You’ve probably seen all the different terpenes rolling onto our digital shelves. At first is was Cannanda back in 2020, and now we have several Australian brands making terpene blends for humans and animals. They can be eaten, used as aromatherapy and rubbed on skin…but just what exactly are they and what in the world do they have to do with Hemp? In this blog we’ll give you the rundown on terpenes, where they come from and how they’re beneficial to your wellness.
Terpenes
Terpenes are aromatic compounds of plants. Pretty simple right? The strength and significance of the smell of the plant is an indicator of their terpene content. Plants high in these therapeutic compounds include:
- Citrus
- Hops
- Lavender
- Pine, and
- Cannabis
Among many many others. These aromatic compounds are what give essential oils their therapeutic potency.
Current research has honed in on exactly what these compounds are, as well as their effects and benefits. When it comes to cannabis terpenes, this research has completely changed the way we understand strains. Once upon a time we thought Sativa meant “the energy one” and Indica meant “the sleepy one”. We now know that the effects of cannabis are far more nuanced than that and have more to do with the combinations and ratios of the terpenes available in the plant.
Your Endocannabinoid System
Just like cannabinoids like CBD and CBG, terpenes join the entourage effect that occurs when we consume broad- or full-spectrum cannabis. However, what it does in the endocannabinoid system (ECS) is a little different.
While cannabinoids interact directly by binding to the CB1 and CB2 receptors, Terpenes modulate the activity of the ECS and other signalling molecules in several ways, including:
- Enhancing cannabinoid receptor activity
- Modulating neurotransmitter activity
- Inhibiting enzymes
- Acting as allosteric modulators
- Acting as anti-inflammatory agents
These mechanisms contribute to the therapeutic effects of terpenes in the body.
Why add terpenes to your regime?
Terpenes were originally brought on to the market as an entry level alternative to CBD therapy, and can be used that way or to enhance and direct your CBD experience. When you add terpenes to your wellness regime you give yourself more say in what your ECS is doing for you. With terpenes you can:
- Improve sleep quality
- Enhance mood and performance
- Supress appetite
- Reduce anxiety and depression
- Support immune function
And a lot more. They bring you the therapeutic benefits of consuming cannabis, without the high.
Note
Although they’re found in cannabis, it’s important to remember that terpenes are found in so many plants, and aren’t primarily associated with cannabis. Before being put together for therapeutics purposes you could already find them in several everyday products, like soap and hand cream. It’s only recently that the scientific community has exploded on the benefits of terpenes, and a lot of that has to do with getting higher knowledge and quality standards for prescribing medical cannabis.
Check out our ever growing range of terpene and other wellness products here. If you have any more questions on how you can use terpenes to benefit you or your family feel free to contact Hemp Store on (02) 4344 2300 or info@hempstore.com.au.
Have a Hempy Day Fam!
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