Why are Terpenes Added to CBD Products?
Why are Terpenes Added to CBD Products?
Why are terpenes included in CBD oil? Why are certain companies explaining how important they are? This article explains all you need to know about terpenes, including why they are added to CBD products and the entourage effect.
It's possible to detect terpenes in various plants, including flowers and several types of fruit and vegetable. Terpenes are found in abundance in cannabis plants. Cannabinoids are included in the package. Although terpenes may be found in CBD products after extraction, they may not always be present. They're in charge of most of the flavors, scents, and colors we enjoy in the world around us. Terpenes may help plants withstand harsh weather. Each strain of hemp has a distinct terpene profile that influences the user's experience. Each user receives a distinct response from them as well. They are thought to have a good impact on the entourage effect. CBD products contain terpenes, which are discussed in this article.
CBD Oil Terpenes
To predict the effects of your CBD oil, you must be acquainted with its terpene profile. Terpenoids, not terpenes, make up the majority of CBD oils. Terpenoids are terpenes that have undergone a chemical transformation due to drying. Hemp has a naturally occurring chemical called terpenes. It is possible to put terpenoids back into CBD oils that have been treated without them. According to Gutierrez-del-Rio, Fernández & Lombó (2018), oils with higher concentrations of naturally occurring terpenes and less processing are better for the consumer. They have no psychoactive effect on the user, but some directly affect how THC interacts with brain receptors. CBD oils with the same quantity of THC but distinct terpene profiles may have varied effects on the user.
Why Add Terpenes to CBD Products
In cannabis, terpenes play a critical role. CBD oil users can customize their experience and improve it with the main cannabinoids. Many consumers prefer CBD oil with terpenes over distillates or isolates because of its additional health benefits.
According to Aprotosoaie et al. (2014), adding terpenes like linalool and myrcene increases the product's sedative and sleep-inducing properties. Moreover, terpenes such as limonene and caryophyllene may help you stay focused and energized. Check the lab reports of your CBD oil to determine what terpenes are present in your bottle if you're seeking particular effects. The entourage effect is another reason to add terpenes to CBD oil.
The Entourage Effect
Terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids in cannabis work together to create the entourage effect. For example, Russo (2011) explained that limonene aids in the absorption of other terpenes, whereas caryophyllene is hypothesized to interact with cannabinoid receptors directly. The reason for this is that there are many distinct strains of cannabis. It's not only because of their cannabinoid ratios but because of the distinctive properties of terpenes. Full-spectrum CBD oil is also preferred by many consumers over CBD isolate for this same reason.
Tips to Consider While Choosing CBD Oil
Below are tips that will help you in choosing the perfect CBD oil;
Certificate of Analysis and Lab Test
A valid certificate of analysis (CoA) and laboratory testing are the first things you should look for when purchasing your CBD oil. Terpenes may be present in this product, but you'll be better equipped to determine which ones they are. A certificate of analysis, also known as a CA or CoA, includes a phytocannabinoid profile, which details the concentrations of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids and terpenes, in the product.
Quality and Potency
The quality and purity of CBD products should be assessed. According to Gallily, Yekhtin & Hanuš (2018), terpenes are important in many plants and their essential oil extracts, not just hemp. The addition of terpenes can enhance any hemp product.
Terpenes in CBD
Myrcene
One of hemp's most common terpenes, myrcene, has been linked to various health benefits. An earthy, herbal scent fills the air around them. Myrcene is small, but it greatly impacts the body's ability to relax, making it a popular choice for cannabis users looking to unwind. Myrcene has antibacterial and analgesic properties in terms of health.
Linalool
Another common terpene in cannabis is linalool. Lavender and chamomile contain high concentrations of this aromatic molecule, which gives off a delicate floral scent. Linalool is often added to CBD topicals to give them a pleasant scent, but it can also be found in CBD oil, which is used to improve the oil's sleep-inducing and anti-anxiety properties.
Caryophyllene
Cinnamon and black pepper contain terpene caryophyllene. It contributes to the spicy and woody flavors and aromas of some cannabis varieties. An interesting feature of this terpene is that it has a comparable effect on the endocannabinoid system as cannabinoids. Analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties are also possible.
Humulene
In hemp, humulene is another terpene that is often found. It may have anti-inflammatory and appetite-suppressant properties. Humulene is present in high amounts in hops, giving the beer a distinct hop flavor. Humulene-rich plants like coriander, cloves, and basil may also be found in many foods.
Terpinolene
In addition to giving cannabis plants a woodsy and smoky scent, terpinolene has antioxidant, antibacterial, and mildly sedative qualities; it is also present in sage and rosemary. Inducing sleepiness and decreasing one's level of anxiety is possible with the use of terpinolene.
Conclusion
Hemp and various plants contain terpenes, aromatic natural plant compounds. They aid in reproduction by attracting pollinating insects and other organisms. The host plant's defenses also protect against pests and harsh weather. A wide range of health benefits can be derived from terpenes. The entourage effect results from the interaction between cannabinoids and other compounds in CBD oil. Terpenes also influence the aroma and taste of CBD oil. Understanding the terpene profile of a CBD oil will help you know what you're getting and what you can expect from it. Although terpenes have been shown to have various health benefits, there is still a lot of work to be done in this area.
References
Aprotosoaie, A. C., Hăncianu, M., Costache, I. I., & Miron, A. (2014). Linalool: a review on a key odorant molecule with valuable biological properties. Flavour and fragrance journal, 29(4), 193-219.
Gallily, R., Yekhtin, Z., & Hanuš, L. O. (2018). The anti-inflammatory properties of terpenoids from cannabis. Cannabis and cannabinoid research, 3(1), 282-290.
Gutiérrez-del-Río, I., Fernández, J., & Lombó, F. (2018). Plant nutraceuticals as antimicrobial agents in food preservation: Terpenoids, polyphenols and thiols. International journal of antimicrobial agents, 52(3), 309-315.
Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid‐terpenoid entourage effects. British journal of pharmacology, 163(7), 1344-1364.
