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What are terpenes?
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5 min
Cannabis and hemp are well-known, even very well-known, plants, but few people know what they contain and how their composition influences their active ingredients. Today, we invite you to discover the characteristics and properties of terpenes, this natural oily compound that characterizes resinous plants, the family to which CBD flowers belong.
Cannabis contains terpenes in varying concentrations; these are natural hydrocarbons, unlike terpenoids, which are generally chemically modified. It is the terpenes that influence the user's experience.
What is the definition of terpenes?
A multitude of terpene varieties exist, offering very different tastes and aromas. Indeed, cannabis contains hundreds of phytochemical molecules, including terpenes, which are precisely what produce tastes and smells. These are what give cannabis its distinct flavors, depending on the variety, and the sensations experienced by the consumer. These aromatic oils are present and play a vital role in cannabis, enabling the synergy of THC and CBD molecules within the plant, in the same glands—the two active compounds in cannabis that give it its effects.
Terpenes are a defense mechanism for plants against predators: they emit a strong, penetrating odor that repels harmful insects while attracting beneficial insects for pollination, for example. The amount of terpenes produced by a single plant depends on many factors, such as climate, soil type, fertilizers, and the plant's age.
Scent and aroma of terpenes
Terpenes are unique in that they produce different scents depending on the strain, as well as imparting color to the plants. They are also widely used for their aromas and can give cannabis a slightly fruity taste, a hint of citrus, or even a lemony flavor.
The importance of CBD flower quality for terpene content
The quality of CBD flowers plays a crucial role in terpene development . Controlled cultivation, with optimal conditions of light, humidity, and nutrients, promotes high terpene production, thus enhancing both the aroma profile and the therapeutic properties of CBD flowers.
A poor-quality flower, whether improperly cultivated or dried, can lose a significant portion of these essential volatile compounds, drastically reducing its effects and aroma. Even more seriously, a low-quality CBD flower can develop mold, which will degrade the terpenes, cannabinoids, and the product's safety profile.
How do terpenes work?
The terpenes present in cannabis act in different ways, therefore they provide taste and smell but also interact with cannabinoids, their mixed molecules produce an "entourage" effect which results in additional benefits.
In short, terpenes combine with THC to create the effects of cannabis, depending on the strain. However, terpenes do not produce the psychoactive effects of THC; they are similar to CBD but in a much more subtle way, altering mood by interacting with the serotonin and dopamine systems. The effect will vary depending on the terpene variety. For example, myrcene provides a relaxing and sedating effect, while limonene offers a refreshing and stimulating sensation.
Ingestion of terpenes
Terpenes are absorbed into the body during vaporization; each puff delivers a range of terpenes to the lungs and then into the bloodstream. Vaping is also the best way to preserve the integrity of terpenes: the temperatures are lower than those of a smoked joint. However, it's important to remember that this method of consumption is not legal in France and remains harmful to health. Modern vaporizers allow users to adjust the temperature setting, and therefore theusaof the desired terpenes according to their vaporization points.
What terpenes are present in CBD?
CBD flowers can contain around a hundred different terpenes, depending on the variety. Knowing which terpenes are present is helpful when choosing your CBD flowers . Some of the most common include:
Myrcene is the most common, representing the majority of aromatic oils. Its aroma is often compared to clove, and it has anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and analgesic properties. It has a sedative and calming effect while enhancing the psychoactive effects of THC.
Pinene, or alpha-pinene, belongs to the same family as myrcene, which, as its name suggests, is responsible for the pine scent. It has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It is also known to have a bronchodilatory effect and appears to positively affect memory. It increases energy and improves concentration.
Limonene is very common in cannabis and has a strong citrus aroma. It's an antibacterial agent that helps prevent the growth of cancerous tumors. It increases mental focus and is sometimes used to treat depression and anxiety.
Linalool has a very floral scent and produces a calming effect, used to treat anxiety and nervousness. It also possesses analgesic and anti-epileptic properties.
Terpineol has a scent reminiscent of lime and lilac. It possesses a sedative and relaxing effect, and is often used in perfumes for its fragrance. It also lowers blood pressure through vascular muscle relaxation, indirectly promoting sleep.
Nerolidol is also used in perfumery for its woody aroma. It is an antifungal with a sedative and calming effect.
Caryophyllene is a powerful anti-inflammatory and local analgesic. It is a natural remedy for toothaches (cloves are rich in it).
Borneol has a fresh, minty aroma. It has benefits against stress and fatigue. It is a local anesthetic with sedative properties.
Eucalyptol is present with its very fresh scent. It improves concentration and relieves pain.
the word "carene" remind you of musk? That's normal! It has positive effects on the nervous system and helps to strengthen memory.
Camphene is often present but in small quantities. It gives off a pine scent and soothes the skin with antioxidant properties.
In this article, we've described some of the terpenes found in CBD, but there are over a hundred terpenes present depending on the plant variety. The combinations are therefore endless, which is why each cannabis plant has specific properties and unique aromas depending on the terpenes it contains.
Depending on your needs and desires, the choice will not be the same; keep this in mind when buying CBD flowers online !
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