What are terpenes? -Cibdol

The term terpenes may not be well known, but they are more common than you might think. Why are they so important and what is so special about their content when it comes to full spectrum CBD extracts? Read on to find out.

What are terpenes and where do they come from?

Let’s start with what exactly is a terpene

Terpenes are a large group of aroma chemicals that are present in a wide variety of plants, foods, and essential oils. Its main objective is to protect plants from bacteria, fungi and pests. But, as you’ll find out in a moment, when humans consume terpenes, they display some truly fascinating characteristics that you’ve probably experienced. Why? Because terpenes are everywhere.

Black pepper, lavender, mint, mangoes, and citronella all contain terpenes. There are terpenes that can even be found in cleaning products, perfumes, and essential oils. The ones we are most interested in are those present in hemp, as this plant is an essential source of full-spectrum CBD extracts. It is believed to have over 200 different terpenes, each with a slightly different chemical structure and, as a result, a unique aroma and unique effect on the human body.

Hemp terpenes are found in trichomes: tiny mushroom-shaped crystals that cover the leaves and flowers.

How many terpenes are there?

Although there are many different terpenes, some are more abundant than others. Some of the best known terpenes include:

• myrcene

Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in the Cannabis sativa species, but it is also present in large amounts in clover, sage, hops, and cumin.

• Limonene

You know that fresh scent of lemon? It exists thanks to limonene. This terpene is widely used in the production of perfumes, cosmetics and air fresheners.

• Beta-caryophyllene

With a spicy and spicy aroma, beta-caryophyllene is known for its presence in black pepper, cloves and cinnamon.

• Linalool

The floral scent of linalool is instantly recognizable. It is a strong-smelling terpene that is abundant in lavender.

How are terpenes isolated from the hemp plant?

Terpenes are extracted from hemp plant material in the same way as cannabinoids, using techniques such as supercritical CO₂ or alcohol extraction. But terpenes are more sensitive to changes in temperature and pressure, so it’s very easy to damage them unless you have the right equipment and experience.

To understand how terpenes and cannabinoids coexist, imagine that the hemp plant is a large glass jar.

First, we fill the jar with rocks, which are cannabinoids, the largest group of compounds. Next, we put smaller pebbles to fill the gaps; these are the terpenes. And finally, to finish filling the jar, we will pour sand: the flavonoids and other essential molecules.

All of these elements are needed to create a full-spectrum CBD extract, which is why sophisticated extraction is very important. In fact, supercritical CO₂ extraction is one of the few techniques capable of isolating all of the essential compounds in hemp (i.e. rocks, pebbles and sand), without harming them.

How do terpenes work?

Researchers have discovered numerous ways in which terpenes influence the human body, such as cell membranes, ion channels, receptors, and enzymes. But when you consider how many terpenes there are, and how complex the human body is, it’s no wonder they’re still trying to figure out how each compound works.

Fortunately, a review by the British Pharmacological Society^[1] has shed some light on the subject, finding that terpenes have “unique therapeutic effects that could significantly contribute to the entourage effect of cannabis-based medicinal extracts.” And he adds that the interactions between cannabinoids and terpenes could lead to beneficial “synergy” for the treatment of dozens of biological disorders.

Although we may not understand all the interactions that take place, terpenes have proven to be very versatile as they can affect:

• The state of mind
• Immune function
• The dream
• The appetite

As the researchers point out, terpenes are important not only for their aroma and potential biological effects, but also for their potential synergy with cannabinoids such as CBD, CBN, and CBG. There is evidence that when cannabinoids and terpenes coexist, their respective effects are enhanced.

This phenomenon, known as the entourage effect^[2], is what makes hemp molecules unique. However, science has shown that terpenes could also influence biologically in isolation.

Do terpenes get you high?

Given the good synergistic relationship that exists between cannabinoids and terpenes, and how the latter interact with various aspects of human physiology, it is normal to wonder if they get high. As far as researchers know, hemp and food terpenes and essential oils do not get you high.

To experience psychotropic effects, a substance must interact with specific areas of our brain. Terpenes do not have this ability, nor do they bind to CB receptors in the same way that psychotropic cannabinoids do. Terpenes appear to be perfectly safe for human consumption, but it must be added that studies on this subject are limited.

Are terpenes legal?

Terpenes are considered legal throughout the world, so you won’t have to worry about the black pepper in your cupboard turning into an illicit substance. Even isolated terpenes are legal in the UK and US, but when you start sourcing your terpenes from the Cannabis sativa species, things get complicated.

Fortunately, hemp is a widely accepted plant in most of the modern world. And, as long as CBD products are manufactured to the proper standards, you won’t have any problems with their cannabinoid and terpenoid content.

Why are terpenes important?

From their synergy with cannabinoids to their dynamic influence on the body, terpenes are small aromatic compounds with a lot of potential.

That being said, we still have a lot to learn about how and why they interact with certain receptors and biological processes. Fortunately, one thing all researchers agree on is the essential role of terpenes in full-spectrum CBD extracts, as they enhance their efficacy compared to CBD alone. Since terpenes are legal and safe to consume, it has never been easier to experience their limitless influence alongside the power of CBD.

If you want to experience the great effect of terpenes, check out the full range of full-spectrum CBD oils, capsules and supplements in the Cibdol store. Or if you want to know more about how cannabinoids and terpenes work together, find everything you need to know in our CBD Encyclopedia.