What are terpenes and why do they matter?
Terpenes are the magic ingredients behind every day smells that make us feel something. CBD products contain many of these, here's a quick look at why you you might get an extra boost from your CBD!
In short: Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds that give plants their distinctive aromas — like the citrus of lemon or the calm of lavender. In CBD products, terpenes may work alongside cannabinoids through what researchers call the entourage effect, where plant compounds enhance each other's benefits. This is why full-spectrum and broad-spectrum oils often outperform CBD isolate.
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.
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, 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 multiple studies pointing to anti-anxiety and 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-spectrum.
- Third-party tested to confirm cannabinoid and terpene content.
- Made with CO₂ extraction, which helps preserve sensitive plant compounds like terpenes.
- Sourced from EU-grown hemp, to ensure quality and regulatory compliance.
At Unspun, we tick every one of those boxes. Our CBD oils and edibles are crafted with care, tested for purity, and made to help you stress less and live more naturally.
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.
FAQs about terpenes in CBD
Q: Do Unspun products contain terpenes?
A: Yes. Our broad-spectrum oils, gummies, and chocolates are made using CO₂ extraction to preserve natural cannabinoids and terpenes. You get the benefits of the plant, minus the THC.
Q: Are terpenes the same as essential oils?
A: Not quite. Terpenes are found in essential oils, but they're individual compounds, not full oils. Many essential oils are rich in certain terpenes, like linalool in lavender or limonene in citrus.
Q: Can terpenes affect how CBD works?
A: Potentially. Research suggests terpenes may enhance or modify the effects of cannabinoids like CBD, which is why broad-spectrum products may feel different from CBD isolate.
Q: Do terpenes show up on drug tests?
A: No. Terpenes are not psychoactive and won't trigger any drug tests. They're also found in many common foods and herbs.
Q: How can I tell which terpenes are in a product?
A: Reputable brands will often provide lab reports (Certificates of Analysis) showing cannabinoid and terpene profiles. At Unspun, transparency is part of our promise, and we're always happy to share the data.
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