Cannabinoids such as CBD interact with the endocannabinoid receptors located throughout the body. They effectively treat major ailments such as anxiety, insomnia, bipolar disorders, and depression.
CBD may contain additional compounds such as terpenes and flavonoids. Terpenes increase the effectiveness of CBD through the entourage effects. They are found in almost all plants, including vegetables and herbs. Terpenes are abundant in the cannabis plant. CBD products, especially the broad-spectrum and full-spectrum, contain these compounds. However, if you are using CBD isolate type, you may not get a chance to benefit from terpenes. This article will explain all you need to know about terpenes in CBD.
WHAT IS CBD?
CBD is a chemical compound found in the hemp plant. It is the second-most abundant after THC. It is non-intoxicating, unlike THC. CBD is known for treating major and minor ailments such as anxiety, nausea, and epilepsy seizures. CBD is derived from the tree as an oil that can be taken as tinctures, pills, and capsules. CBD can also be used topically in balms, lotions, and body oil.
TYPES OF CBD
There are three major types of CBD. These are:
FULL-SPECTRUM
Full-spectrum CBD is a collection of all cannabinoids such as CBD, CBG, and CBN. It also contains THC, the compound that causes the ‘high’ feeling in cannabis users. However, THC in CBD products does not exceed 0.3%. However, if you want to avoid THC completely, go for the other two types of CBD. This type may also contain terpenes and flavonoids.
BROAD-SPECTRUM
This type is almost similar to the full-spectrum type. It contains a collection of all cannabinoids except THC. It may also contain terpenes and flavonoids.
CBD ISOLATE
It is the purest form of CBD. It does neither contain other cannabinoids nor terpenes, nor flavonoids.
WHAT ARE TERPENES?
Terpenes are phytochemicals found in the cannabis plant. They are also found in other plants. They give plants a certain smell and taste. You interact with them regularly when working in a garden or walking across the bush. Terpenes are therapeutic due to their aroma. People are embracing them for various health benefits and especially for emotional health. People are paying particular attention to hemp for terpenes as they are abundant. However, some are found in insignificant amounts, which may not have noticeable health effects.
TERPENES IN CBD OIL
CBD oil contains these phytochemicals. The full-spectrum and broad-spectrum types of CBD oil contain terpenes in abundant. According to Ferber et al. (2020), terpenes in CBD oil give it a great smell and facilitate the entourage effect. The entourage effect is created by combining more than one compound in the cannabis plant. Cannabis compounds influence the body differently. So, bringing them together may be of more advantage. It makes CBD more effective in treating ailments. It also makes the oil to be therapeutic, improving mental well-being. According to Micallizi et al. (2021), terpenes are rich in major properties such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, therapeutic, and anti-depressant. These properties are ideal for treating some major and minor ailments. However, there is a need for more research on the effects of terpenes in CBD.
HOW DO TERPENES DIFFER FROM TERPENOIDS?
Most people think terpenes and terpenoids are similar compounds. Even though they are related, there are not the same. They differ in their molecular structure. According to Giese et al. (2015), terpenes are responsible for the scent found in a living cannabis plant. Terpenoids forms when the cannabis flower dries. They are infused with deodorants and sprays for their strong scent. However, terpenes can also be infused in sprays and perfumes.
MAJOR TERPENES IN CBD OIL
As mentioned earlier, there are many terpenes in the hemp plant. However, some are found in smaller amounts while others are in larger amounts. The following are the major terpenes in CBD oil.
LINALOOL
This type of terpenes has a floral smell. It is mostly used in creams as it has a soothing smell.
LIMONENE
This terpene is mostly found in citrus fruits such as lemon and oranges. Limonene increases the effectiveness of CBD in treating anxiety and stress and acts as an anti-irritant.
MYRCENE
This type is among the smallest terpenes. Myrcene has a strong earthly fruity smell. It is added in CBD to treat muscle pain as it acts as a muscle relaxer. It also contains antibacterial properties that are likely to treat bacterial infections. However, taking high amounts of myrcene can lead to drowsiness.
BISABOLOL
This type is mostly known for its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties. These properties are crucial for skin care.
HUMULENE
This terpene contains anti-inflammatory properties that can treat inflammation on the skin. This terpene can also be found in cloves and coriander.
PINENE
According to Weston-Green, Clunas & Jimenez Naranjo (2021), pinene in CBD effectively treats inflammation and bacterial infections as it has anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. Pinene can also be found in citrus fruits.
RANS-NEROLIDOL
It has sedative and antifungal properties. It can also be found in citrus fruits, tea leaves, and roses.
TERPINEOL
It contains antioxidants that fight free radicals preventing aging. These terpenes are mostly infused in CBD topicals.
HOW TO USE CBD OIL CONTAINING TERPENES
There are various ways in which CBD oil with terpenes can be used. Major ways include;
- You can put some drops of oil in your hands, rub them and then inhale. You may also apply it in cloth such as a handkerchief and inhale. You can still choose to add it to a diffuser or a humidifier and inhale it for a night. You will wake up feeling refreshed and less anxious.
- Others may choose to spread some oil on the pillow. You can also apply some drops of oil to a cotton ball and place it inside your car.
- You can also apply oil on your body, especially on the neck or the wrist.
CONCLUSION
Terpenes are phytochemicals found in plants. There are over 140 terpenes found in the hemp plant. Some are found in large amounts, while others are in negligible amounts. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oil contain these terpenes. The main reason manufacturers add it in CBD oil is to create the entourage effects. Terpenes contain major properties such as anti-inflammatory. Therapeutic and antimicrobial. The most common terpenes in CBD oil are myrcene, pinene, linalool, humulene, limonene, and bisabolol. You can apply CBD oil with terpene on your cloth and inhale, add it to a diffuser or apply it on top of your pillow.
REFERENCES
Ferber, S. G., Namdar, D., Hen-Shoval, D., Eger, G., Koltai, H., Shoval, G., … & Weller, A. (2020). The “entourage effect”: terpenes coupled with cannabinoids for the treatment of mood disorders and anxiety disorders. Current neuropharmacology, 18(2), 87-96.
Giese, M. W., Lewis, M. A., Giese, L., & Smith, K. M. (2015). Method for the analysis of cannabinoids and terpenes in Cannabis. Journal of AOAC International, 98(6), 1503-1522.
Micalizzi, G., Vento, F., Alibrando, F., Donnarumma, D., Dugo, P., & Mondello, L. (2021). Cannabis Sativa L.: A comprehensive review on the analytical methodologies for cannabinoids and terpenes characterization. Journal of Chromatography A, 1637, 461864.
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 flavours and fragrances of Cannabis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12, 583211.
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