woman smelling cbd terpenes in a field of hemp flowers

What are CBD Terpenes and Their Benefits?

More than just a trending buzzword in cannabis culture, terpenes are chemical compounds typically found in plants. CBD terpenes’ benefits are complex because their compounds can be merged into a variety of combinations with different mind and body effects. Terpenes synergize with cannabinoids to enhance each other’s best traits. Understanding the therapeutic role terpenes play in CBD consumption is as complex as the dynamic compounds that are found in hemp flower.

The Effects of Terpenes on the Body and Mind

Research on the subject of terpenes is still in its early stages, but there is a growing consensus about the importance of terpenes and other elements that interact together to form an enhanced cultivar. Cannabinoids engage with the endocannabinoid system, while CBD terpenes can provide benefits to other bodily systems involved with opioid and dopamine receptors. 

Terpenes are impressively diverse and customizable as there are more than a hundred different types found in cannabinoids. Terpenes are commonly used in aromatherapy, being the foundation of many scents like citrus or pine, but the true therapeutic potential of terpenes in cannabis is just being explored. Looking at the individual qualities of terpenes and CBD is a good start to understanding how they will affect you mentally and physically. 

  • Beta-pinene is aromatic, smelling like the soil of an Oregon forest, with potential health-promoting properties.
  • Linalool is a terpene found in lavender, known for its anti-anxiety properties, interacting with dopamine receptors.
  • Beta-caryophyllene is found in black pepper, cloves, rosemary, and hops and may have anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties. 
  • Humulen is a chemical compound of many plants like clove, hemp flower, and ginger which can have anti-allergic and anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Myrcene is present in lemongrass, thyme, mangoes, and hemp flower and has shown anti-inflammatory potential and may protect from heart issues.

Pairing the right cultivar with the right balance of terpenes is an intuitive way to receive the most benefits. Being mindful of the ingredients in your CBD can enlighten you about what works for you.

How Do Terpenes Enhance the Benefits of CBD?

person in long-sleeved shirt holding their aching hand

CBD and terpenes enhance the qualities the other already holds rather than drastically influencing the way cannabinoid compounds express themselves. The many benefits of CBD have been transformative to the lives of people who struggle with addiction, mental health, insomnia, or chronic inflammatory conditions that impact quality of life. 

Many people who enjoy CBD appreciate its anti-inflammatory properties because it can reduce aches and lower the risks of prolonged high inflammation. Inflammation is the root cause of major chronic health problems like cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, cancer, and arthritis. The health potential is clear when CBD terpenes address so many common problems. 

Although CBD doesn’t contain any terpenes exclusive to its type of cannabinoid, some combinations of CBD and terpenes naturally pair up well– the sleep-inducing linalool that’s present in lavender goes perfectly with CBD’s relaxing effects. It’s important to consult with your doctor on decisions about your health. CBD terpenes aren’t a major replacement for medicine, but a gentle boost in your wellness routine.

Leveraging the Added Benefits of CBD Terpenes

hemp flower with purple gold accents and frosted trichomes

While CBD is already widely recognized for its therapeutic benefits, the added advantage of terpenes is more mysterious. Consumers may be able to maximize the benefits of CBD with a bit of trial and error by identifying which strains have complementary terpenes. Check the ingredients breakdown in the details section of your preferred CBD cultivar and take note of what terpenes consistently align with the smoking or vaporizing experience you enjoy most.

The potency of your cannabinoid is the foundation for the effects of its naturally occurring terpenes, so proper CBD flower storage is essential for locking in its full potential. To maintain the terpenes’ full impact, mitigate the issues that could be caused by high temperature, humidity, and long-term exposure to sunlight and air. To shield your CBD from the elements, store your products in a cool environment, kept air-tight in dark packaging. 

Hemp flower’s quality and strain characteristics do the heavy lifting while the terpenes refine the experience. Before you buy, learn how to spot the signs of high-quality CBD. This is a great way to get to know what you need from your cannabinoid products and make informed consumer decisions.