Terpenes: A Complete Guide for Beginners

Cannabis Terpenes: A Complete Guide - Find Hemp CBD

What Are Terpenes

Terpenes are fragrant oils produced in almost every fruit and plant, including Cannabis.

In Cannabis, terpenes can be found in the plant’s sticky resin glands, where THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids are produced.

Have you ever grabbed a grabbed a really dense nug and smelled the residue on your fingers? Those amazing fragrances are created by terpenes.

Within cannabis, there are dozens of different terpenes, each offering a unique aroma that is not only enjoyable, but beneficial as well.

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How Do Terpenes Work?

You’ve probably heard of aromatherapy–the therapeutic practice of using aromatic substances to enhance physical and mental well-being. The scents secreted from terpenes work in the same manner.

As soon as we smell the scents extracted from terpenes, it activates receptors within our olfactory system–the network of membranes and nerves which control our sense of smell.

Our olfactory system subsequently communicates with receptors in the limbic system of our brains, which contains the amygdala, hippocampus, thalamus, and hypothalamus. This program controls upper-level functions of the mind including emotions, reactions, stress regulation, and memory recall. The activation of the receptors, which may be dormant, opens the door to a range of natural health benefits.

What are the Benefits of Terpenes?

There are dozens of different terpenes, each with a unique fragrance that interacts with the olfactory system in a different way, offering a range of different benefits.

Here are a few of the most dominant terpenes produced in cannabis and the effects they induce on the body.

Pinene

Pinene is one of the most common terpenes and can be easily identified by its strong pine smell. Studies have found that Pinene’s pleasant aroma can not only help improve mood, but can also help reduce inflammation and improve air flow to the lungs.

Myrecene

Myrcene can be found in most strains of cannabis. While most strains do contain Myrcene, each varies in concentrations levels. In higher concentrations, Myrcene’s musky earth aroma can provide sedative effects, lower concentrations can provide an almost energizing effect.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene is a sweet, floral-scented terpene that has been commonly associated with the sweet aroma found in the Jack Herer strain. Research has shown that when inhaled, Terpinolene has shown to provide anti-cancer, anti-oxidant, and sedative effects to the user.

Limonene

Limonene is a commonly found in Sativa strains of Cannabis as well as in the skin of many citrus fruits. Limonene is easily distinguished by its wonderful citrus aroma that can provide an elevated mood, heightened senses, and can help relieve stress and anxiety.

Geraniol

Geraniol secretes a pleasant rose floral aroma, and, as you may infer from its name, can also be found in geraniums. Aside from a wonderful fragrance, it has shown to be a positive mood enhancer and is a great insect repellant.

Humelene

Humulene has a very earthy and woody fragrance that can be most commonly associated with the aroma of hops. Humulene has exhibited anti-bacterial properties and can be used as an appetite suppressant.

Linalool

Linalool is a floral-scented with a hint of spice that many know and love. Because of its unique aroma, Linalool acts as a sedative and can be used to relief stress and anxiety.

Terpenes in CBD Products

What are Terpenes - FindHempCBD.com

Now that you understand what terpenes are, how they work, and some of the positive ways they can impact your body, let’s talk about the advantages of CBD products with terpenes.

Cannabinoids, including CBD, interact with the body’s endogenous Endocannabinoid System (ECS) to deliver a range of benefits and effects. There are over a hundred different cannabinoids, and each interacts with the ECS in a unique way.

When multiple cannabis compounds are combined, they work together to enhance each other’s natural properties, as well as their own. This phenomenon is known as the Entourage Effect.

When a CBD product contains a rich blend of cannabinoids and terpenes, the therapeutic effects are much stronger and longer lasting compared to an isolated cannabinoid product due to the Entourage Effect.

With that being said, next time you’re shopping for CBD, always look for products that contain a blend of cannabinoids and terpenes. They will typically cost more than a CBD isolate or singular cannabinoid product; however, the impact they will have on your health and body will be far more substantial.

Thanks for joining us today, I hope you enjoyed this article! If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to engage with us in the comments.

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