Terpenes: an introduction
‘Terpenes’ are perhaps not something you’re familiar with, but these natural compounds are an essential part of CBD oil products – i.e, those that contain all the beneficial elements of the hemp plant.
An overview
You may not know it, but you probably consume and smell a range of terpenes each and every day. They are aromatic compounds that give many plants their unique fragrance.
It is the terpenes in pine, lavender, pepper, mint and fresh orange peel that produce their characteristic smell. And the same applies to cannabis oil.
In the natural environment, terpenes protect plants from grazing animals, bacteria and fungi. But when consumed by people, they have some very interesting effects.
Our primary focus here is the terpenes in hemp – the plant that provides the full range of CBD extracts. Research suggests that there are over 200 types of terpene inside hemp plants, with each one having its own chemical structure and, as a consequence, a unique aroma and effect on a person’s body.
The terpenes inside hemp can be found in the trichomes: the resin glands of the plant that contain CBD and other active cannabinoids.
Terpenes extracted from hemp
Using advanced techniques like supercritical CO2, terpenes are extracted from hemp plants in the same manner as cannabinoids. However, terpenes tend to be rather sensitive, particularly to alterations in temperature or air pressure, so it is essential to have the right equipment and experience to successfully achieve this.
In order to understand the relationship between terpenes and cannabinoids, imagine a hemp plant as a large, transparent vase. The cannabinoids, the biggest group of compounds, are represented by rocks, which we fill the vase with. We then use tiny stones, which represent terpenes, to fill the gaps. On top of this, we pour in soil – which is all the other molecules, including flavonoids.
To create a CBD extract, all of the above elements need to be included, which is why careful extraction is so important. Indeed, supercritical CO2 extraction is one of the few ways in which all the vital compounds of hemp can be isolated (i.e rocks, stones and earth) without causing them damage.
Properties of hemp terpenes
Research suggests that there are many ways terpenes impact a person’s body. However, given the amount of terpenes in existence, and the complexity of the human body, work continues to determine the role of each individual compound.
It appears, however, from the research already undertaken, that terpenes can positively affect a person’s mood, their immune system, their ability to sleep and sense of appetite.
According to the British Pharmacological Society, terpenes show “unique therapeutic effects that may contribute meaningfully to the entourage effects of cannabis‐based medicinal extracts”. The society suggests that the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes might create a “synergy” that could prove useful in the treatment of many biological conditions.
Essentially, it appears that where cannabinoids and terpenes co-exist, their biological effects become greater. This is known as the ‘entourage effect’, and it is unique to the hemp plant. Nevertheless, even on their own, terpenes demonstrate that they have significant biological impacts.
Do CBD terpenes get you high?
With cannabinoids and terpenes synergising so effectively, it’s tempting to question whether they help get you high. The answer is: probably not.
In order to generate a psychotropic experience, a substance needs to interact with certain parts of our brain. Terpenes are not capable of this – and they don’t bind with CB receptors like psychotropic cannabinoids. It seems there are no safety issues regarding the consumption of terpenes, though it’s worth pointing out that research is still underway.
It is completely safe to say that terpenes have no ability to make a person high. CBD in general does not make a person high either. For more information about read our article, “can cbd oil make you high?“.
Are CBD terpenes illegal?
No, in fact they are legal across the globe – after all, this is a compound you’ll find in black pepper! It is only in relation to the terpenes extracted from Cannabis sativa where legality can become a little complex.
Thankfully, throughout the modern world, hemp is widely accepted. And, as long as CBD products are correctly produced and to a high standard, there will be no problems with the cannabinoids or terpenes they contain.
Terpenes in CBD oil products
Terpenes may be small, aromatic compounds but they have a considerable effect on a human body – either on their own or by synergising with cannabinoids.
While research into their properties continues, there is a consensus that terpenes have an essential role in CBD extracts, with enhanced results over CBD isolates.
To enhance our customer’s experience when selecting a CBD oil, we’ve introduced our Terpene Pro CBD finder. This feature shows the most prominent terpenes in each product. It also gives a small summary of what effects they have on the body. Having a great terpene profile is a sign of high quality CBD. All of our products feature ours for our customers to see.
Conclusion on Terpenes in CBD oil
Terpenes are not exclusive to cannabis and exist in almost every type of plant on earth. They have been used (although unknowingly) throughout most of history for their beneficial and health promoting properties.
You may be a terpene user if you drink herbal teas. Herbal teas use terpenes to target things like sleep, digestion and more. Knowing this, we all have personal experience with terpenes and know about their capabilities.
Having a beneficial terpene profile in a CBD oil will do that much more to support your health focused choices. We always encourage our customers to seek out the best possible solutions to their problems.
CBD oil is not a one solution fix for your ailments. But what CBD users tend to do is focus closely on their health. This extra attention can influence you to make better lifestyle choices and live healthier. If you are using CBD, make sure you are using a product intended to give you the best outcome. One with a terpene profile focused on relieving symptoms and making you feel great. If you are looking to buy CBD oil, visit our shop page today.
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