Cannabis is a wonderful plant with many different compounds and effects that can benefit your state of mind and well-being. There are over 120 cannabinoids and thousands of terpenes that meld together to create unique profiles of cannabis strains. Here is a stroll down the knowledge greenhouse about one of those cannabinoids, called CBD, and how it interplays with terpenes.
What is CBD?
While THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that gets you high, CBD (cannabidiol) is the non-psychoactive cannabinoid that is reported by consumers to ease pain, decrease anxiety, and give an overall mellow feeling. Many health-oriented or non-THC users like to take CBD for the supposed benefits and it is one of the most popular cannabinoids. It is widely available in tinctures, gummies, lotions, and even flower. CBD is also great because it interacts with THC by limiting the abilities of THC so it isn’t overpowering. CBD acts like a ceiling or a governor with THC, so you get a well-balanced effect.
CBD, especially processed from hemp, is federally legal if it contains 0.3% or less THC. For Texans, this is a relief if you want to try CBD products.
What Are Terpenes?
If you aren’t familiar with terpenes, that is okay. That is why we’re here. Terpenes are aromatic compounds in cannabis that act as insect repellents. They all have unique scent profiles and are the “personality” of the cannabis plant. Terpenes are the reason a plant smells piney, lemony, or otherwise. Every terpene has its own particular effect as well. Pinene is reported to ease bronchial issues and other therapeutic properties. Linalool, with a lavender scent, is responsible for a more sedative element. Terpenes are crucial to the overall experience of enjoying cannabis.
What is the entourage effect?
Any person is powerful on their own, yet we work better as a team. This is the same concept with cannabinoids and terpenes. Each terpene and cannabinoid is capable of its own abilities but works much better in tandem. This is called the entourage effect. While studies aren’t entirely conclusive in the cannabis realm, the entourage effect theorizes when the cannabinoids and other compounds work together, it is much more effective than solo.
The entourage effect has been recorded and studied for many years and more is coming out about the boost of teamwork the compounds give to consumers.
Studies in 2006 have shown that CBD and THC together can possibly lower neuropathic pain. A study from 2018 showed that adding terpenes to CBD has potential anti-inflammatory effects as well. It is no secret that having CBD interlocked in THC lowers certain side effects like anxiety or sedation.
There are over 200 terpenes and 120 cannabinoids in cannabis, so the possibilities of a potent duet are certainly vast. THC alone will give you the “high” but it is the terpenes like myrcene or limonene that provide what kind of high. Will you be couch-locked or will you be energized? It has been shown linalool, pinene, and limonene can boost cognitive CBD effects. CBD and limonene can decrease nervousness and elevate mood. It’s best to see what terpenes do before you decide on what product to buy.
Again, this is a hypothesis that is inconclusive, but science is showing hope in these interactions. It is definitely not out of the left field.
What Products Are Available?
Ask your local dispensary about CBD products with added terpenes. CBD is fantastic if you don’t want to feel high, but you want to have reported health benefits and mellowness. A premium option is any full-spectrum tincture or extract that has great THC:CBD ratios with terpenes, or even CBD-only ratios with terpenes for different scent palettes and effects.
At FLUENT, you can experience our line of Full-Spectrum CBD products with MCT oil. CBD stands for Cannabidiol, the non-euphoric compound found in cannabis, known for its therapeutic properties.
Learn more with Fluent Cannabis, which is headquartered in Florida, is their first major dispensary and leader in full-spectrum and other cannabis products. Stop into the Schulenburg, Texas location, where we are a hub of knowledge for any of your questions that need answering regarding terpenes and CBD. You will walk out pleased.
Featured Image: Dmytro Tyshchenko/Shutterstock
