CBD Terpenes Benefits and Effects Explained

Terpenes are pungent compounds that plants produce to repel pests and attract pollinators. 

CBD terpenes are a powerful component of CBD and as such offer different effects and health benefits. We encounter terpenes every time we smell a flower or taste fresh fruit.

Their role is first and foremost to produce distinct aromas.

Terpenes are behind the characteristic scent of mangos, oranges, lemons, and a wide array of plants you can identify by smell.

In this article, we will find out what exactly CBD terpenes are and why they are so important. Finally, we will look at the most well-known CBD terpenes, their effects, benefits, and their use.

CBD Terpenes

CBD Terpenes are the natural compounds in the flower or bud of the cannabis plant.

For example, Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD oil will contain terpenes because the entire cannabis plant is used in its production. 

On the contrary, CBD isolate will not have any because it is a purified form of cannabidiol (CBD) from which all other compounds of the hemp plant are removed, including THC. 

Due to their healing properties, terpenes have long been the subject of scientific research. Dr. Ethan Russo was the researcher who ultimately described the roles of terpenes in CBD.

His paper coined the phrase the entourage effect. This is known as the blend of various compounds and substances that work together that creates this synergy that amplifies the overall effects.

When it comes to hemp and CBD oil, whole plant extracts provide more benefits. CBD, THC, and the rest of the cannabinoids work together in synergy and produce a much more beneficial effect. 

With terpenes being a very important part of the chemical profile of cannabis, there is a good chance that they also add to this synergy.

The 6 Terpenes To Know In CBD: Their Benefits and Effects

When it comes to CBD, some of the most common terpenes found in hemp plants are myrcene, linalool, caryophyllene, limonene, pinene, and humulene.

Each terpene has its unique aroma profile and health benefits. Here is a breakdown of them:

1. Myrcene

Myrcene is found in large concentrations in the cannabis plant and is the most abundant terpene in modern commercial cannabis. It exudes a musky herbal aroma.

Benefits and Effects: quickens the effects of cannabinoids, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, antibiotic, antioxidant, relaxing, and sedative effects
Other sources: thyme, bay leaves, hops, lemon grass, mango, and cardamom

2. Linalool

Linalool is one of the terpenes in CBD with a delicate and floral aroma. Many brands add linalool to their beauty products or topicals because of the pleasant calming scent.

Benefits and Effects: Linalool is a powerful terpene due to its effect on the serotonin receptor. Stress alleviating, relaxing, mood-elevating, antidepressant-like effects, antifungal, antibacterial, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory

Other sources: lavender, rosewood, citrus, and birch

3. Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene is the only terpene that has the potential to interact with the endocannabinoid system, similar to cannabinoids.

Benefits and Effects: a soothing, relaxing mood, anti-inflammatory, reduce pain, antioxidant, antidepressant, reduce anxiety
Other sources: black pepper, cloves, cinnamon, basil, and oregano

4. Limonene

This terpene exists in citrus fruits, and it has the aroma of lemons. Limonene plays a very important role in CBD because it expedites the absorption rate of other terpenes.

Benefits and Effects: It is a mood booster terpene in CBD with the potential to alleviate emotional turbulence and provide general stress relief, antifungal, anti-inflammatory, anxiety, depression
Other sources: citrus fruits, rosemary, coniferous trees

5. Pinene

Pinene is the most abundant terpene in nature. Pinene smells like a forest of pine trees and can offer us, humans, a variety of potential benefits.

Benefits and Effects: anti-inflammatory, Bronchodilator(helps open airways), antianxiety, pain relief, help people stay alert and focused
Other sources: orange peels, turpentine, pine needles, rosemary, dill, basil, and parsley

6. Humulene

Humulene’s characteristic is an earthy and woody scent and is behind the hoppy aroma of beer.

Benefits and Effects: appetite suppressant, promote weight loss, anti-inflammatory, soothes aches, antibacterial,
Other sources: hops, coriander, ginger, and ginseng

CBD With Terpenes VS. Without 

New research indicates that CBD is more effective when this cannabinoid is ingested in combination with cannabinoids found in Cannabis sativa.

Even with the help of minor cannabinoids, however, CBD can’t provide its full range of effects without terpenes.

Because of this consumers are starting to become aware of the unique value terpene-boosted CBD products provide.

Cannabinoids are compounds found in cannabis and hemp plants that elicit a variety of effects and benefits. There are hundreds of cannabinoids, such as THC, CBN, and CBG - just to name a few.

Cannabinoids interact with cannabinoid receptors to regulate a variety of functions in the body, such as inflammation, pain perception, mood, and memory. They can also be used to treat a variety of medical conditions.

This suggests that CBD with terpenes products would result in improved outcomes.

How Do Cannabinoids and Terpenes Work Together?

Terpenes interact with our endocannabinoid system and assist cannabinoids in entering the bloodstream, in a process called the entourage effect.

Myrcene, for instance, increases cell permeability and allows cannabinoids to be absorbed faster than they would on their own.

Linalool, for example, is a terpene with a lavender and citrus scent. This terpene is thought to have a sedating effect and may amplify the relaxing effect of CBD.

The “Entourage Effect”  as mentioned above is a term coined by Dr. Ethan Russo back in 2011 to represent the biological synergy of cannabinoids and other compounds like terpenes. 

When terpenes work with cannabinoids like CBD and THC, they form a synergy that creates stronger and better effects than both would achieve on their own.

This interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes is what gives CBD enhanced powers, as it improves the absorption of cannabinoids, overcomes bacterial defense mechanisms, and minimizes any side effects.

How To Choose Your CBD With Terpenes?

Understanding the differences between the three types of CBD—full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate—can help you choose the best CBD with terpenes.

Full-Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD refers to a hemp extract that contains CBD and other compounds naturally present in the hemp plant, such as terpenes and cannabinoids, and minor amounts of THC.

CBD, terpenes, and other cannabinoids contained in full-spectrum CBD products can work synergistically to create what’s known as the “entourage effect,” which some research indicates may increase the therapeutic benefits of CBD compared to when it’s used alone.

Broad-Spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD is a hemp extract similar to full-spectrum CBD, with the exception that it typically undergoes an additional extraction process to remove all THC while leaving the remaining compounds naturally present in the hemp plant intact.

CBD Isolate

As the name suggests, CBD isolate, or pure CBD doesn’t contain any THC or other compounds like terpenes and cannabinoids from the hemp plant.

Unlike full-spectrum CBD and broad-spectrum CBD, CBD isolate cannot create the entourage effect because the extraction method isolates CBD from all other terpenes, cannabinoids, and plant compounds naturally occurring in hemp.

CBD Third Party Testing

When choosing your CBD oil, first make sure that the product has been tested by a third-party laboratory and has a valid, up-to-date certificate of analysis.

This will give you a better chance of knowing if it contains terpenes, and if so which ones.

The COA is a certificate of analysis that should be made easy to find on the CBD brand's website that includes a listing of the levels of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids, as well as the terpenes in the product. It is the most important tool for determining the quality and purity of a CBD product.