If you have ever had a waft of particularly aromatic plants such as lavender, you’ve encountered terpenes. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that create the distinct scent of many plants like hemp, pine, lavender, and oranges.
However, creating the aroma of hemp and other plants is not the only purpose of these important chemicals. Terpenes serve a protective function for the plant and may also offer some health benefits to the human body.
Read on to find out more about the benefits of terpenes in CBD.
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What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are fragrant organic compounds found in hemp and other plants that bind to receptors in the human body and carry a variety of health benefits.* Terpenes are responsible for the aroma and flavors of some hemp-derived CBD products, like our Original Formula, and influence its effects by interacting with cannabinoids.
Hemp-derived terpenes are formed inside hemp trichomes, and their relative presence is directly affected by both the spectrum and intensity of light exposure. Terpene profiles vary amongst hemp plants, influencing their unique aroma profiles. Different hemp plants will produce distinct scents based on their unique blend of terpenes.
Why Do Plants Produce Terpenes?
In some plants, terpenes act as a way to attract pollinators or repel predators, such as insects or foraging animals. Terpenes also play a protective role, helping the plant to recover from damage, while others act as a part of the plant’s immune system to keep away harmful germs.
Types of Terpenes
There are many distinct types of terpenes, each with a unique aroma profile and purpose. Some of the most common terpenes found in hemp plants are:
- Caryophyllene– A terpene in hemp, caryophyllene is also found in hops, cloves, and rosemary. It carries an herbal aroma synonymous with these plants.
- alpha – Humulene– This terpene is dominant in hops. It’s also present in sage, clove, basil, black pepper, and ginseng, and carries a corresponding “hoppy” aroma.
- Limonene– Most commonly found in citrus fruits, in which it provides that citrus smell.
- Linalool– This terpene is found in rosewood, bergamot, coriander, rose, jasmine, and lavender. It produces a very pleasant floral aroma and is often used in soaps and perfumes.
- Myrcene– Most commonly associated with the signature “earthy” aroma found in most hemp plants.
- Ocimene– Produces a strong, sweet, herbal scent. wide variety of plant life, including mint, mangoes, basil, and orchids.
- Pinene– Similar to its name, it is commonly found in pine trees and other conifers, pinene is also responsible for the “piney” aroma of certain hemp plants.
- Terpinolene– It’s commonly found in plants known for pleasant fragrances, such as rosemary, conifers, lilacs, and apples. It creates a fresh herbal-citrus aroma.
- alpha Bisabolol– This terpene was first isolated from Matricaria chamomilla (Asteraceae) in the twentieth century and has since been identified in other aromatic plants such as Eremanthus erythropappus, Smyrniopsis aucheri, Vanillosmopsis species, and Salvia runcinata.
