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In CBD Oils: What are Terpenes and Why are They Important?

In CBD Oils: What are Terpenes and Why are They Important?

March 11, 2019 Vitalibis Team

Terpene discussions can be confusing as a starting point of cannabis education. If you are in your early stages of learning about cannabis, we recommend reading the content on the HEMP page of our website. There are some overview concepts and short explainer videos on that page to help provide a solid foundation of information.

DEFINITION

Terpenes, (pronounced tur-peens) are a large and diverse class of organic compounds, produced by a variety of plants, particularly conifers, and by some insects. They often have a strong odor and may protect the plants that produce them by deterring herbivores and by attracting predators and parasites of herbivores.

CANNABIS TERPENES

These organic compounds that give plants flavor and smell are present in cannabis flowers, too. Female cannabis plants produce glandular trichomes (see the picture of this blog post). These glands look like small hairs that protrude from the flowers and leaves. Trichomes house crucial compounds, including cannabinoids (such as THC and CBD), flavonoids, and terpenes.

At Vitalibis, we focus on not damaging the plant at any point in our processes. When plants are handled delicately and the trichomes remain intact throughout collection and processing, you end up with excellent cannabis with strong and distinct flavors, colours, and smells. This is one area where we stand out from the masses.

ANALOGY

Consider terpenes a connoisseurs’ approach to cannabis. Similar to how a wine lover considers the smell and taste of a Merlot or a Chardonnay from different regions around the world. The grapes, soil and processing all matter greatly. Terpenes are to cannabis like notes are to wine.

TERPENES HELP THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT

Terpenes are known to work synergistically with cannabinoids. When consuing premium, full spectrum hemp oil, you can feel more or less of the effects of a strain based on the terpenes found in it. When the different cannabinoids, terpenes, flavanoids, chlorophyll, etc. all work together with the Endocannabinoid System, the "entourage effect" occurs. Basically, when the different elements of the plant help each other to improve overall balance and homeostasis.

There are many articles on the internet which will highlight the benefits of the many terpenes: Pinene, Myrcene, Limonene, Humulene, Linalool, Caryophyllene, Terpinolene, etc.

NOTE: CBD Isolate products do not include natural terpenes. During the processing the terpenes and all other elements of the plant are removed. If a CBD Isolate product includes terpenes, they were added back into the product as a seconday ingredient.

In CBD Oils: What are Terpenes and Why are They Important?

DEFINITION

CANNABIS TERPENES

ANALOGY

TERPENES HELP THE ENTOURAGE EFFECT

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