Home / Blog / WHAT ARE TERPENES? LET’S TALK ABOUT IT.
June 7, 2021

WHAT ARE TERPENES? LET'S TALK ABOUT IT.

MichaelWright x

Author:

Michael W.

Terpenes

The more acquainted you become with hemp, the more you begin to understand all the different components that play a part in your hemp experience. Even with a good deal of expertise in the hemp realm, many still wonder what terpenes are and how they affect your overall experience. If you’re one of those seeking to learn more about terpenes and hemp, you’re in the right place! We’re going to discuss all things surrounding terpenes, including what they are and how they can help you. 

Let’s get to it!

What Are Terpenes? 

There are tons of compounds found in plants, and one such group is terpenes. These compounds are responsible for giving plants, flowers, fruits, vegetables, and herbs their distinct aroma. 

Have you heard of aromatherapy? Well, terpenes are the compounds responsible for those well-known aromatherapy benefits, like relaxation and mood enhancement. 

Can you believe there are over 200 types of terpene compounds found in hemp plants and over 20,000 terpenes discovered in other plants? 

They also play a big part in the flowering process of some plant varieties. They help plants during the pollination process, enhancing their overall strength and immunity. 

But plants aren’t the only ones reaping all of the benefits of terpenes — humans do, too. 

How Terpenes Affect Your Body

Terpenes have a lot to do with how your wellness product makes you feel, with each one affecting you in a unique way. Each terpene has its own chemical makeup, and can present the body with a particular type of effect. 

When you consume terpenes, they bind to receptors in the brain to produce a physiological response. When this happens, certain neurotransmitters are released, like serotonin and dopamine. 

This helps reduce bothersome issues, like mental fatigue, anxious thought patterns, and discomfort in various areas of the body. 

Let’s look at how they interact with hemp. 

The Role of Terpenes in Your Hemp Product

Most of us are oblivious to the terpenes in our hemp products until we come across some literature that brings it to our attention.

As mentioned above, there are over 200 terpenes found in the hemp plant. These terpenes each have their own unique set of capabilities. The terpene profile of your hemp product is just another compound layer that enables the Entourage Effect. This is when all of the compounds found in the hemp plant are present and can work together to produce a more profound level of therapeutic effects. 

So, when you partake in your favorite hemp gummy or tincture, the unique blend of natural chemical compounds and genetically available terpenes creates a specialized effect, wherein the compounds not only work individually, but even enhance and bolster each other.

Superstar Terpenes

Since we’re on the subject of terpenes, we thought it’d be helpful to highlight some of the most popular terpenes and their benefits. 

Linalool

This terpene is most known for embodying tranquil, relaxing effects. You can typically find linalool in lavender and chamomile, so it’s no surprise it’s a top choice for reducing anxiety and melting stress. Many companies add it to their formulations for the soothing vibes it embodies. 

Linalool is capable of this because it blocks excitement chemicals in the brain, specifically glutamate, thus encouraging a calm, relaxed state of mind. It also blocks a chemical called acetylcholine, and this blockage ultimately leads to muscle relaxation and pain relief. 

Limonene

Limonene is responsible for the refreshing citrus scents we all know and love. It’s known to provide a boost in mood, also reducing anxiety and inflammation. Limonene enhances your hemp product by increasing the overall absorption level of other terpenes, as well. This means a deeper level of therapeutic relief. 

Pinene

Pinene is found in a variety of pine trees, eucalyptus plants, oranges, and rosemary. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial, and memory-enhancing properties, which is why many people love to take advantage of its therapeutic advantages. 

Humulene

Humulene is commonly found in hemp, as it naturally grows. It’s beneficial for its anti-inflammatory effects, but it also curbs your appetite, which is excellent for weight-loss goals. 

Want to Try a Terpene-Rich Hemp Product? 

We understand how powerful the addition of terpenes is in any hemp formulation, especially since they enhance the effectiveness of your product and overall experience. This is why some of our products have specialized terpene blends — to further accentuate the effects you want to achieve. 

There are plenty of innovative products out there which embody the wide range of benefits terpenes provide. When you’re shopping for hemp products, and you want to know more about the terpene levels of a specific product, check out the lab results. You can find lab results on the product page in most cases, although some companies have a dedicated space somewhere on the site. 

Looking at lab results allows you to get an up-close look at what’s inside the product — natural hemp compounds, terpenes, and any other harmful stuff that shouldn’t be there (harmful chemicals, heavy metals, and toxins). 

Final Thoughts 

Terpenes are an integral part of your hemp experience, even if you didn’t know it before. They bring a little something extra to your experience, adding another helpful layer to the famous Entourage Effect. 

So, the next time you walk through a forest and smell fresh pine needles, or take a whiff of soothing lavender, just know it’s all thanks to terpenes!

 

New to Edibles?

Start with a lower milligram of hemp to see how your body responds. We have edibles that range from 20mg of hemp up to 6000mg.
  • Sign up to receive member exclusive offers, new arrivals, and more!
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.