What are Terpenes? And how do they work?

March 10, 2021

Terpenes are what we call secondary metabolites they are made in all different kinds of plants and are what help the plant produce the many therapeutic actions we now know of. They are aromatic oils that the plant produces and are extracted along with the plant matter when making CBD Oil.

Not unlike other strong-smelling plants and flowers, the development of terpenes began for adaptive purposes: to repel predators and lure pollinators. There are many factors that influence a plant’s development of terpenes, including climate, weather, age and maturation, fertilizers, soil type, and even the time of day.

They work to bring health benefits either on their own, or in concert with each other, alongside the major cannabinoids like Cannabidiol (CBD) 

 

Below are some examples of different Terpenes and their observed effects. 

 

Some CBD product manufacturers are now able to add specific terpenes to their products including topicals, beverages, edibles, oils, tinctures, vaping oils and others to enhance their functional properties and increase the therapeutic appeal of their product lines.

The interesting thing about Terpenes is that different terpenes produce different effects in the body. Some terpenes might promote relaxation and stress-relief, while others potentially promote focus and acuity.

They can also be used to enhance the flavors of CBD products. 

 

There are more than 200 terpenes that exist! Some are more prevalent than others. But terpenes are not unique to one plant. They naturally occurring in many different plants – conifers in particular.

Found in different concentrations in different plants, they help create the characteristic scent of many floral substances, including pine, lavender, orange peel, rosemary and a variety of flowers and tree woods.

Some terpenes are able to engage the endocannabinoid system in a similar way that cannabinoids do. Both substances distinguish themselves in the way that the human body absorbs and uses the compounds. As scientists continue studying terpenes, some have found that those along with CBD can interact with cannabinoids, helping to give them therapeutic properties for CBD consumers. Examples include:

• Pinene, a highly versatile terpene and the most common in the plant world, with relief properties for anxiety, pain and inflammation.
• Limonene, which as attributed with delivering stress and anxiety relief.
• Myrcene, believed to promote calm.
• Terpinolene, delivering an uplifting effect.
• Caryophyllene, bringing anti-inflammatory properties.

Many variables can affect the ultimate terpene profile of the same plant. Consider that two roots of the same plant, one grown indoors versus the other grown outdoors, can produce different terpene profiles depending on growing temperature, sunlight, nutrients and soil.

As scientists continue to study terpenes, look for them to play more specified and tailored roles in CBD products!

 

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