What Are Terpenes? Are They Legal?
What Are Terpenes Where do they come from?
Terpenes is a term or a word that will come across frequently when going through online CBD websites. But what exactly are there? They are considered a class of natural aromatic chemicals found in a very wide variety of essential oils, Plants, Foods and so on… ever smelt an orange being peeled in a room over from you? Those are terpenes at work! When humans consume terpenes orally or nasally, they can provide a fantastic effect!
Aroma’s that you might find in perfumes, Luxury creams, Fruits, Vegetables and so on all contain terpenes. Such as Black Pepper, Chamomile, Mint, Oud, Cedarwood & So on. But what about terpenes that are found in hemp or CBD oils. There is thought to be over 100 different terpenes inside hemp, which form its exclusive aroma and effect on the body.
How Many Terpenes Are There?
Although there are many different terpenes, some are more common than others. Well-known terpenes include:
- Myrcene
Myrcene is the most prominent terpene found in hemp, but it also features heavily in clover, sage, hops, and caraway.
- Limonene
Remember the refreshing scent of lemon we mentioned earlier—that's because of limonene. This terpene is used heavily in perfumes, cosmetics, and air fresheners.
- Beta-Caryophyllene
Spicy and peppery, beta-caryophyllene is best known for its presence in black pepper, cloves, and cinnamon.
- Linalool
You'll instantly recognise the floral aroma of linalool. It's a pungent terpene most commonly found in lavender.
Terpenes go hand in hand with CBD Oils and give them that delicious hempy flavour.
How Are Terpenes Isolated from Hemp?
Similar to CBD Isolate & CBD Distillate, Terpenes are extracted using a method called supercritical CO2 or Alcohol extraction. However, Terpenes can be quite temperamental with changes in temperature & pressure so extra care is required. So, when blending additional terpenes with CBD Extracts be sure to be careful with the process & do not overheat!
How Do Terpenes work?
Research on terpenes has been happening for a long period of time. There are a number of effects that have been identified by science, such as influencing receptors, nerves, enzymes & more. Since there is an abundance of terpenes out there, it is constantly being researched for further potential effects. Effecting nerves etc can in turn have an effect on mood, immune function, sleep & appetitive to name a few. So, combining terpenes with CBD oil is thought to enhance the biological effect on the body. This is what is known as ‘the entourage effect’, a coined term to describe the added benefits of combining two parts together.
Are Terpenes Legal?
Yes! They are legal all over the world. As far as research shows they do not have any negative effects, while they may induce certain feelings and emotions due to associated scents!
Why are they important to a CBD oil?
Their synergy with Cannabinoids in CBD oils is paramount to providing a good and effect CBD oil that can be bought online. The aroma they provide not just in CBD Products but in our day-to-day life should not be understand, they are everywhere you go, in many things you touch smell and eat in your day to day lives.
While there is still a lot to be learned with regards to their effects, many agree on the essential role that it plays in full spectrum CBD oils. Isolated terpenes are a very expensive material and only a few drops can add to the flavour significantly. We recommend browsing our store to try our CBD products that contain a vast range of terpenes!