Are you familiar with the terpenes in CBD?

The overwhelming majority of research on cannabis has focused on CBD and THC. Which is a shame! Because terpenes also have a role to play in relation to the efficacy of hemp. They enhance the action of cannabinoids and give your favourite CBD its flavour. Here are the main terpenoids found in cannabis.

The roles of terpenes in cannabis

Terpenoids contribute greatly to the flavour and smell of plants. They are the source of the characteristic smells of aromatic plants and hemp. There are more than 230 different terpenes identified in cannabis, and a single variety of hemp can contain more than fifty. Terpenes are one of the reasons why connoisseurs are able to identify the variety of certain types of cannabis and confirm its quality by smelling its fragrance.

Your hemp smells of musk and clove? It is rich in myrcene. The presence of pinene will provide a piney smell, while limonene gives off the smell of lemons. It will also not have escaped your attention that some people associate the smell of cannabis to its effects. A musky flavoured CBD will be more relaxing, while a citrus flavoured CBD will be more mood enhancing, and a resinous flavoured CBD will have more of an effect on your mental state. Even though there are still few studies on hemp terpenoids, this association between terpenes and the effects of CBD is no coincidence.A study conducted in 2018 showed that the administration of cannabis terpenes to mice suffering from inflammation led to a reduction in inflammation.

But the most promising research is related to the entourage effect. Terpenes enhance the action of the active ingredients in cannabis, such as CBD. In 2011, Dr Ethan Russo published a landmark study listing all the interactions studied between THC, cannabinoids, and terpenes. 

The main terpenes in cannabis

Although a cannabis plant contains about fifty terpenoids, 3 of them are found more frequently. Myrcene is the terpene that is present in the greatest quantity in hemp.

According to the study conducted by Ethan Russo, it may help to enhance the CBD’s efficacy at combating sleep disorders. Myrcene is also present in hops (which are used to make beer), verbena, and laurel. It is known for its soothing medicinal properties. This is what gives cannabis the slightly spicy, clove-like smell that many enthusiasts enjoy in the CBD they ingest or inhale.

The second most prevalent terpene in hemp is limonene. This terpene is very common in citrus fruits. In phytotherapy, it is used for its immunostimulant and antidepressant action. Although many researchers believe that it interacts with CBD to combat depression and anxiety, there is little research on this subject. Finally, pinene is the terpene with the characteristic resinous smell of conifers and certain plants such as rosemary. This terpene is used in traditional medicine for its antitumour properties and for its memory enhancing effect.

Existing research on CBD has not yet clarified the interactions of each terpene with cannabinoids. However, it is clear that by choosing a CBD according to the terpenes it contains, you will experience the benefits produced by these compounds. With their pleasant smell and taste, terpenes also contribute to making CBD consumption enjoyable and relaxing.