Why the Massive Hype About Terpenes in CBD Oil?

Did you know there are more than 200 different terpenes in the cannabis plant? These aromatic compounds play a significant role in the way that the active ingredients in cannabis interact with our body. CBD oil is a non-intoxicating and therapeutic oil that can be infused with terpenes to enhance the user experience. Together, they're a one-two punch for a host of medical issues. 

What's CBD Oil?

Let us start with the basics. CBD oil refers to the concentrated cannabis oil featuring a high concentration of cannabidiol (CBD). CBD is one of the plant’s main cannabinoid compounds, which does not cause a “high” effect like THC but does have numerous therapeutic benefits.

CBD is one of over 100 cannabinoids in the cannabis plant. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the primary cannabinoid found in cannabis. It is the compound responsible for producing the euphoric and intoxicating high.

Users who do not want to experience mind-altering effects but still want to reap the medicinal power of cannabis can turn to CBD products. CBD oil is made by extracting CBD from cannabis and diluting it with a carrier oil MCT oil or hemp seed oil.

CBD oil can be derived from the cannabis plant or its hemp variety. Understanding the differences can help you determine which CBD oil is right for you.

• Cannabis-derived CBD oil: Cannabis-derived CBD oil generally contains a high concentration of CBD with varying levels of THC. 1:1 CBD-to-THC ratios provide a balanced blend of mental and physical relief.
• Hemp-derived CBD oil: Hemp-derived CBD oil must legally contain less than 0.3% THC by dry weight.

In addition to cannabinoids, the cannabis plant has many more beneficial compounds that can enhance the effects of the oil.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes, a plant’s aromatic compounds, are starting to get the recognition they deserve among cannabis consumers. Terpenes have been used in medicine and aromatherapy for centuries. We're just now discovering how they can elevate a user’s cannabis experience.

In plants, terpenes have an evolutionary role in warding off predators and attracting pollinators. For us, terpenes are what give each strain its unique aromatic profile. No two cannabis plants have the same terpene content.

Research has shown that terpenes may work together with cannabinoids to enhance their effect while minimizing their side effects. Terpenes, by themselves, are non-intoxicating, so they will not produce a high.

When taken with CBD oil, terpenes may affect the way CBD interacts with the body to aid with:

• Pain
• Inflammation
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Cancer
• Insomnia

What Are the Terpenes In CBD Oil?

Researchers have identified over 200 different terpenes in the cannabis plant. Keep in mind, terpenes make up a small concentration (usually between 2 to 5%) of the cannabis plant compounds.

They are known to have many health benefits for CBD users and can enhance the efficacy of the CBD oil.

Here are some of the most common terpenes in CBD oil and their properties:

• Limonene: Limonene can be found in orange peels and other citrus fruits. It has an aroma reminiscent of orange, lemon, and lime. Limonene is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-stress, and antioxidant properties.
• Myrcene: Myrcene is one of the most common cannabis terpenes and can also be found in mangoes. It has an earthy, peppery, and spicy aroma. Myrcene is believed to have antibacterial, anti-fungal, and sedating properties.
• Caryophyllene: Caryophyllene is found in high concentrations in rosemary, cloves, and hops. It has a spicy aroma of cinnamon and cloves. Caryophyllene is thought to have anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, and antidepressant properties.
• Pinene: Pinene has a strong pine smell and is found in basil, rosemary, and pine needles. It is believed to help with pain, anxiety, and inflammation.
• Linalool: Linalool has a floral aroma and can be found in lavender and birch bark. It is believed to provide relaxing and calming effects.
• Humulene: Humulene has an herbal aroma and is found in hops and wood. It is thought to have energizing and anti-inflammatory effects.

The Entourage Effect of Cannabinoids and Terpenes in CBD Oil 

Research into the ‘entourage effect' has uncovered that the interaction between all of the plant’s active ingredients produces a synergistic effect that can amplify the health benefits of cannabis while reducing its adverse effects such as anxiety and paranoia. This complementary effect is known as the entourage effect.

In CBD oil products, the complex variety of cannabinoids and terpenes present in the product can significantly improve a user’s experience. CBD oil without these minor cannabinoids and terpenes may not produce the desired effects. If this is the case, users can turn to broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD oils.

Full-Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum

When it comes to buying CBD oil, there are few different options to choose from. Knowing the difference between the two can help you understand how the different types of CBD oil work in the body.

• Full-spectrum: Full-spectrum CBD oil contains all of the plant’s natural compounds, including the intoxicating THC compound.
• Broad-spectrum: Broad spectrum CBD oil contains all of the plant’s compounds, minus THC.

If you're looking for a non-intoxicating experience and don't want to risk failing a drug test, broad-spectrum CBD oil is right for you. If you want the full effect of the CBD oil, go for the full-spectrum.

How to Use Terpenes in CBD Oil to Your Advantage

Now that you know the potential health benefits of terpenes in CBD oil, it is important to use them wisely to get the most benefits. Here are a few tips to keep in mind so you can understand the hype about terpenes:

• Buy lab-tested products: Third-party lab testing ensures your product is free from any harmful contaminants and gives you a breakdown of its cannabinoid concentration. A few products may feature the terpene concentration of the product.
• Synthetic vs. natural terpenes: Synthetic terpenes made in a lab may be harmful when heated and don’t capture the essence of natural cannabis terpenes. There's also a difference between botanically-derived terpenes and cannabis-derived terpenes. Cannabis-derived terpenes are more expensive to remove which is why many will use plant-derived terpenes from other plants. Look for the terpene source in all your CBD oils.
• Track your experience: Many users find that keeping a journal helps them understand how they feel when they try different terpene profiles. With experience, you will determine what terpenes work best for you.

Learn More About Terpenes at Cannabis Training University

Do you want to learn more about the cannabis plant’s compounds and how they affect the body? Do you want to learn how to use cannabis as a medicine? Enroll in Cannabis Training University's marijuana classes for a complete education so you can get started in the lucrative cannabis industry!