kinds of research have been performed concerning terpenes as a highly important ingredient to promote CBD effects since it contains a lot of benefits to the body. They also provide several efficacies to the products of CBD by providing the body with aromatherapy which is a vital practice of treatment.
References
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Anastasia Filipenko is a health and wellness psychologist, dermatolist and a freelance writer. She frequently covers beauty and skincare, food trends and nutrition, health and fitness and relationships. When she’s not trying out new skincare products, you’ll find her taking a cycling class, doing yoga, reading in the park, or trying a new recipe.
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