Terpenes, Terpenoids and Terps, Oh My!

What is a Terpene?

I started working for Green Wellness three years ago. Before I worked for GWL, I knew nothing about cannabinoids or terpenes. If you would have asked me what terpene is helpful for what, I would have thought you were discussing alien abductions! Since then, I have learned all about the hemp plant and what it is made up of. One of those key lessons included the word Terpene. So what are they and why are they important to learn about you ask? Lets take it from the beginning. 

You have been acquainted with terpenes your entire life, you just don’t know it. Terpenes are the naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants. They can be referred to as terpenoids, terpenes, and terps. These plant compounds are responsible for giving a plants their distinct aromas, flavors and sometimes pigment. What I thought was most interesting about terpenes is why they exist in plants. Plants actually “create terpenes to protect themselves from predators or to lure pollinators. Each different strain or chemical variety of cannabis, sometimes called a chemovar, has its own signature of terpenes and cannabinoids. There are hundreds, if not thousands, of these chemovars(chemical breakdown of the plant), each with random-sounding names that often allude to the kind of sensory experience a user may feel.” Many of these terpenes are gaining fame for bringing certain benefits to the user.

Understanding Terpenes

With the growing interest in Terpenes, you might be wondering, “How does this affect me?” Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in hundreds of plants, including cannabis and hemp. These compounds vary in concentration based on factors like plant genetics, growing conditions, and cultivation methods. This variability is crucial because not all CBD products are the same—what works for one person might not work for another.

The Importance of Full Spectrum Products

At Green Wellness, we advocate for full spectrum products. These products contain all the compounds of the plant, including Terpenes. The concept of the entourage effect explains that the natural interaction of these molecules creates a synergistic benefit, much like how people work better together.

Full Spectrum vs. Broad Spectrum vs. Isolate

• Full Spectrum: Contains the entire range of plant compounds, including Terpenes, offering a synergistic effect due to the combined action of all components.
• Broad Spectrum: Includes many plant compounds but may remove some plant matter. It still offers a synergistic effect, though less pronounced than full spectrum.
• Isolate: Focuses on a single compound, like CBD, with most of the plant matter removed. While it lacks Terpenes and the entourage effect, it still provides benefits.

Types and Benefits of Terpenes:

Here’s a great terpenes chart from Hydroponique that lists some of the most common terpenes benefits.

• Linalool
  • Soothing aroma commonly found in lavender and known for stress relief and relaxation
• Limonene
  • 2nd most abundant terpene in cannabis
  • Used for enhancing properties of other terpenes, enhancing mood, antibacterial properties
  • Studied for its ability to impact both chronic and acute inflammation
• Tea tree
  • Antifungal, antibacterial properties
• Thyme, Myrcene, Citral, Beta-ionone, Geraniol
  • Antibacterial & Antifungal, Anti Inflammatory
• Pinene
  • Insect repellent
• Humulene
  • Versatile terpene being studied for antibacterial and anti-inflammatory promise
  • Cannabis strains that contain a high level of humulene do not produce a pronounced appetite boost

Making Sure Terpenes are in my CBD:

So how do I know if these amazing, healthy, beneficial terpenes are in my CBD products? Well, you’re going to want to look for products that are labeled or known as “full spectrum.” But what is “full spectrum?” It refers to how the CBD oil that is extracted from the cannabis plant maintains all of its cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, antioxidants, and phytonutrients; nothing is left out, so all of the terpenes are present (along with their benefits!).

If you’re not sure if your cannabis product has terpenes in it, take a peek at the certificate of analysis.  That certificate of analysis, or COA, should have multiple pages.  The first page will reference the cannabinoid count and the secondary testing will show you those terpenes.  Here are our COAs for some examples.

The Green Wellness Difference

There are so many options out there for buying CBD products. At Green Wellness Life, we are always happy to talk through your options and help you find the best product for your needs. We have a 30 day guarantee on all of our products and we pride ourselves on being different.

We only sell products that have been independently tested for quality. When you shop our online store, you can rest easy knowing that you are getting the highest quality products. While we aren’t doctors and cannot diagnose or treat any condition, we can offer you the latest research on CBD so you can make an informed decision for yourself. 

If you’d like to learn more about CBD or need help picking out a CBD product, give us a call anytime at 866-244-4223. You can also reach the Green Wellness Life team via email, or by pressing the live chat button. 

Topics Covered

Sources

• • Transdermal cannabidiol reduces inflammation and pain-related behaviours in a rat model of arthritis
  • Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes
  • Cannabis industry gets crafty with terpenes
  • Myorelaxant Effect of Transdermal Cannabidiol Application in Patients with TMD
  • Review of the neurological benefits of Phyto cannabinoids