Have you ever wondered why no two CBD oils are the same?
Anyone trying CBD oil has likely heard of terpenes. In particular, these compounds are mentioned in the product descriptions for full-spectrum CBD oil, which means the product contains all the natural elements of the hemp plant.
Terpenes are one of these natural compounds from hemp. They can cause a myriad of effects dependent on their presence and ratios. This article explores some of the most common terpenes in CBD oils to explain how they may affect the results.
What Are Terpenes?
There are numerous naturally occurring compounds in hemp. Cannabinoids like CBD are perhaps the most famous, but terpenes are also formidable.
Terpenes are not unique to hemp or even cannabis. They are aromatic compounds found in all manner of plants, responsible for smells, flavours, and even colours.
Common terpenes can be used in household objects like cleaning solvents. Take limonene, for example, responsible for the citrus smell in lemons and other citrus rinds. It’s common in detergents and other household items – and it also occurs naturally in cannabis.
Why Are Terpenes Important?
For plants, terpenes have a critical role to play. They might protect plants from predators or even adverse weather conditions.
Some terpenes may have therapeutic properties. This means that, like cannabinoids, terpenes might have the beneficial potential for the human body.
Research about terpenes’ effects on the body is in its infancy. It’s not yet possible to say how the terpene profile of a given CBD oil will affect a particular person, but there are some ways to roughly gauge it.
For example, we know a little about what each terpene can do, and this could hint at the effects of different CBD oils.
The Key Terpenes in CBD Oil
One essential thing to understand is that terpenes do not get you high. Like CBD, they are non-intoxicating, so they do not affect the properties of CBD oil in this way.
That said, each terpene has an array of different benefits. Let’s take a look at some of the most common terpenes and their effects.
Limonene
Limonene is often found in fruit rinds, providing a citrusy smell. It could have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its antiviral properties are what earn it a spot in many household cleaners. Some of these properties are similar to CBD, so it could provide a boost to the effects.
Alpha-Pinene
Pinene is commonly found in pine needles, but also in some herbs like rosemary and basil. It is renowned for its anti-anxiety properties, which could be a huge asset in CBD oils.
Furthermore, alpha-pinene acts as a bronchodilator, opening the airways rapidly in situations such as asthma attacks. It may also have other properties such as memory aid and pain relief.
Myrcene
Musky-scented myrcene is most common in cannabis. It has a variety of potential applications, from antioxidant properties to pain relief. It may also have sedative effects, explaining the couch-lock feeling induced by some cannabis strains.
In CBD oil products, myrcene could be a strong contender for those marketed as sleep aids.
Linalool
The floral smell of linalool is most common in lavender and chamomile. It naturally occurs in cannabis/hemp but is often added to CBD creams and balms because it has a soothing scent.
Lavender and chamomile are consistently used in calming teas and sleep aids. This is because linalool has sedative and anti-anxiety properties. Again, it’s a terpene that manufacturers may add in higher quantities to achieve these effects.
Beta-Caryophyllene
This spicy terpene can be found in cinnamon, pepper, and cloves. It’s one of the only terpenes that can interact with cannabinoid receptors, making it much more similar to CBD than other terpenoids.
Caryophyllene can act as an anti-inflammatory, which is why it’s most common in pain creams and pain relief topicals.
Final Thoughts: How Terpenes Affect CBD Oil
Research into terpenes and their interaction with cannabinoids is still ongoing. However, there are a handful of studies on the various terpenes that are common in hemp.
It seems that a CBD oil’s terpene profile could alter its effects. To what extent is unclear, but looking at the abundant terpenes in oil could indicate some of its effects.
To get a clear picture of an oil’s terpenes, it’s necessary to view lab reports. Reputable brands like Premium Jane provide such reports, letting users know what they can expect.
Otherwise, check the product descriptions to see if you can spot any prominent terpenes.
