If you’ve shopped for CBD lately, you’ve probably seen companies talking about how their products contain terpenes. But what are terpenes, even? And why are they added to CBD products?
In short, terpenes are chemical compounds that naturally occur in hemp and other plants. They are responsible for giving plants their aroma or odor. But terpenes do more than just make plants smell good (or bad): many of them have therapeutic benefits!
Some terpenes have antioxidant properties, while others may even be antiviral – and there are many other benefits that some terpenes have.
Let’s find out more about what terpenes are, which types of terpenes are found in hemp (and thereby in CBD extracts), and which terpenes are best for anxiety, pain, and sleep.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in a variety of plants — including the hemp/cannabis plant.
They’re responsible for the aromas, flavors, and sometimes, even the colors associated with different plants. Terpenes make plants vibrant. They are what give apples their signature flavor, and what give some strains of hemp a pine-like or fruit-like smell.
Terpenes have such a huge impact on the smell and taste of different cannabis/hemp strains that many people purchase a strain solely based on its terpene profile.
However, terpenes are also chosen by hemp users – and added to CBD products – for their therapeutic benefits.
Which Types of CBD Naturally Contain Terpenes?
CBD (cannabidiol) is a cannabinoid. It is not a terpene, nor does it contain terpenes. However, certain types of CBD extract that are commonly used in products contain terpenes.
- Full-spectrum CBD contains terpenes
- Broad-spectrum CBD contains terpenes
- CBD isolate does not contain terpenes
Full-spectrum CBD is a type of extract that preserves other compounds found in hemp – including cannabinoids besides CBD, and yes, terpenes! CBD products labeled as “full-spectrum” should, therefore, contain terpenes – although you’ll want to check.
Because of the wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes that full-spectrum CBD contains, it is the most therapeutically beneficial type of CBD extract.
Broad-spectrum CBD is the same as full-spectrum, minus the THC. This type of extract, like full-spectrum, contains terpenes (again, you’ll want to check any product you buy).
One of the primary reasons broad-spectrum CBD exists is to provide an alternative to full-spectrum CBD for users who can’t have THC in their system. However, it generally contains as many terpenes as full-spectrum CBD does.
CBD isolate, per its name, is just CBD. CBD isolate extract will therefore not contain any other cannabinoids, nor will it contain terpenes.
Terpenes Commonly Found in CBD Extract
Although some terpenes are added to CBD products, others occur naturally in hemp. Here are some of the terpenes you can expect to find in full- and broad-spectrum CBD products:
Limonene
Limonene is a terpene found primarily in citrus fruits. It’s used to add citrus flavor to beverages, food, and gum.
Abundant In Strains: White Fire OG, Wedding Cake.
Beneficial Properties: Anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anticancer, lowers cholesterol, blood sugar, and triglyceride levels, digestion-supportive.
Effects: Limonene has no notable mental or physical effects.
Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most abundant terpenes in the cannabis plant. It’s also found in hops, where it’s known as the compound that gives beer a peppery or spicy fragrance.
Abundant In Strains: Blue Dream, OG Kush.
Beneficial Properties: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain-killing), sleep-supporting.
Effects: Myrcene may induce feelings of drowsiness.
Linalool
Linalool is a terpene found in citrus fruits, lavender, and cannabis. It has a citrus-like, sweet, spicy tropical scent. Like myrcene, it’s used to give flavor to beer.
Abundant In Strains: Granddaddy Purple, Red Haze.
Beneficial Properties: Anti-inflammatory, skin-soothing, calming, stress-reducing, neuroprotective.
Effects: Linalool has a mentally relaxing effect.
Pinene
Pinene is a terpene very abundant in pine trees, per its name. It’s responsible for the distinct smell of the needles.
Abundant In Strains: Pineapple OG, Northern Lights
Beneficial Properties: Anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, antioxidant.
Effects: Pinene has uplifting and energizing effects.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is a terpene found in cannabis, cloves, rosemary, black pepper, and lavender. It provides the spice in pepper, and it provides similar flavors in other plants.
Abundant in Strains: Gelato, Ice Cream Cake.
Beneficial Properties: Anti-anxiety, analgesic (pain-relieving), seizure-reducing, antimicrobial, antioxidant.
Effects: Caryophyllene is known for providing relaxing and euphoric effects.
Humulene
Humulene, like myrcene, is a terpene found in cannabis, hops, ginseng, and other plants. It has an earthy, woody, and spicy aroma.
Abundant in Strains: Girl Scout Cookies (GSC), Bubba Kush.
Beneficial Properties: Antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor, anti-allergy.
Effects: Humulene has a mentally relaxing effect.
Terpinolene
Terpinolene is a terpene found in cannabis, lilac, sage, rosemary, cumin, tea trees, and more. It’s known for its woody flavor with floral and citrus notes.
Abundant in Strains: Jack Herer, Ghost Train Haze.
Beneficial Properties: Sleep-supportive, antioxidant.
Effects: Terpinolene has a mild sedative effect.
Terpenes vs. Terpenoids
Terpenes and terpenoids both come from the hemp/cannabis plant, and are present in all strains of cannabis. Terpenoids are derived from terpenes via oxygenation.
Like terpenes, terpenoids influence the fragrance or odor of a strain of hemp, and they may also have therapeutic benefits.
In terms of benefits, there is more research to suggest that terpenes have beneficial effects than there is research investigating the benefits of terpenoids.
However, more studies are needed before we can reach a conclusion on the relative benefits of each compound.
Why Are Terpenes Added to CBD Products?
Terpenes are added to CBD products because they can enhance the benefits given by CBD while naturally improving the smell and flavor of products.
The mechanism by which terpenes contribute to the benefits of CBD is known as the entourage effect.
The entourage effect is an idea that says that when you use cannabinoids and terpenes in combination with each other, you receive amplified benefits, and in some cases, the adverse side effects of the individual compounds are reduced.
This phenomenon applies both to taking cannabinoids in combination, and to taking cannabinoids and terpenes in combination.
Just as CBD works better when combined with other cannabinoids, it is more effective when combined with terpenes. This is why full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD extracts are favored: they do more than CBD can by itself, even if CBD is the main active ingredient.
Because of these increased benefits, many companies either make CBD products that naturally contain terpenes, or they extract and add terpenes separately. These products have more benefits and a better flavor.
Best CBD Terpenes for Anxiety
Terpenes that have benefits for anxiety include:
- Limonene – Research has found that limonene has anti-stress and anti-anxiety effects.
- Linalool – Research has found that linalool promotes relaxation and anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) effects.
- Myrcene – This terpene may produce sedative effects, which may help with anxiety.
- Beta-Caryophyllene – Research suggests that Beta-Caryophyllene has therapeutic potential for anxiety and depression.
As you’ve learned, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum blends are naturally high in all four of the above terpenes.
Best CBD Terpenes for Pain
Terpenes with benefits for pain include:
- Linalool – Research suggests linalool has therapeutic potential for pain.
- Myrcene – Research has found that Myrcene has anti-inflammatory and analgesic (pain-relieving) effects, especially for joint pain.
- Alpha-Pinene – Studies show that Alpha-Pinene has anti-inflammatory properties.
- Geraniol – Research has found that Geraniol, a scarce terpene in hemp, has therapeutic potential for neuropathic pain recovery.
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD contain linalool, myrcene, and alpha-pinene, however, geraniol is only present in very small amounts in most hemp/cannabis strains.
Best CBD Terpenes for Sleep
Terpenes with benefits for sleep include:
- Myrcene – Studies suggest that myrcene, in large part due to its sedative effects, may promote restful sleep.
- Pinene – Research suggests pinene has sleep-enhancing properties.
- Limonene – Studies show that limonene has therapeutic potential for sleep support.
- Linalool – Research has found that linalool has sedative, relaxing properties.
Myrcene, pinene, limonene, and linalool are all present in full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD.
How to Shop for CBD With Terpenes
By definition, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD extract contain terpenes. However, just because a product is labeled with these terms doesn’t mean it contains terpenes. Here are a few tips to help you find terpene-rich CBD products.
Check what type of CBD it contains
Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD are the types of CBD with terpenes, while CBD isolate won’t contain any of these compounds.
Look for products that specifically say “terpenes”
Although CBD isolate products don’t generally contain terpenes, some products have added terpenes. As a general rule, look for CBD products that are advertised as containing terpenes.
Make sure it’s 3rd-party lab tested
Just as “full-spectrum” doesn’t necessarily mean “contains terpenes,” just because a company says their CBD product is terpene-rich doesn’t mean it is – you’ll want to check the 3rd-party lab report for the product to verify the terpene content.
If a product has not been 3rd-party lab tested, do not buy it.
Conclusion: Why Use Terpenes with CBD?
Terpenes enhance CBD products in every way – in their smell, their taste, and their benefits. And as we’ve learned, certain terpenes are especially beneficial for anxiety, pain, and sleep.
By selecting CBD products and hemp strains that are terpene-rich, you’ll get better effects and a better experience – just be sure to verify the product you’re interested in contains the terpenes it’s supposed to.
CBD Terpenes: Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some questions our customers frequently ask us about terpenes found in CBD extract.
What are CBD terpenes?
CBD terpenes refer to the terpenes found in cannabis and hemp plants. Terpenes are compounds that contribute to the scent, taste, and benefits of various plants.
Why add terpenes to CBD?
Terpenes are added to CBD products to enhance the overall therapeutic effects and create a synergistic phenomenon known as the entourage effect. This interaction between CBD and terpenes elevates the benefits and effects you’ll receive from using a product.
What are the benefits of terpenes?
Terpenes offer a myriad of benefits, including anti-inflammatory effects, pain relief, and antioxidant properties. Different terpenes may enhance the benefits of CBD products for uses such as anxiety, pain, sleep, and more.
What are the side effects of terpenes?
While terpenes are generally considered safe, excessive consumption or sensitivity to certain terpenes may cause mild side effects such as irritation, nausea, or headaches.
