You may have seen the word “terpenes” when reading a CBD product description or have heard it being mentioned in many hemp-related conversations. Terpenes are a vital part of cannabis and serve many important functions in CBD products. It’s crucial to understand what terpenes are in order to have a better working knowledge of their purpose in CBD products that you consume. The world is still learning so much about cannabidiol and it’s exciting to CBD become an integral part of today’s society. Let’s take a closer look at what terpenes are and the benefits they offer.
What Are Terpenes?
All plants contain terpenes, meaning that this term isn’t limited to the cannabis plant. If you’ve ever deeply inhaled the sweet citrusy aroma of oranges or wrinkled your nose at the skunky scent of marijuana, you’re smelling terpenes! Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds responsible for the identifying scent in plants and are also responsible for the flavor of fresh fruit. In cannabis, certain terpenes are responsible for a sharper taste (particularly in Strawberry Cough and Sour Diesel) whereas others are more mellow and smoother in their flavor (Granddaddy Purp and OG Kush). Terpenes found in hemp flowers and buds offer a plethora of therapeutic benefits that work to improve your overall health.
The 5 Main Terpenes To Know
There are many types of terpenes in the cannabis industry, but there’s only a handful that you need to be aware of. We’ll take a closer look at each of the five main terpenes and explain their usefulness as well as where they’re located.
Pinene
Pinene is best known for its piney fragrance and is most commonly found in pine needs and basil, though several hemp strains also contain the compound. It is the most common terpene found naturally in the plant world, thus why its scent is instantly recognizable. Pinene is primarily used for joint and muscle discomfort, mental uneasiness or anguish, and can be useful to help reduce inflammation.
Myrcene
Myrcene is the most abundant of all the terpenes found in the hemp plant, making it one of the most commonly mentioned terpenes. Its earthy and herbal scent is soothing, making it ideal for relaxation purposes. Myrcene is the terpene responsible for helping users deal with insomnia, as the relaxing properties can help an overactive mind unwind.
Linalool
Another commonly found terpene, Linalool is also effective in helping users deal with sleep issues and uneasiness or mental anguish. The scent of this terpene is comparable to lavender, offering a delicate floral scent that can help bring about a sense of calmness.
Limonene
Limonene is the terpene responsible for the flavor and scent of CBD oils. As its name suggests, it can be found in citrus such as lemons and oranges. Limonene has a light and fruity scent that is refreshing and pleasant. It has been used to boost the users mood, lessen mental uneasiness or stress, can help with inflammations, and contains many antifungal and antibacterial benefits. Some research even indicates this terpene can help with cancer and heartburn.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is also an easily recognized scent thanks to its spicy and woody aroma. iThis terpene is found in black pepper, oregano, and cloves, as well as in many cannabis strains. Caryophyllene works naturally with your body’s endocannabinoid system to deliver anti-inflammatory effects. This terpene is also being researched as a way to help with cancer and other neurodegenerative disorders.
The Effects of Consuming Terpenes
Terpenes are different than cannabinoids in how they react. The best way to simplify how terpenes and cannabinoids works is to think about driving a vehicle. Cannabinoids are the engine power; they get you from point A (how you behave normally) to point B (how you want to behave). You may be familiar with psychoactive cannabinoids that, once consumed, can help get you high in a certain period of time.
Terpenes, on the other hand, are comparable to the steering wheel of the vehicle. While not necessarily the power behind the cannabis plant, they are responsible for the direction in which you take. In terms of mood and emotions, terpenes can help uplift your mood and calm you, which is why so many terpenes are great for uneasiness, stress, and sleep.
Can Terpenes Make Me Cough?
When it comes to inhalables, it really depends on the individual. Even if you’re a long-term smoker or vaper, you can still find yourself coughing easily when you inhale smoke or vapor. This could be due to genetics or an underlying health problem, but the truth is some people just cough easier than others. You’ll remember that some of the terpenes mentioned above are found in several spices and fruits, such as black pepper, basil, oregano, and citrus. If you sneeze or cough when smelling these scents, you may be sensitive to terpenes. That sensitivity is only increased once those terpenes are inhaled. If you’re looking to avoid hacking up a lung when you inhale the smoke or vapor your favorite pre-roll, CBD vape juice, or flower, you may want to switch to a product that contains less terpenes.
Do All CBD Products Have Terpenes?
Not all CBD products are created equally. The classification of a CBD product will help you understand what’s inside. The hemp plant’s naturally occurring cannabinoids can be filtered out during production for specific reasons and product types. For example, a full-spectrum CBD will have the naturally occurring terpenes included, as the entire plant was used and nothing was removed. Broad spectrum CBD products must undergo a filtering process, meaning they may have some terpenes but not as much as full-spectrum CBD products. CBD Isolate undergoes a strict chemical processing that removes everything but the CBD compound, meaning there is no THC or terpenes left in the final product. If you’re looking to harness the full power of the hemp plant (a belief known as the entourage effect), it is best to use full spectrum CBD products.
Conclusion
Terpenes are a hot topic these days as research continues to shed light on the cannabis industry. These naturally occurring compounds are found naturally in all plants, not just cannabis. Yet their presence in cannabis strains helps the user distinguish the strain based on scent and flavor. Terpenes are responsible for a strains specific scent or flavor, which is why some users gravitate towards stronger tasting and smelling product types. If you find yourself coughing a lot while using an inhalable, you may want to see if that product has a high terpene content. When it comes to defining terpenes in actual use, terpenes are beneficial in dealing with stress, uneasiness, mood swings, and sleep issues. Their calming scents and health benefits are being studied as a way to help users cope with issues both mental and physical.
Here at Erth Wellness, we strive to offer a variety of CBD products in Broad Spectrum, Full Spectrum, and CBD Isolate options. Whether you prefer CBD softgels, vape juice, pre-rolls, or topicals, we’re confident we have just the product you need. All of our products are tested via independent third-party labs to ensure purity and potency.
If you’re not quite sure what CBD product is right for you, you can always reach out to us via our online form or by phone. We’re eager to help you on your journey in the wide and wonderful world of CBD, and we look forward to hearing from you! In our next article, we’ll be exploring the unique world of CBD for your pet. Check back soon for this and other articles that break down the frequently asked questions surrounding the cannabis plant. We look forward to seeing you again real soon!
