Hi Everybody!! We made it to the weekend, YAY!! We’ve spent quite a bit of time in the lab this summer and have some exciting things in store for you. Today, we want to talk to you about terpenes and how they influence the quality of your CBD experience.
My Summer Holiday
While working in the lab, we’ve been thinking about our approach to our craft and what truly makes us different. Our attention to quality and detail are a big part of it, but there’s more to it than that. As Chase led the extraction and formulation processes we realized that we all share one thing. We share the belief that the full-spectrum, whole-plant extract provides the body with the best cannabinoid experience. It is this belief that separates us from many of our competitors. We also believe in the entourage effect that accompanies the full-spectrum extract and its ability to enhance the healing power of CBD. Terpenes play a big part in that process.
Part of the Entourage
In order to better understand terpenes, let’s take a closer look at the entourage effect. The entourage effect is what happens when all elements of the cannabis plant combine to create a more holistic end-user experience. The effect can increase the bioavailability of the target cannabinoids. The other elements of the plant can also interact in a synergistic way that increases efficacy of the target cannabinoids, whether it’s CBD, CBG, CBN or CBDA. Because the different elements interact with different parts of the ECS, this increases the overall effectiveness of plant therapy in general.
But What About the Terpenes?
So, what in the heck are terpenes and how do they figure into all of this? Terpenes, also known as terpenoids or isoprenoids, are the largest and most diverse group of compounds found in nature. They are responsible for the fragrance, taste and pigment of plants. Terpenes are traditionally associated with flavor and coloring, but they are also recognized as having a wide range of medicinal properties. It’s their medicinal properties that allow them to contribute significantly to the overall healing processes associated with CBD and other major cannabinoids.
The Medicine
Terpenes can be found in folk medicine medicinal plants like sage, tea, thyme and lavender. Modern science has recognized that terpenes have medicinal benefits including treating inflammation, stress, depression, and insomnia. Terpenes have also been acknowledged to have antiseptic and antibacterial properties as well, and can reduce the effects of asthma. There has even been speculation by Forbes as to whether or not the presence of specific terpenes in full-spectrum CBD extract make CBD an effective treatment against coronavirus.
But we are getting ahead of ourselves. When we refer to terpenes, you might have noticed the ‘s’ on the end. There are multiple terpenes that can positively affect your body. They’ve been referred to as “the hardworking herbal roadies to the cannabis flower rock-star” and while we appreciate the simile, we prefer to think of terpenes as the elite members of the hemp entourage.
Next up, we’ll introduce you to the members of the entourage and explain each of their roles in the overall entourage effect. Until then, enjoy your weekend – and don’t forget to take some time for yourself, you deserve it.