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What Are Terpenes?

What are terpenes? Image of hemp flower

Terpene is one of those words you often hear in the CBD and cannabis industry. But a lot of people don’t dig into what terpenes are. To make things easy, if you’ve ever smelled an essential oil, then you’ve come across a terpene! From cloves to pine to citrus, terpenes are the natural oils that give hemp and cannabis (and other fruits and plants) their distinct smell, color, and flavor. Your CBD experience is greatly influenced by the terpenes that are present in the product.

Where Do Terpenes Come From?

Terpenes are organic compounds that are naturally produced by plants and insects that are believed to discourage predators. In cannabis and hemp, terpenes give the flowers their scents and flavors, and variety of effects. Therefore, they greatly influence in identifying the different strains in hemp and cannabis. Terpenes even help in the naming of the strains based on the taste, glavors, and nose. 

What Are the Effects of Terpenes?

When you smell lavender, most people experience a calming effect when smelling it. And the more fragrant the herb, the more calmer you’ll feel. The same mentality applies to terpenes and their relationship to hemp. Terpenes give the hemp a recognizable smell and taste. Their effects are both physical and mental, from fighting stress to alleviating pain. But similar to CBD, terpenes do not get you high.

Terpenes and the Entourage Effect

As of recent scientific discovery, terpenes with the addition of cannabinoids work together in what is known as the entourage effect. The entourage effect is the theory that cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids work together to create an enhanced experience for the user. This is why full-spectrum CBD products are perceived as more beneficial.

The Most Common Terpenes

While there are many thousands of terpenes that exist in nature, there are a few that are common amongst cannabis and hemp plants. These main ones include: 

  • Myrcene: most known for its calming and relaxing effect. Peppery, spicy taste. Anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Limonene: elevated mood, stress-relieving. Citrus, lemon, and orange taste. Anti-anxiety benefits. 
  • Pinene: mental alertness. Pine taste. Anti-inflammatory benefits.
  • Caryophyllene: helpful in alleviating depression and anxiety. Cinnamon and black pepper taste.
  • Humulene: studies suggest it may play a role in appetite suppression. Clove and basil taste. Anti-inflammatory benefits.

All of Kentucky’s Best Hemp’s CBD products are made with 100% pure Kentucky hemp that is rich in terpenes and cannabinoids. You can find a wide selection of these flavor packed and terpene-rich hemp and CBD products in our online store.

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