Do Terpenes Contain THC or CBD?

Terpenes are one of the compounds available in the cannabis plant. It is a lesser-known cannabinoid than THC and CBD. This comprehensive guide explains the understanding of THC and CBD, what terpenes are, do terpenes have THC or CBD, how terpenes compare to CBD and THC, common terpenes and their effects, and tips on terpenes' use and functions of terpenes.

The cannabis industry is growing immensely because of its two popular cannabinoids, which are cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). The cannabis plant has over one hundred and forty compounds, and the two main ones are THC and CBD. Little is known about the terpenes compound. What are terpenes? Terpenes are the compound responsible for aroma and flavor in plants. However, if you have ever heard of the full entourage effects, terpenes are associated with that. The full entourage effects is a theory that suggests that other cannabinoids, mostly terpenes work hand in hand with CBD to enhance its therapeutic effects. Terpenes are available in various forms, including but not limited to linalool and limonene.

Understanding CBD and THC First

CBD, referred to as cannabidiol, is an active compound in the cannabis plant. It is majorly derived from the hemp plant since its THC levels are less than 0.3 percent. CBD is known for its non-psychoactive effect, which makes you enjoy its benefits without worrying about getting high. Some benefits of CBD include; pain relief, alleviating anxiety and depression, improving skin condition, and improving sleep quality. It is available in three forms which we will discuss later in this guide. What makes each type unique are its contents.

THC, also known as tetrahydrocannabinol, is another famous compound in the cannabis plant. However, CBD is derived from the marijuana plant since it is highly concentrated there. THC s known for its psychoactive effects, meaning it produces high effects. Some of its benefits include improving memory.

What Are Terpenes?

The cannabis plant contains more than one hundred cannabinoids, and terpenes are one of them. Terpenes are also available in other plants, not only cannabis. Cho et al. (2017) noted that terpenes are aromatic compounds and are also known for their flavor. Every time you walk into your garden, the pleasant smell you enjoy from your plants is due to terpenes. Not only do terpenes help protect the plant, but they also have various health benefits, hence why their popularity is growing. Its health benefits include pain relief, boosting appetite, and treating various medical conditions such as anxiety and depression. The beauty and skincare world has also not been left behind regarding infusing terpenes in their products since they have antioxidative, anti-fungal, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory properties, which help treat various medical conditions.

Does Terpene Have THC or CBD?

CBD and THC are also cannabinoids present in the cannabis plant. THC is known for its psychoactive effects, producing a high effect similar to that of marijuana. In contrast, CBD is known for its calming and relaxing effect and is non-psychoactive, as stated before.

Terpenes are a compound on their own like CBD and THC; hence it does not contain either. The reason is that if it did have THC, it would have a high effect, which is the opposite. However, it is one of the compounds available in the full spectrum and broad spectrum CBD products.

How Terpenes Compare to CBD and THC

THC and CBD are the two most abundant cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Although all three compounds are different, they show you what a cannabis product has. When they work hand in hand, they give entourage effects. When together, they work synergetically to enhance the effects of a cannabis product. More works better than a compound working solely.

When looking for a CBD product for medical purposes, g for the full spectrum and broad spectrum forms since they will give you your desired effects, unlike CBD isolate.

Common Terpenes and Their Effects

Below are the most popular terpenes and their effects:

Humulene

According to de Lacerta et al.(2021), humulene is mostly available in ginseng, and it is known for its energizing effects

Limonene

Ojika et al. (2017) noted that as its name suggests, it is available in citrus fruits like lime and is believed to contain anti-cancer and anti-anxiety properties, meaning it can alleviate anxiety-related disorders and treat cancer symptoms like nausea.

Linalool

Weston et al. (2021) suggested that linalool is available in the lavender plant and is mostly used in aromatherapy sessions because of its calming properties that help reduce stress.

Myrcene

Mostly available in mangoes and contains anti-bacterial properties and sedating effects. Learn more about what do terpenes taste like?

Beta-Caryophyllene

It is mostly available in cloves and hops plants. It contains anti-anxiety properties that help manage anxiety and depression symptoms.

Beta- Pinene

It is available in cones and contains anti-depressant properties.

Tips on Terpenes Use and Factors to Consider When Buying Terpenes

Read Its Label

Various lab-tested cannabis products show the terpene content on their label, and its concentration normally ranges from about two percent.

Check for Freshness

Since terpenes and concentration degrade over time, choose a product with a recent package date. Before purchasing the content, sniff it to smell its fragrance. Go for one which is strong since you are assured that the terpenes in it are still fresh.

Use Less Heat

When terpenes are exposed to high heat, it degrades hence giving toxic by-products. When smoking terpenes, always use low heat. Learn more about what do terpenes do for the body?

Journal

When using varying terpenes, you must keep a journal of how you feel after each use. It will help you choose the one that is best for you. Learn more about where to buy terpenes?

Functions of Terpenes

Zhou et al. (2020) suggested that most cannabis users are still unfamiliar with terpenes which give a plant its flavor and aroma. They are available and have several plants, not cannabis alone. Cannabis terpenes are extracted from the resin glands and emit various aromas like citrus, beer, and coffee. The main purpose of terpenes is their adaptability. Terpenes are used to lure pollinators and deter environmental hazards like predators.

Conclusion

Terpenes do not contain THC or CBD since it is a compounds. Unlike THC, terpenes do not produce a high effect. Although it is a lesser-known compound, it has several benefits. They include anti-anxiety, soothing, and anti-cancer properties that help deal with various medical conditions. There is a wide variety of terpenes, but they all have the same effects, giving a plant its flavor and aroma. When smoking terpenes, always use low heat since it degrades with time, producing toxic by-products when exposed to high heat. If you are trying various formulations of terpenes, you must keep a journal to see how each one affects your body. It will also let you know which one suit you best.

References

De Lacerda Leite, G. M., De Oliveira Barbosa, M., Lopes, M. J. P., De Araújo Delmondes, G., Bezerra, D. S., Araújo, I. M., ... & Kerntof, M. R. (2021). Pharmacological And Toxicological Activities Of Α-Humulene And Its Isomers: A Systematic Review. Trends In Food Science & Technology, 115, 255-274.

Ojika, M., Satoh, K., & Kamigaito, M. (2017). BAB‐Random‐C Monomer Sequence Via Radical Terpolymerization Of Limonene (A), Maleimide (B), And Methacrylate (C): Terpene Polymers With Randomly Distributed Periodic Sequences. Angewandte Chemie International Edition, 56(7), 1789-1793.

Weston-Green, K., Clunas, H., & Jimenez Naranjo, C. (2021). A Review Of The Potential Use Of Pinene And Linalool As Terpene-Based Medicines For Brain Health: Discovering Novel Therapeutics In The Flavors And Fragrances Of Cannabis. Frontiers In Psychiatry, 12, 583211.

Zhou, H. C., Shamala, L. F., Yi, X. K., Yan, Z., & Wei, S. (2020). Analysis Of Terpene Synthase Family Genes In Camellia Sinensis Emphasizes Abiotic Stress Conditions. Scientific Reports, 10(1), 1-13.