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What Are Terpenes and How They Supercharge CBD?

What Are Terpenes and How They Supercharge CBD?

Written by Zara Kenyon
January 05, 2023
  • Beginner Guides to CBD
  • Healthy Living

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in plants, herbs, and other organisms, giving them their distinctive scents. Naturally occurring in hemp, when combined with CBD extracts, terpenes produce the entourage effect, enhancing the overall therapeutic potential of the product.

Scratch the surface of the CBD world, and the word ‘terpenes’ will inevitably come up. In fact, delve into any discussion about plants in general, and you’re likely to encounter these aromatic ‘do-gooders’. But what exactly are terpenes, and how do they turbo-boost your go-to CBD oils or CBD capsules?

Here’s everything you need to know about terpenes and their relationship with CBD.

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What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in an array range of plants and herbs, giving distinctive scents to familiar flora like lavender, fir trees, and oranges. These compounds are not just about providing a pleasant aroma; they play significant roles in the plant's ecosystem, including attracting pollinators and repelling pests. 

Beyond their natural roles, terpenes are often used in the food, beauty, and fragrance industries to enhance the allure of CBD. In the realm of CBD, however, their significance goes far beyond mere scent, influencing the effectiveness and therapeutic properties of the oil.

 

What Are Terpenes in CBD?

We told you that terpenes are found in many plants, so it’s no surprise that more than 100 different terpenes have been identified in cannabis plants. These botanicals are the very source of CBD, but that doesn’t mean every CBD product you try will boast a host of terpenes.

As for the benefits of terpenes in CBD, they're said to boost CBD products through something called ‘the entourage effect’.

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What is the Entourage Effect?

The entourage effect is believed to happen when CBD combines with other components of a hemp plant, creating a more rounded product than CBD on its own. A terpene is one of these components, bringing with it a variety of properties that create synergy with CBD. Think of it as a ‘dream team’ in plant form, where the collaboration of these compounds enhances their overall effects and benefits. This interaction highlights the potential for a more comprehensive therapeutic experience compared to isolated CBD.

What Terpenes Are in CBD?

There are too many different types of terpenes to count, and they vary between different plants and CBD brands. While one might hold plenty of linalool, another may be abundant in myrcene. Let’s break down the nine most common terpenes found in CBD products and their individual benefits…

1. Linalool

Lavender’s calming reputation comes down to Linalool; a terpene present in the flower (and our topicals).

2. Limonene

You’ll find a hearty dose of limonene in our CBD Muscle Rescue, which has a naturally citrusy quality.

3. Caryophyllene

Carophyllene is found in many essential oils of herbs and spices - particuarly cloves and rosemary.

4. Humulene

Such culinary delights as ginger, ginseng and sage feature Humulene.

5. Pinene

Responsible for the smell of pine, this terpene is an all-rounder, often discovered in conifer trees – as well as hemp, of course.

6. Myrcene

Also in lemongrass, basil and mangoes, Myrcene is one of the most commonly-found terpenes in commercial hemp.

7. Bisabolol

Often spotted on ingredient lists for sensitive skincare products, Bisabolol is also found in chamomile flowers.

8. Carene

Found in hemp, rosemary and lemons, carene has traditionally been used to make perfumes and cosmetics due to its sweet and earthy aroma.

9. Terpinene

Terpinene is one of the active ingredients in tea tree oil, with a piney aroma.

 

Discover Cannaray’s Full Range of CBD Products

At Cannaray, we believe in the incredible power of nature to boost our well-being. Terpenes play a vital role in this journey, adding depth and richness to our CBD products. By utilising the entourage effect, we ensure that our oils and capsules are not just effective but also a joy to use.

Whether you’re looking for relaxation, relief, or a little boost in your day-to-day life, our expertly crafted formulations are designed to help you thrive. Discover terpenes' benefits and experience CBD's full potential with Cannaray—where quality meets nature for a happier, healthier you.

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