CBD is enjoyed by people from many different walks of life and is used in a variety of ways to treat a whole host of conditions. But when Terpenes are introduced into the mix, the CBD experience gets even better.
While some prefer to take CBD Oil under the tongue in the morning for a peaceful, stress-free day, others like to smoke or vape it in the evening to aid with a good night’s sleep. There are many ways to take CBD though. There’s CBD Vape Juice which is used much like an E-Liquid in a vape pen. There’s CBD Isolate, CBD Drops, CBD Tinctures and even CBD Coffee and hand creams. But you only get the full impact of the plant when you include terpenes with your CBD, and we’re about to explain why.
Before we get technical, terpenes are molecules in the hemp plant (all plants actually) that give fragrance and taste but are also thought to have some amazing mood-enhancing powers. To date, around 200 terpenes have been identified in the cannabis plant, and we only have a very basic understanding at the moment as to how they interact with the Endocannabinoid System inside humans.
Full spectrum CBD oil contains trace amounts of other cannabinoids as well as terpenes
This system regulates things like sleep, mood, and appetite and is also present in animals. Pet lovers, for example, are increasingly buying CBD for pets off the shelves and giving Rover a special little treat inside his water bowl in the morning. The numerous benefits of CBD aren’t even fully known yet, even though thousands of people swear by it as a natural, organic and non-toxic remedy for their issues.
Back to the technical stuff. terpenes are “volatile and pharmacologically active molecules,” according to Dr. Leah Zachar, who specializes in CBD. Accordingly, “Terpenes not only enhance the ability of CBD to exert its benefits, but terpenes also have their own benefits.”
One terpene found in Cannabis is Linalool which is a known mood enhancer and also an anxiolytic. Limonene, associated with Sativa strains and lemon smelling Hemp flowers, elevates the mood and provides stress relief. Alpha-Pinene, another terpene, smells fantastic and helps you to stay focused during the day. It also improves memory and counteracts the adverse side effects of THC which some people can experience.
Both Myrcene and Beta-Caryophyllene, also found in Hemp, promote stress relief and help you to relax. This is only a short list from the 200 terpenes known to be in Hemp. It also depends on the strain you choose as different strains contain different or more dominant terpenes than others.
Limonene is found in both lemons and cannabis
There are many different types of CBD, some containing terpenes in abundance (whether naturally occurring or sprayed on after harvesting.) First of all, oils can either be extracted from industrial hemp or high THC-cannabis plants. Those derived from the latter are THC oils that get you high (very high). Then, there’s CBD from hemp which contains only tiny traces of THC, and that’s is the stuff many people want. But you also want it to contain terpenes.
Full Spectrum CBD Oil retains the natural balance of cannabinoids and terpenes during the delicate extraction process, and these full spectrum oils are packed with natural terpenes. However, this isn’t to be confused with Broad Spectrum CBD Oil. Broad Spectrum is similar to Full Spectrum and has the same perfect balance of beneficial cannabinoids and terpenes, but even tiny traces of THC extracted. This guarantees zero THC in the final product, and that’s a priority for many people.
There are a lot more technical and scientific details and long words to go into the subject of terpenes, but this snapshot offers a concise guide to the type of CBD you should be looking for if you want a well-rounded overall experience that includes the famed “Entourage Effect.” You can also choose your CBD oil according to the effects you want to feel, ranging from products that can make you feel uplifted and creative to ones that sedate you and pave the way for a restful night.
