What Are Terpenes?
You have probably smelt terpenes before, they are responsible for the smell of plants, flowers, fruits and vegetables including cannabis hemp.
For example lets take the citrus smell of lemons, this is due to the terpene called Limonene. Now, if you have ever smelt someone smoking a cannabis joint then that is a terpene profile smell of a particular strain of cannabis. For example the White Widow strain will have a terpene profile of limonene, caryophyllene and myrcene?
The properties of terpenes
If you think about aromatherapy then you will see how different smells have different uses such as: smells to re-kindle environments, relaxing, reviving, energising and stress relief. Similarly terpenes have similar effects through smell and also their compound interactions in the body.
Why are terpenes important in hemp?
In addition to their aromatherapy properties, terpenes are important in hemp through their compound interactions for cannabinoids to enhance the overall effect known as the entourage effect.
Here is a list of commonly found terpenes in hemp and their properties:
Myrcene (or β-myrcene)
Also found in mangos, is known for its interactions with THC and its anti-inflammatory, analgesic (pain relief), antibiotic, sedative and anti-mutagenic properties.
Linalool (or β-linalool)
Found in high levels in Lavender, has been used sine ancient times known for its: anti-anxiety, antidepressant, sedative, anti-inflammatory, anti-epileptic and analgesic properties.
Bisabolol (or α-Bisabolol / levomenol)
Particularly found in Chamomile, in Cannabis Hemp it is known for its: anti-inflammatory, anti-irritant, antioxidant, anti-microbial and analgesic properties.
Other Terpenes
The hemp plant has over 200 terpenes and other well known compounds include: a-Pinene, b-Caryophyllene and Terpinolene.
Please note that this article was written by a 3rd-party author who is a specialist on the topic of CBD, hemp and cannabis. Any information or recommendations contained within this article, are independent to the opinion of RUDERALEX CBD and our employees. We make no claims for any of our products, please read our disclaimer for additional information.