Terpenes in Cannabis: Natural Essential Oils to Enhance CBD (Cannabidiol) Effects?

When the subject of cannabis and CBD comes up, most of the focus tends to be on the impact it has on the body, but there are multiple components to that. To understand exactly what CBD does in the body, it is important to understand the involvement and use of terpenes.

Terpenes are a necessary component because they work concurrently with the phytocannabinoid that exist in the cannabis plant. These substances are THC and CBD, though terpenes have therapeutic benefits that are all their own because they are essential oils. In fact, there are over 200 distinct types of terpenes found in cannabis, controlling the color, smell, and takes.

Each cannabis plant has their own variety and concentration of terpenes, which is why they are referred to as the “fingerprints of the cannabis plant.” These oils are genetic in the plants, and it helps to differentiate between one strain to the next.

The four most common terpenes are:

• Limonene
• B-caryophyllene
• Linalool
• B-myrcene

Limonene is commonly found in citrus rinds, rosemary, and caraway seeds, providing a scent that is both citrusy and spicy. It is known for being anti-bacterial and can even help with anxiety. It works within CBD, CBG, and THC, and helps with reducing the risk of cancer. In THC, it fights against gastroesophageal reflux disease.

B-caryophyllene is primarily in CBD-rich cannabis strains, though it is also found in hops, cloves, and black pepper, which explains the woody yet spicy aroma about it. It helps reduce inflammation in the body, and can even ease pain., which is why it is used in many cannabis rubs.

Linalool is mostly found in birch, lavender, and rosewood, emitting a floral and citrusy scent. It reduces the struggle with acne and can calm the user. In THC, linalool helps with the sedative effect while offering pain relief. However, one of its most important roles is in CBD for the anticonvulsant effects.

The most common of all of the terpenes are B-myrcene, though it doesn’t always show up in hemp. Its earthy and fruity quality is found in mangos, lemongrass, and hops. The terpene is meant to ease pain and inflammation, regardless of the source that brings it.

Why is all of this important to know? When deciding on the right CBD product, it becomes increasingly important to look at the effects that these terpenes cause to ensure that the strain will meet the needs of the user. The concentration alone will not make a difference without the right terpenes present. To get a full profile, the whole plant should be used, which is the way the process works in the United States. However, countries around the world have certain regulations that require the use of only the stalk and the seeds, which means that the terpenes expected from overseas CBD will not be the same as locals.