Terpenes and Their Effects

Have you ever wondered why oranges smell so zingy or why pine trees carry such a crisp, outdoorsy scent? You can thank terpenes, the tiny yet mighty compounds behind the scents, flavors, and (in some cases) even the effects we get from plants. These aromatic all-stars can be found in everything from cannabis to scented candles to skincare products. In this blog post, for obvious reasons, we’re going to focus on the terpenes related to cannabis — and more specifically, hemp products. Let’s dive nose-first into the world of terpenes and their effects: what they are, where to find them, and how they might affect your hemp experience.

Macro detail of cannabis bud held by chopsticks

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are the natural compounds found in plants (and some animals) that give them their unique aromas and flavors. They make lemons smell citrusy and lavender feel soothing. Terpenes don’t just smell good; they can help plants survive and thrive by attracting pollinators, repelling pests, and protecting against environmental stress. And in humans, they may interact with the body in interesting ways, with research suggesting that some terpenes produce calming, energizing, anti-inflammatory, or even pain-relieving effects. With all these benefits, it’s no surprise that they’re often used in wellness products.

How to Enjoy Terpenes and Their Effects Through Hemp

The cannabis plant naturally contains over 150 different types of terpenes. The following are some of the most common:

Myrcene has an earthy, musky aroma. It may offer relaxing and sedative effects.
Limonene, which is also found in citrus fruits, boasts a citrusy aroma and may have uplifting, mood-enhancing effects.
Pinene has a pine-scented aroma and may help with alertness and memory retention.
Linalool has a floral, lavender-like aroma and may produce calming and anti-anxiety effects.
Caryophyllene has a spicy, peppery aroma and may offer anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving effects. It’s unique among terpenes for its ability to interact with the endocannabinoid system.

Hemp is a variety of the cannabis plant, so it also contains terpenes. However, perhaps surprisingly, not every hemp product contains terpenes. The amount and variety of terpenes can vary widely from product to product.

For example, are you interested in cannabidiol (CBD), a cannabinoid found in hemp? If you purchase a product labeled CBD isolate, it won’t contain any terpenes because it’s pure CBD. And while broad-spectrum CBD contains some terpenes, others are removed during processing. So, if you’re aiming to enjoy lots of terpenes during your CBD experience, we encourage you to try full-spectrum CBD instead. It retains most of the plant’s natural compounds, including terpenes and flavonoids, so you can enjoy all the smells, tastes, and other effects (relaxation, focus, etc.) of the cannabis plant’s terpenes.

Plus, full-spectrum CBD may produce “the entourage effect,” which is a theory suggesting that various compounds in cannabis, including terpenes and cannabinoids, work together harmoniously to create a more potent and beneficial effect than any single compound on its own. Basically, the collective impact of the compounds is greater than the sum of their individual parts.

Full-Spectrum CBD Products

Interested in enjoying some of hemp’s terpenes? Check out these full-spectrum products from Metta Hemp:

While you’re visiting our online shop, be sure to peruse our vast collection of products. Founded in 2017, Metta Hemp is committed to providing high-quality products, ethically grown cannabis, and kind and helpful customer service. Find our products in a store near you or shop online today!

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