What are Terpenes?

So what exactly are terpenes?

Why should you care about these molecules?

Terpenes are what give plants their distinct smell and taste, along with a variety of different properties. These hydrocarbons are synthesized in the trichome glands of cannabis and other plants. They have a strong odor and may help protect the plants that produce them by repelling harmful insects and predators while also attracting beneficial organisms and pollinators. Each species of plant produces its own variety and concentrations of terpenes that make them unique. Research has indicated their potential therapeutic uses and have even been used for thousands and thousands of years by many different cultures around the world. Many essential oils, herbal medicines and even cannabis plants rely on terpenes to provide some of the potential natural benefits they are designed for. From limonene to linalool, let's take a look at all the terpenes we currently know of and what we have found out about them so far.

Image adapted from: https://holisticnursemama.blog/2017/08/28/day-46-insomnia-be-gone-blueberry-terpenes-are-here/

Limonene is commonly found in oranges, lemons or anything with a citrus smell or flavor. Alpha-Pinene is mostly found in pine trees, hence the name, but can also be found in rosemary and ginger. These terpenes are found in every day herbs and plants but did you know cannabis also produces these molecules in varying percentages? I'm sure you have heard of "White Widow" or "OG Kush". These strains (a breed, stock, or variety) of cannabis are named after their distinct profile of CBD, THC & other cannabinoids and terpene combinations. For example, a strain high in linalool may potentially be more sedating and relaxing compared to another strain that contains high levels of a-pinene and limonene. Cannabis is just one of many plants that use terpenes to enhance their naturally present therapeutic benefits. This is why lavender is associated with being relaxing, sedating and calming.

A team in 2011 led by researcher and neurologist, Ethan B. Russo, revealed how cannabinoids and terpenes work together to heighten and regulate the potential effects of each other in the body's endocannabinoid system. Russo, along with team, helped discover how other cannabinoids such as cannabidiol (CBD) and terpenes can have an increasing or decreasing effect on chemicals that interact with the endocannabinoid system along with the endocannabinoid system itself. This paper helped coin the term "entourage effect" where you have more than just one cannabinoid present along with a variety of other components such as terpenes, flavonoids, fibers, proteins, etc. which make up the entirety of the hemp plant.

When you look for CBD online or in store you want to make sure these terpenes are present in your oil, tinctures, or other product. This will be known as a "Full Spectrum" product. Full spectrum refers to having more than just the CBD molecule working together, this includes the terpenes found in hemp plants as well! Hemp is no different than any other plant, it also produces these terpenes in its own unique levels and concentrations. When you are purchasing a CBD oil or product make sure to ask your sales rep or friend if it contains these naturally occurring molecules in combination with the other naturally occurring cannabinoids.

Here at Discover CBD, we make sure all of our products contain only the best ingredients and best sources of hemp possible. When you taste our Active brand broad spectrum water soluble CBD tincture, you will know you are getting these terpenes as soon as the grassy, rooty taste of hemp hits your taste buds! Of course, we offer vanilla and cinnamon flavored tinctures if you do not like the hemp flavored tinctures. This is also a great way to differentiate one of our newest products - an MCT oil tincture that is made with CBD isolate, not full spectrum oil.

This new MCT oil tincture contains much higher levels of CBD but do not contain all of the components necessary to be full spectrum. These tinctures are literally made with two ingredients: MCT oil (medium chain triglycerides or highly refined coconut oil) and CBD isolate. This does not make the product any better or worse. Many people out there are finding relief with just CBD by itself while others find relief using full spectrum products. The new 1,250 and 2,500 mg MCT oil Tinctures are also the most economically friendly finished CBD product out there!

We also carry terpenes by themselves so you can add to whatever concoction you are making. We offer a high Myrcene terpene blend that is unique. We even lab test all of our terpene blends so you know exactly how much of which terpene you are actually getting. You can find our terpene lab results here. All of our terpenes are measured in milliliters, the smallest being 1/4 ml in size. These can be found here. Terpenes can be added to pretty much any creation you are making. Many of these include lotions, salves, tinctures and even vape juices. When making these concoctions, you can refer to our online website or call us directly if you are unsure about a step in the process. A little bit goes a long way!

That being said, terpenes in addition to cannabinoids seem to play an important role in the potential therapeutic benefits that affect our endocannabinoid system. From enhancing the effects of THC to providing additional benefits without the high, terpenes are all around us in everyday life. Next time you take a whiff of rosemary, thyme or lavender, be sure to keep these powerful little molecules in mind.

Don't hesitate to reach out to us with any of your questions or concerns! You can reach us directly at (719) 358-7553 or email me directly at don@DiscoverCBD.com

We currently have 4 locations, 2 in Colorado Springs and 1 in Denver:

North Colorado Springs: 3438 N. Academy Blvd.

South Colorado Springs: 3215 S. Academy Blvd.

Denver: 1490 S. Sheridan Blvd. Unit #106

Denver: 7537 E Iliff Ave, Denver, CO 80231