What are Terpenes?

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are found in many plants. They are the aromatic compounds that give the plants and herbs their smell and play a vital role in plants.

Terpenes attract pollinators in some plants and some terpenes play a part in protecting the plant from infectious germs preventing animals from eating it. It even aids in recovery if the plant was damaged.

While this characteristic scent can be found in other plants such as pine, and lavender, many people associate terpenes with cannabis. This is because there is a high concentration of terpenes in cannabis plants. There are many uses of aromatic compounds in daily life from shampoos, essential oils and more.

There are a ton of terpenes medical benefits to humans and more research is being conducted. But if you’re like many people you have a ton of questions such as are terpenes safe to ingest, or are there medical terpenes for inflammation.

While terpenes are generally safe to eat with foods in its pure concentrated form it can be dangerous. It’s been known to cause irritations and allergic reactions.

Can you buy terpenes legally?

Yes, you can purchase plant derived terpenes legally when they do not contain THC or CBD. However there are some terpenes products that contain THC that will require you to have your medical card in order to purchase.

Close-up of cannabis trichomes on buds.

What are different types of terpenes?

Here some of the different types of terpenes and their effects they might have on you,

Limonene is the most recognized terpene by its scent. It’s what gives the rinds of fruits their citrusy smell such as lemons and oranges. Limonene essential oils with highest terpenes in them.

Limonene provides health benefits such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidants, antiviral, antidiabetic, and anticancer properties. These properties protect your body from a range of health disorders and diseases.

Pinene is a naturally abundant terpene that is found in plants such as pine needles, rosemary, and basil. Pinene is what gives these plants their fresh, bright scents. Pinene also has some therapeutic benefits.

Linalool is abundant in lavender plants and it’s what gives the flower its rich scent that provides a calming effect in lavender essential oils. It provides many health benefits, such as anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, antidepressant, anticancer, and anti-anxiety properties.

Myrcene is a terpene that is found in plants like lemongrass, and thyme. It has powerful antioxidant properties and helps to protect against strokes. Myrcene is found in the flowers of the cannabis plant and has a sedative effect.

Beta-caryophyllene can be found in many herbs and vegetables, including cloves and black pepper. Its anti-inflammatory effect helps to reduce inflammation and nerve pain.

So what are the best terpenes? There haven’t been many studies on a ton of different plants that contain terpenes. But with the little research that has been done it’s found that different types of terpenes provide different effects. So the best one will depend on the type of effects you are looking for. Some terpenes will provide you with an extra energy boost and others will help you to feel relaxed.

What are terpenes in CBD?

While terpenes themselves won’t make high, they will enhance the effects of CBD in the body. However, some terpenes are considered to be psychoactive due to the way that they affect the brain. When you purchase cbd oil with terpenes it’s important to know how the terpenes were added.

CBD oil comes in full-, broad-spectrum or isolate. Full spectrum means that the entire plant is used, so it contains other components of the cannabis plant besides CBD, including terpenes. CBD isolate only contains CBD and leaves out any traces of the plant meaning it does not contain terpenes. However, some products may add terpenes into their CBD isolate product to enhance the effects.

Hands rolling a marijuana joint.

How do terpenes affect the body?

Terpenes affect your body in different ways and will vary based on the concentration of the terpene, and how you use it. Terpenes are often used in many essential oils because they produce vibrant smells. Aromatherapy helps improve a person’s mood and reduce stress levels.

Terpenes medical benefits

But when terpenes are included into CBD or THC products they can have medicinal properties. There has been some research that suggests some terpenes may be beneficial with some mental health issues such as, anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder, including anticancer, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, antihyperglycemic, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antiparasitic. These are just some of the many benefits of terpenes.

How are terpenes used?

Terpenes are used in a variety of ways, to enhance flavors, provide health benefits, or used as essential oils. Because of the variety of ways that it can be used you can inhale terpenes, or it can be absorbed into your skin both provide you with the many benefits it has to offer.

Terpenes are being added to all types of cannabis products to enhance the flavor and increase the potential health benefits. These compounds in cannabis are what creates distinctive aromas and flavors that are beginning to be used more often in everyday consumer products, such as shampoos, cleaners and more.

Can terpenes get you high?

No terpenes cannot get you high. While terpenes are considered to be psychoactive they won’t get you high on their own. But when you combine terpenes with THC or CBD they will enhance the effects which is why so many products are no including terpenes.

Terpene vs THC

Because terpenes on their own are not intoxicating there isn’t much of a comparison. But when you combine terpenes with THC it can enhance the results.

Cannabis leaves with CBD chemical structure

Where to get terpenes?

There are many different forms that you can purchase terpenes in you can purchase them in a variety of places whether it’s an aroma dispensary, terpene dispensary or medical marijuana dispensary.

What plants have cannabinoids?

​​Cannabidiol or CBD is another major part of some cannabis plants, but cannabis isn’t the only plant that contains cannabinoids. There are other plants that contain them such as rhododendron, licorice and liverwort, and Echinacea.