Terpenes can be understood to be volatile molecules that are common in our everyday lives. You don’t need to be a regular CBD user to come across CBD. Terpenes are readily found in a number of flowers, fruits, herbs, and vegetables. Cannabis plants are especially known for their abundance of terpenes. That said, terpenes are not always freely available when CBD is extracted.
Some CBD manufacturers add in extra terpenes in varying ratios in an effort to boost the benefits of their CBD products. Therefore, even when using refined CBD such as CBD distillate, there is a possibility of users ingesting terpenes.
But the question remains, what is the benefit of adding Terpenes to CBD oil to start with? What makes so many CBD brands to stress the benefits of Terpenes? Are the touted benefits of Terpenes backed up by science or just a health fad?
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are compounds found in plants that are responsible for their distinct fragrance. We encounter terpenes whenever we smell flowers or a freshly cut fruit. Therefore, it is fair to say that we are surrounded by terpenes everyday.
Of the several hundreds of terpenes found in various plants across the world, more than 200 are present in cannabis plants. However, there are only a few terpenes found in industrial hemp that are considered to be of a significant concentration. Therefore, some CBD brands resort to adding extra terpenes to their products to supplement those that occur naturally in the hemp flowers.
One of the main reasons that terpenes are added to CBD oil is the boost in health benefits. Medical research into the properties and health benefits of terpenes are already underway. Initial findings have indicated that certain specific terpenes are also responsible for a number of therapeutic benefits. This organic, natural and holistic properties makes terpenes extremely popular in various aromatherapy procedures.
How Does Terpenes Improve CBD Oil
As explained above, Terpenes are very important in cannabis plants. Terpenes are able to modify the experience for CBD users and boost the effects of certain cannabinoids.
The addition of myrcene and linalool terpenes to a CBD product increases its sleep-inducing and relaxing properties. Similarly, adding caryophyllene and limonene terpenes to CBD products provides users with more energy and focus.
Users that are looking for specific effects when they use CBD would do well to review the lab reports of the CBD oil they purchase to understand the terpenes it includes.
Another reason to add terpenes to CBD oil is for the entourage effect as explained below.
The Entourage Effect of Adding Terpenes to CBD Oil
In 2011, another eminent scientist Dr. Ethan Russo further popularized the theory with an in depth report in the British Journal of Pharmacology.
The entourage effect can be understood as the combined effects produced by terpenes, flavonoids, and cannabinoids found in the cannabis plants.
For example, terpenes like limonene helps with the quicker and more efficient absorption of terpenes. Similarly, caryophyllene is understood to directly influence cannabinoid receptors.
Therefore, various cannabis versions produce different effects in users. This is thanks not only to the varying ratios of cannabinoids, but also the inclusion and percentage of certain terpenes. The inclusion of terpenes is another reason why a majority of users consider full-spectrum CBD oil to be a superior product compared to CBD isolate.
Conclusion – Why are Terpenes Added to CBD Oil?
Terpenes are considered an essential part of CBD oil and a number of CBD manufacturers add them to their CBD products. Terpenes influence the profile and effect of CBD products, they enhance and complement the effects of both major and minor cannabinoids. They also have a large part to play in the production of flavorful and fragrant CBD oils.
Users should look for the terpenes including in their chosen CBD product the next time they go shopping. It is a good idea to look through different CBD products, paying close attention to full-spectrum CBD oils that have been extracted using non-invasive methods.
Disclaimer
CBD products that are derived from Hemp and contain less than the prescribed .3 percent of THC are legal per federal law. However, certain state laws may still deem it illegal.
CBD products that are derived from Marijuana are illegal per federal law but remain legal under the laws of certain states.
It is advisable to check the appropriate state laws in case of travel. It is important to note that over-the-counter CBD products are not approved by the FDA.