The Benefits Of Terpenes In CBD
In order to make an informed decision about the CBD products you are purchasing, there are several terms that you need to learn. Once you understand the difference between hemp-derived CBD and marijuana-derived CBD it’s time to learn how to select the right CBD for you. CBD products are either full-spectrum CBD, broad-spectrum or CBD isolate. Keep reading to understand the vital difference between these three products.
What Exactly Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds secreted from the glands of every plant, herb, and flower. They are what make one rose smell different than another, attracting pollinators and humans with their unique scent. They are also what give natural essential oils their aroma, which is vastly different than the aroma of synthetic oils and fragrances. There are more than 20,000 terpenes in existence of which around 100 can be found in most strains of the cannabis plant.
It was initially thought that the only role terpenes played in relationship to cannabis was to naturally attract us to the products that our individual endocannabinoid system would best respond to. However, recent studies show that they may play a vital role in how effective CBD (or marijuana) is for you.
CBD, THC, and terpenes are all types of active compounds found in the cannabis plant referred to as cannabinoids. In high enough doses THC gets you high, but CBD and terpenes are responsible for the medicinal benefits of cannabis. CBD connects the endocannabinoid system and terpenes bind the systems creating what is called the Entourage Effect.
What Is The Endocannabinoid System?
To fully understand terpenes, you must first understand the endocannabinoid system. Our body naturally creates cannabinoids as a type of cellular messengers that assist in the vital process of homeostasis. Homeostasis is the process of keeping our body internally balanced.
This includes the regulation of:
- Temperature
- Hormones
- pH
- Coordination
- Pain control
- Mood
- Memory
- Quality of sleep
- Appetite
- And more
There are two main endocannabinoid systems:
- CB1 which is in the central nervous system (brain and nerves of the spinal cord)
- CB2 which is in the peripheral nervous system (nerves in your extremities), the digestive system, and specialized cells in the immune system
CBD is the only cannabinoid that connects our central and peripheral nervous systems. However, terpenes bind the two systems together.
Does All CBD Contain Terpenes?
No. In addition to determining if a topical or oral CBD is right for you, what milligrams per serving to consume, and how often to use CBD—you must also choose between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum, and isolate.
Full-Spectrum CBD—these are products processed using the whole hemp plant, meaning that it contains all of the up to 100 types of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, including trace amounts of THC and terpenes. Full-spectrum products have a mild, but earthy aroma and flavor.
Broad-Spectrum CBD—these are products processed using the whole hemp plant, meaning that it contains all of the up to 100 types of cannabinoids found in the cannabis plant, NOT including trace amounts of THC and terpenes.
CBD Isolate—these are products that are processed to eliminate all other active compounds. While it may sound better because it’s a pure form of CBD, you miss out on the benefits of terpenes. Isolate products have no aroma or flavor, other than the oil or product they are added to.
Are Terpenes Bad For You?
Unless you have an allergy to a specific flower, no. The cannabis plant is a flowering plant, but it’s not overwhelmingly aromatic and is unlikely to trigger floral allergies. Just like how different roses smell unique, different strains of the cannabis plant have a unique aroma. Again, the aroma is mild and ranges from earthy to herbal, woody, sage, sweet, and citrus.
When speaking of CBD, the aroma is not the primary benefit, but how the terpenes work in your body. However, the aroma in some terpenes is the primary benefit. For example, non-topical essential oils are used to calm, energize, increase focus, open the heart, and more.
Do Terpenes Get You High?
No, terpenes do not get you high. To determine if a product will get you high, you must learn the THC content. Again, THC is not responsible for the medicinal benefits of CBD. For a product to be classified as hemp-derived CBD it must contain .3 percent or less of THC, which is not enough to get you high. This isn’t to say that .4 percent is the tipping point that will get you high, but from a legal standpoint, this is the percentage that differentiates hemp-derived CBD from marijuana-derived CBD.
If marijuana is legal in your state and you are buying from a pot shop, you can inquire about both the milligrams of CBD and THC.
Currently, terpenes in CBD and THC are not measured.
What Are The Health Benefits Of Terpenes?
When speaking of terpenes in general, the benefits are many—with the aromatic properties of essential oils being a widespread wellness trend.
When speaking of CBD, the primary benefit of terpenes is binding the central and peripheral nervous systems. For maximum benefits, consistent use of CBD is required to connect, and then bind, these two systems.
Can You Overdose On Terpenes?
When processed into highly concentrated solvents, which are typically used in cleaning products, terpenes can make you sick. When processed in the naturally occurring amounts found in CBD and marijuana (and many other edible herbs and vegetables), they are safe for consumption.
There are currently zero studies or reported cases that have resulted in either a minor or fatal overdose of hemp-derived CBD. This includes data from around the globe where CBD is both legal and illegal. Keep reading to understand other factors and considerations.
While there are zero reports of overdose, almost anything we consume can have a side effect. Everyone responds differently to plant-based dietary supplements so pay attention to how you feel once you start taking CBD. While extremely rare, and most often when taken in extremely high doses (more than 20,000 milligrams per day), side effects include:
- Dizziness
- Diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Low-blood pressure
- Reduced appetite
- Negative interaction with prescription medications
Holmes Organics Broad-Spectrum CBD
If you are looking for a broad-spectrum and USDA-Certified Organic CBD brand, we invite you to browse the oral and topical products from Holmes Organics. We are also fully transparent about our processing, have our products third-party lab tested, and provide the lab results online for each batch.