Terpenes are an amazing property. They are also mysterious… although we talk about them more and more, especially about the hemp plant, since they give the different varieties of cannabis their scents and flavorus. Of course, terpenes are not unique to hemp – they are found in many plants. But it is their properties mixed with those of cannabinoids that attract attention today, especially by virtue of what is called the “entourage effect“: the fact that the combination of several active ingredients tends to multiply the effects produced. Let’s do a check-in.

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are organic compounds found in various plants, particularly conifers, especially in the resin. These are aromatic molecules responsible for the aromas and flavours specific to each type of plant. In short, the pleasant scents (or not) that we savour by consuming certain plant-based products, like CBD oils, are due to these terpenes. Just like the delicious aromas released by essential oils. Knowing that each plant species has its unique aromatic “signature” due to the specific content of terpenes: this is what gives an aroma of fruit, earth, citrus, musk, coffee, even cheese!

Following the interest shown by this chemist, botanical research has made it possible to understand that these terpenes are part of a natural defence mechanism: the strong odours generated by plants allow them to ward off all kinds of pests (insects, bacteria, fungi, herbivorous predators), but also to protect against environmental factors (such as high temperatures). At the same time, aromatization attracts pollinating insects necessary for their reproduction.

Terpenes in Hemp

If terpenes are found in many products (food, cosmetics), we have been talking about them a lot, for a few years, about the hemp plant, from which cannabis is produced. To date, there are more than a hundred (two hundred according to some estimates). Present in hemp resin, they give the different varieties their characteristic smell (and taste): a CBD oil, for example, will be more lemony, minty, or earthy depending on the combination of terpenes that makes up the original plant. . This is an important dimension to take into account when choosing your cannabidiol product.

But terpenes also take on a completely different role: that of a catalyst. Although they do not act the same way as cannabinoids (the active substances from hemp), they would still affect the body. The use of the conditional is appropriate here because the current state of knowledge concerning terpenoids remains weak compared to the knowledge accumulated around cannabinoids – in particular CBD and THC – which focus the attention of researchers. Nevertheless, it is assumed that the presence of terpenes in CBD products could significantly influence the expression of the latter’s effects: they would act “in synergy” with cannabinoids and would be responsible for the unique effects of a given variety of cannabis.

Let’s be clear: cannabinoids and terpenes are different hemp plant components (except for beta-caryophyllene, classified in both categories). They do not interact in the same way with the body, as cannabinoids bind exclusively to specific endocannabinoid system receptors. And when we talk about the effects produced by ingesting cannabis, whether psychoactive for THC or relaxing and analgesic for CBD, we refer to the work of cannabinoids, not the action of terpenes.

The “Entourage Effect” as a Lever to Boost the Effects of CBD

However, interactions exist between the two types of molecules. They seem to act in concert to reinforce the effects initially due to cannabinoids alone or even modify them. To be more precise, leaving terpenes in the finished product (CBD capsules, for example) helps either to consolidate the action of the cannabinoid or to modulate it so that it is rather stimulating or relaxing. This is called the “entourage effect,” and it is essential to understanding how cannabidiol works.

We find this combination of cannabinoids and terpenes in so-called “full-spectrum” products, especially oils. The expression refers to a finished product based on CBD or THC in which third-party active components have been left (or added, where appropriate), in particular terpenes, to multiply the effect so that it is even stronger. But the entourage effect can also only concern cannabinoids: this is how the CBD-THC couple allows a better distribution of THC and improves the bioavailability of the substance. There is abundant scientific literature dealing with these synergies in phytopharmaceuticals, including this study conducted in 2009.

What Terpenes are Found in Hemp?

Since we are talking about hemp terpenes, it is interesting to know which of these molecules exist in cannabis and what effects are attributed to them. Here is a selection of essential terpenes.

Myrcene: very abundant in hemp; this terpene is also found in hops, mango, or thyme. With an earthy and hoppy aroma, close to cloves, it is said to have anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties.

Beta-caryophyllene: Also predominant, it gives its peppery flavor to cloves, rosemary, and hops. Beyond its spicy scent, it would reinforce the effects of CBD against pain, inflammation, and fungus. Its action is close to that of a cannabinoid.

Limonene: This terpene is found in citrus fruits (orange trees, lemon trees, mandarin trees, etc.), mint, and juniper. Besides being a natural insecticide, it is said to have sedative, anxiolytic, antifungal, and antibacterial effects.

Pinene: Unique to conifers, this terpene is responsible for the piney aroma of many CBD products. Its theoretical virtues? It would act against inflammation, viral and bacterial infections, and chronic respiratory diseases such as asthma.

Linalool: Its floral smell, reminiscent of lavender, makes it one of the sweetest and most pleasant terpenes. It is also found in laurel or mint and, of course, in lavender. Its sedative, anxiolytic, analgesic, and regenerative properties are often put forward.

This list could go on for a long time, as there are so many terpenes identified in hemp. It gives you an idea of the variety of aromas found in cannabidiol products and the variety of beneficial effects generated by the consumption of CBD. Do not hesitate to order terpenes the next time you go to the store to choose your CBD oils, your capsules, or your herbal teas, or alongside your next weed delivery!

How to Choose Your CBD Products with Terpenes?

When choosing your CBD product, first ensure that the product has been tested by a laboratory and has a valid certificate of analysis. This will give you a better chance of knowing if it contains terpenes and, if so, which ones. The CoA is a certificate of analysis that includes a phytocannabinoid profile listing the levels of CBD, THC, and other cannabinoids, as well as the terpenes that make up the product. It is the most essential tool for determining the quality and purity of a CBD product. 

All in all, terpenes are essential in hemp and an innumerable variety of plants and essential oil extracts. Terpenes can give any hemp product an extra boost. To discover our product ranges rich in terpenes, visit our cannabis shop. We hope you found the article helpful. The insights provided will help you judge the role and effectiveness of terpenes and their therapeutic benefits in cannabis in general. With that, we invite you to visit our daily deals page if you’re looking to buy weed and/or CBD products rich in terpenes at discount prices. The process is simple, fast and you can also use our local weed delivery service if you’re anywhere around Vancouver, Surrey, Burnaby, Langley, and Richmond.