What Are Terpenes? Plus, How They Supercharge CBD

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found within plants, herbs and other organisms which give them their distinctive scent. Whilst naturally occuring in hemp, when combined with CBD extracts, they produce something called the entourage effect.

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Scratch the surface of the CBD world, and the word ‘terpenes’ will come up. In fact, talk plants in general, and you’re bound to hear about these aromatic ‘do-gooders’. The question is, quite simply, what are they? And how do they turbo boost your go-to CBD oil or daily CBD capsule?

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

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What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in an array of plants and herbs, giving lavender, fir trees, oranges (and so many more) their distinctive scent. They’re often used in food, beauty products and perfumes to enhance their allure, but their role in CBD extends far beyond a pleasing scent.

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 in 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, for a more rounded product than CBD on its own. A terpene is one of these components, and it brings with it a number of properties, creating a synergy with CBD. Think of it as a ‘dream team’ in plant form.

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, 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 Balm 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.