Terpenes, as explored in various studies, are a diverse class of natural compounds that have a distinct and pleasant smell. They are mostly found in plants and are also responsible for the taste and colour of the plant. Cannabis plants contain high concentrations of these compounds, which help attract pollinators and protect the plant against pests.
CBD oil terpenes have a remarkable impact on the effects of cannabidiol and many people prefer CBD with terpenes compared to products without them. Terpenes do not induce the ‘high’ feeling associated with tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. Instead, they typically produce therapeutic effects such as a feeling of calmness and relief from anxiety.
How Does CBD with terpenes Work in the Body?
The human body already has a biological system that is able to interact with the active compounds in cannabis like cannabidiol and terpenes. This system is known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS) and the medicinal benefits of the above treatment is activated by it. The ECS plays an essential role in a person’s health and well-being as it regulates various functions including:
Sleep
Overall mood
Memory
Appetite
Sensitivity to pain
CBD with terpenes enter the bloodstream and interact with the ECS to produce its effects. This tends to have a positive impact on a complex process known as homeostasis. This process refers to the body’s tendency to stay in a relatively stable internal environment and an ideal state of equilibrium.
Homeostasis basically involves a balance of important bodily functions like temperature, metabolism, breathing patterns and sleep/wake cycles. Many experts believe that compounds in plants like CBD terpenes help maintain equilibrium in the body. A possible reason for this is that human beings evolved side by side with plants for many years and relied on them for medicinal purposes.
In addition to having a positive effect on homeostasis, CBD oil with terpenes has been found to enhance blood flow and cortical activity. As a result, these compounds increase the activity of a number of neurotransmitters including dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA). This makes terpenes CBD products beneficial in the treatment of a number of conditions including anxiety, insomnia and pain.
Understanding the Entourage Effect
Altogether, there are more than 144 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant and cannabidiol is one of the main components. Researchers believe that the effects of the entire plant offer significantly more benefits than each separate cannabinoid on its own. All cannabinoids function together in synergy to produce a more beneficial result and this is what is known as the entourage effect.
Terpenes are an essential part of cannabis and they also add to this synergistic effect. Terpenes and cannabidiol are both produced in trichomes, which are the fine hairs or outgrowths on the cannabis plant. However, these cannabidiol and terpenes are not the same, but they can interact with each other to activate an entourage effect. This effect will depend on the chemical profile of the terpene.
The Most Essential Terpenes
There are more than 100 different types of terpenes in the cannabis plant and each one has its own unique composition. Some terpenes produce a feeling of calmness, which helps relieve anxiety and stress. Others tend to relieve pain, providing a safer alternative to common analgesics that may cause side effects. Although there are a variety of terpenes CBD isolates in the cannabis plant, the following are some of the most well known:
Pinene – a terpene found in the essential oils of many plants, pinene has been found to have a wide range of pharmacological benefits. It can be used for its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and pain-relieving effects. In addition, studies have found that pinene has the ability to counteract anxiety and elevate overall mood.
Myrcene – the most common terpene found in cannabis, myrcene, can be identified by its earthy or musky scent. There are numerous therapeutic benefits associated with this terpene, which include sedative, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.
In a research study published in the National Library of Medicine, scientists analysed the effects myrcene would have on osteoarthritis. They discovered that it decelerated the rate of progression of this condition and reduced damage as a result of its anti-inflammatory effects.
Limonene – another abundant terpene found in cannabis, limonene can be recognised by its citrus aroma. It is also found in lemon, lime, orange and grapefruit. CBD with terpenes such as limonene is frequently used in the treatment of conditions like anxiety and insomnia.
In fact, studies have found evidence to support the use of this terpene in the treatment of anxiety disorders. In addition, limonene has been found to be beneficial when used for its anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects.
Linalool – a terpene found in many spices and flowering plants, linalool is a terpene with a floral scent. Apart from the cannabis plant, it is also produced by over 200 other species of plants including rosewood, lavender and birch trees. A number of herbs and spices contain linalool such as mint, coriander and cinnamon. CBD oil terpenes like linalool have various benefits including anti-inflammatory and pain-reducing effects.
Another primary use of linalool is the treatment of stress and anxiety and this was validated in a research study published in 2013. The study revealed that linalool is able to produce a mild depression of the central nervous system, which typically induces a calming feeling. It also slows both heart and breathing rates to help soothe the unpleasant symptoms of anxiety.
Terpinolene – a terpene with a woody aroma along with citrus and floral hints, terpinolene can be found in the cannabis plant as well as rosemary, sage, lilac and the conifer tree. This terpene has sedative and anxiolytic properties that help calm the body and mind. Other benefits include antifungal, antiseptic and antibacterial effects.
What to Look for When Choosing CBD Terpenes
If you are interested in trying CBD oil with terpenes, you may need to experiment with different terpenes until you achieve the best synergistic benefits and therapeutic effects. Aim to understand the chemical profiles of various terpenes, until you find the effect/s you seek to experience e.g. anxiety or pain relief. It may take a bit of time to select the ideal treatment options, but when you do find the best match, your CBD with terpenes treatment can be safely used for effective results.