Terpenes in CBD Oil: Why are they important?

Terpenes are found in almost every plant, and give cannabis strains their unique flavor, aroma, and benefits.

Written by Cathy Rozyczko — Edited by Jason Brett on September 27, 2021

If you've spent any time reading about CBD oil and cannabis lately, it is likely you've seen terpenes mentioned more than once.

Up until very recently, they weren't very well understood. They often took a backseat in the conversation when compared to tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

As more research comes out surrounding terpenes, more and more attention is being drawn to them and their potential benefits. It is becoming apparent that they are an important factor in understanding how cannabis and CBD oil products can affect and benefit our health.

What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are organic compounds found in many plants. They are the primary ingredient in natural essential oils. Terpenes give plants like cannabis and hemp their distinct aromas and flavor profiles, while also providing a variety of unique benefits when they are consumed.

In the world of cannabis and CBD oil, the terpene profile of any given plant helps set different cannabis strains apart. A hemp plant's terpene composition has an effect on its purported effects, flavor, and aroma.

Common Terpenes Found in Cannabis and CBD Oil

The more cannabis is studied, the more complex it becomes. Over 100 terpenes have been discovered in this one plant alone! Each one adds its own nuance to that particular genetic variety.

To help simplify product offerings and offer more user-specific products, terpenes have been categorized according to the potential benefits they offer.

For example, some genetic variations may contain a terpene that has a reputation for eliciting a more relaxing effect, and in turn, it may be recommended for patients who are dealing with symptoms of anxiety or stress.

When it comes to CBD oil, some of the most common terpenes found in hemp plants are beta-caryophyllene, limonene, pinene, myrcene, and linalool; here is a table that breaks them down:

Name	Plant Sources	Effects	Aroma
Beta-caryophyllene	Oregano; leafy greens; cannabis	Gasto-protective and anti-inflammatory	Pepper and spicy
Limonene	Many citrus fruits and cannabis	Anti-fungal; anti-bacterial; anti-stress	Lemony and citrus
Linalool	Lavender and cannabis	Anti-anxiety; antidepressant; sedating	Sugary and floral
Myrcene	Mango and cannabis	Antibiotic; analgesic; anti-mutagenic	Citrusy and herbal
Pinene	Pine trees; rosemary; dill; basil; cannabis	Effective antiseptic and potential bronchodilator	Pine

Beta-caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene is a terpene that is found in a variety of different plants, including oregano, leafy greens and some strains of cannabis. According to the research, it has potential gastro-protective qualities and may be useful in treating certain ulcers. Beta-caryophyllene has also shown promise as a potential anti-inflammatory agent due to its ability to bind directly to the CB2 cannabinoid receptors in the body.

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Limonene

Limonene is found in many citrus plants, such as lemons, limes and oranges. Limonene is also found in the cannabis plant. These terpenes are what give these plants their lemony, citrus scent. Terpenes are also commonly used in a lot of cleaning supplies, especially chemical-free options.

Limonene is thought to be both antifungal and antibacterial in nature. It is believed to be the compound responsible for helping cannabis protect itself against insects.

Studies have shown that limonene was found to offer potential stress-relief to rats after having endured non-pathological stress tests.

Pinene

Pinene is a terpene that is found in a variety of plants, including cannabis, pine trees, rosemary, dill and basil. Pinene is further broken down into Alpha and Beta categories; the former giving off an aroma reminiscent of pine needles, while the latter smells like rosemary or parsley.

Pinene has the potential application as a bronchodilator for people dealing with asthma. It was found to be an effective antiseptic as well.

Myrcene

Myrcene is one of the most prominent terpenes found in the cannabis plant. A plant's myrcene content determines whether it is categorized as an Indica or Sativa strain. Unlike some of the other terpenes listed here, this one does not affect the blood-brain barrier.

Researchers have found myrcene to contain many potentially beneficial properties as an:

Antibiotic
Analgesic (pain killer)
Anti-Mutagenic (protects DNA from abnormal mutations)

Linalool

The terpene linalool is one of the main components that make up the aroma of lavender. Linalool is what potentially gives lavender, CBD, and other cannabinoid products their reputation for offering anti-anxiety, antidepressant and sedative effects.

The Entourage Effect

CBD and terpenes work together in a way that is commonly referred to as the “entourage effect.”

This describes the phenomenon that allows full spectrum CBD products made from the whole hemp plant to produce greater benefits than products made from just CBD isolate. The theory is that all the hemp plant's different terpenes and cannabinoids work in tandem to amplify each other's effects, creating an overall more potent end result.

One example of the entourage effect in practice is in acne treatment. The terpenes linalool and limonene both have acne-fighting, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory properties.

When these two are combined with CBD– which is also a powerful anti-inflammatory – the combination shows promise as a potential acne treatment.

CBD oil is reported to offer anti-anxiety effects. If you combine it with a relaxing terpene such as myrcene, caryophyllene or limonene, you may feel stronger benefits than if you had taken a CBD isolate on its own.

As time goes on and researchers hone in on the terpene and CBD combinations that offer the most potential benefits, one can only imagine the possibilities! Products that are tailor-made to suit individual patient or customer needs could be right around the corner.

How to Get the Right Type of Terpenes for Your CBD Oil Use

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+ 21 sources

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