“They’re aromatic, and are responsible for the strong and often pleasant odour given off by plants.”

What are terpenes?
Although you might never have heard of them, you have definitely encountered terpenes before. If you’ve ever enjoyed the scent of a rose or marvelled at the blissful aroma of blooming wildflowers, you’ve experienced terpenes. Terpenes are organic molecules found in plants such as lavender, rosemary, lemongrass, pine, and of course, cannabis. They’re aromatic, and are responsible for the strong and often pleasant odour given off by plants. They’re commonly used to manufacture flavours and scents in a lot of consumer grade products like fragrances, lotions, and even some foods. But they’re most frequently associated with cannabis. That’s because more than 200 different terpenes have been found in cannabis plants – a much higher concentration than other plants.

A lot of terpenes are classified as bioactive. Basically, this means that they could affect the body when ingested. But this depends on their concentration and how they’re consumed. Terpenes bind to our brain’s receptors when we consume them. This produces a physiological response that can influence the production of different neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. In other words, terpenes can have a positive impact on our physical, mental, and emotional health. This is why they’re used in essential oils and aromatherapy to impact mood, stress levels, and other health indicators. It helps to take a deeper look at some of the specific terpenes found in CBD like Limonene, Alpha-Pinene & Myrcene.

Aside from CBD, limonene is often found in the rinds of fruit. This terpene gives them their citrusy smell. But it does a lot more than offer a pleasant scent. Limonene has been shown to have anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral and antidiabetic properties. Alpha-pinene is one of the most common terpenes in the world, and it’s found in pine needles, rosemary, and basil in addition to CBD. It has anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety properties. Alpha-pinene also helps with pain relief, aids memory, and boosts energy levels. Myrcene has more of a musky scent and is most common in modern cannabis. It’s a truly versatile terpene, with antioxidant, antimicrobial, and antibacterial properties. These compounds have tremendous therapeutic effects, as these three terpenes demonstrate.

Terpenes are produced in the same resin glands as cannabinoids CBD and THC. In fact, cannabinoids and terpenes influence each other. Even without the presence of THC, terpenes still work synergistically to produce the Entourage Effect. This results in a more complete therapeutic experience for the user. This means that a CBD product with CBD and terpenes is far more effective than a product that only contains CBD.

If you’re looking for a CBD oil that contains a range of beneficial, naturally-occurring terpenes, you’ll want to opt for a full-spectrum product. Full-spectrum CBD means that most of the terpenes and cannabinoids available stay intact during processing. This makes a big difference in how the body receives CBD.

Be sure to do your homework when purchasing your next round of products to ensure you’re getting the full experience. If you’re interested in experiencing the full effects of CBD oil with terpenes, be sure to visit us at Die Joint Koffiehuis en Kwekery in Broederstroom, for a broad-spectrum CBD alternative.