Photo by Jane Wilde
Have you ever noticed the citrusy zing of a lemon, the calming smell of lavender or the sharp freshness of pine? That's terpenes at work. They're the naturally occurring compounds that give plants their distinctive aromas and hemp is full of them, giving certain CBD products their unique scent and flavour. But they may also play a role in how CBD affects your body.
You have met them before without knowing it. Terpenes are what essential oils are rich in, though they are individual compounds rather than the whole oil: linalool is the one behind lavender, limonene the one behind citrus.
The entourage effect: more than just CBD
The entourage effect is the idea that cannabinoids, terpenes and other plant compounds work better together than in isolation.
CBD is the lead singer, but the music only works when the whole band is playing.
Broad-spectrum CBD products, like those we offer at unspun, are designed to preserve these natural compounds while filtering out THC. That means you get the potential benefits of the entourage effect, without the high.
Why terpenes could matter for your wellness
Terpenes aren't just about smell or taste. Research suggests that different terpenes may have distinct properties, many of which have been studied independently of cannabis for decades. While these effects aren't guaranteed and more clinical research is needed, understanding terpenes gives you one more reason to consider broad-spectrum CBD over isolate.
Lavender, citrus and pine: terpenes are behind every scent you know.
Limonene:
Found in citrus peels, this terpene has a zesty aroma and is being studied for its potential mood-lifting effects.
Myrcene:
Common in hops and mangoes, myrcene may contribute to relaxation and calm.
Linalool:
The floral compound behind lavender's longstanding reputation for soothing and stress relief. It has some of the strongest research behind it, with several studies looking at its calming properties.
Pinene:
With a fresh pine scent, pinene is being studied for its potential to support alertness and respiratory function.
Caryophyllene:
This spicy, peppery terpene is unique in that it can bind directly to CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system, making it the only terpene known to do so.
How to choose CBD with terpenes in mind
Not all CBD is created equal. If you
want the full benefit of plant synergy, look for products that are:
- Broad or full spectrum, rather than isolate.
- Third-party tested to confirm cannabinoid and terpene content. A brand should be able to show you the certificate of analysis.
- Extracted in a way that protects the plant compounds, whether that is CO₂ or cold pressing.
- Sourced from EU-grown hemp.
Our oil is broad spectrum and CO₂ extracted. Our gummies are full spectrum and cold pressed. Both keep the plant’s terpenes. Our chocolate is made with CBD isolate, so it does not. All 3 are made with EU-grown hemp.
Understanding what works for you
The best way to know whether terpenes are making a difference isn't about which product smells nicest. It's about paying attention to how you actually feel when using CBD consistently.
Everyone responds to CBD differently and terpene profiles are one of the variables that may influence your experience. If you're curious about tracking your progress, have a look at our piece on CBD journalling to help you figure out what's making the difference.
Finding your calm
At the end of the day, CBD isn't just about what it does. It's about how it makes you feel. And terpenes play a real part in shaping that experience.
So the next time you take a drop of oil or chew a gummy, take a moment to notice. Not just the taste or the scent, but how you feel an hour later. That's where the terpenes are doing their work.
References
Russo, E. B. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-terpenoid entourage effects. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165946/
Booth, J. K., Page, J. E., & Bohlmann, J. (2017). Terpene synthases from Cannabis sativa. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28355238/
Healthline – CBD and Terpenes Explained https://www.healthline.com/health/cannabis-terpenes