CBD cannabis plants offer a plethora of therapeutic benefits to consumers. Many people assume the high concentrations of CBD are the reason for these benefits. However, they are only part of the reason. The other reason has to do with the high amounts of terpenes in CBD cannabis plants.
Most plant species have aromatic compounds called terpenes. It just so happens that cannabis plants have higher amounts of terpenes than your average plant. Aromatic compounds produce a specific scent for the plant, such as lavender, pine, and orange. They also produce specific flavors and tastes as well.
Terpenes are located in the bud or flower of the cannabis plant. When CBD oil is extracted from a particular cannabis strain, it usually includes a high concentration of terpenes too. When the terpenes are added to CBD, it gives the consumer even more medical benefits. Most people are not aware of this and just assume CBD is solely responsible for the benefits. But that is not the case.
The natural purpose of terpenes is to protect plants from the environmental dangers around them. What scientists never realized before is that terpenes can also work to protect people as well. They just have to be consumed the right way by diluting them in other healthy chemical compounds, which would be CBD in this case.
CBD oil cartridges wholesale are suitable for people who want to vape the CBD and terpenes. But there are other consumption methods too. For example, there’s the candy form, and most users realize they cannot say no to CBD candy after tasting it.
We will talk more about that later in the article.
Terpenes in Cannabis Plants
According to research studies, cannabis plants have at least 120 different types of terpenes in them. Some cannabis plant strains have as much as 400 different terpenes in them. Most of these terpenes are insignificant because only very tiny amounts of them exist.
However, there are approximately 16 terpenes of importance in most cannabis plant strains. Each terpene is distinct due to its aroma, flavor, and medicinal benefits. Some terpenes will make you feel better than others. If you can learn more about these terpenes and how they react in the body, you’ll have a better idea of which cannabis strains will give you the medical results you want.
Below are the top 16 terpenes found in high-CBD cannabis strains.
1) Myrcene
Myrcene makes you feel much more relaxed after consumption. For hundreds of years, African countries have used myrcene to reduce inflammation and pain in individuals. Some say it is even better than traditional medicine in terms of the positive results and lack of side effects.
People who have trouble sleeping and suffer from insomnia might benefit from myrcene. Its ability to ease pain and promote relaxation in the body will make it much easier for someone to fall asleep at night. It’s because of the sleep-inducing ability of myrcene that it is found in most cannabis strains for insomnia.
Furthermore, high-CBD level cannabis strains have myrcene in them, so it shouldn’t be too hard to find.
Myrcene offers a very citrusy smell and taste, especially mango. It is the aroma and flavor to experience as you remain in a sedated state. Make sure you consume myrcene before bedtime, or else it will be difficult for you to find the energy to get through the rest of your day.
Remember that most people have trouble sleeping because of stress, anxiety, inflammation, and pain in the body. If you were to temporarily reduce or eliminate these feelings, it would make it much easier to fall asleep. You could also try taking it after you do a challenging workout at the gym because myrcene serves as a fabulous muscle relaxer.
2) Limonene
Limonene is a natural terpene found in citrus fruits and high-CBD cannabis strains. You’ll recognize it immediately because of its potent lemony aroma. Researchers have discovered that limonene is responsible for mood enhancement and depression reduction in some CBD cannabis strains.
You should consume limonene if you want a boost of energy. Perhaps you need energy for your workday or to perform sports or other outdoor activities. Limonene consumption would be suitable for any of these circumstances. You won’t need to wait very long for limonene to take effect because it quickly works inside your body.
People with feelings of helplessness have described how much better they feel after consuming limonene. The lemony and citrusy aroma makes people feel better at a subconscious level. It’s not necessarily because the aroma does something to make someone feel better. Instead, people’s brains have a natural tendency to respond better when the lemon aroma is sensed.
Other possible health benefits of limonene include anti-inflammation, digestive assistance, and clearer skin. Of course, everyone will respond differently to limonene, so all of these health benefits are not guaranteed. But it is more likely for someone to experience happiness and enthusiasm after consuming limonene.
3) Linalool
Linalool is a very common terpene found in hundreds of plant species, including cannabis plant strains. It offers a lavender-like aroma that has a way of relaxing the body and easing the senses. Some companies even put linalool oil in their bathing and fragrance products because the smell is pleasant and relaxing for people. These products include skin creams, soaps, and shampoos.
CBD products are another example. The linalool found in many high-CBD cannabis strains will keep you calm and sedated. There are even reports of it reducing stress and anxiety levels as well. That is why it is best to consume linalool at night or after you get home from work and want to relax.
Linalool is naturally found in many fruits and vegetables too. But when it is consumed with CBD together, it has a positive effect on the endocannabinoid system. It can reduce inflammation and help maintain a chemical balance throughout the body. Anyone suffering from chronic pain or insomnia will appreciate these benefits immensely.
4) Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is a terpene found in herbs, cloves, hops, and cannabis plants. Many cultures use caryophyllene as a spice for their foods because it tastes like black pepper. The U.S. Food & Drug Administration even approved caryophyllene as a generally safe additive for foods.
From a healthcare standpoint, caryophyllene is known for its pain reduction and anti-inflammatory benefits. Some doctors have even started mixing caryophyllene with opioid painkillers to make lower dosages more effective for patients. Not only does this relieve their pain, but it makes it easier for patients to recover from opioid addiction.
If you love the aroma and taste of black pepper, you should have no problem with a high-level CBD cannabis strain that has high concentrations of caryophyllene in it. You can consume it as an edible, smokable, or vape, and it will give you just as much pain relief and satisfaction.
According to the scientific journal entitled “Cancer Medicine,” there are no psychoactive effects from consuming caryophyllene for pain relief. It is the perfect chronic paint treatment for people who have been disappointed by addictive pain relievers.
5) Pinene
Pinene offers a pine aroma to some high-CBD cannabis strains. Some of those medical benefits include memory enhancement, anti-inflammation, pain relief, and anxiety reduction. You would normally find pinene in fruits and vegetables, but they also exist in cannabis flowers too.
There are actually two types of pinene terpenes in cannabis strains: alpha-pinene and beta-pinene. They are both water-insoluble, colorless, and oil-soluble. But the difference is that beta-pinene is merely responsible for the flavor, while alpha-pinene offers all the medical benefits.
Look for full-spectrum CBD oil if you want to consume the pinene and other terpenes of a cannabis strain. You’ll feel the effects much sooner than if you had edibles. Pinene is excellent to take at any time of the day when you’re feeling down and stressed. It can lift you back up again and keep you moving along without as much anxiety.
6) Terpinene
Terpinene is a terpene with amazing antimicrobial and antibacterial properties. That is why a lot of skincare product manufacturers like to put terpinene in their products. It does an incredible job of reducing acne, dermatitis, and other skin-based inflammatory conditions.
Most cannabis strains contain terpinene, but the concentration levels are small. What is particularly unusual is that the terpinene in high-CBD cannabis strains has been known to cause mild anxiety in consumers. So, do not expect to experience any kind of anti-depressant or stress-relieving benefits from this terpene.
The most significant benefit of consuming terpinene-containing cannabis strains is their anti-inflammatory effects. Some people like to smoke the terpinene orally, but it would be better for the skin to use a CBD-based skincare lotion or cream. It will likely have higher concentrations of terpinene put into it. You won’t feel anxiety effects from topical products either.
7) Guaiol
Guaiol is one of the few terpenes in CBD cannabis plants that are alcohol-based. People love guaiol because it tastes like plums with its sweet flavor. There is only a low concentration of guaiol in CBD cannabis strains, but it is enough to deliver some medical benefits.
Chinese doctors have used guaiol for centuries as an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory treatment solution. It has been known to treat common diseases like sore throat, gout, and arthritis. That would explain why certain CBD strains do such a great job of reducing chronic pains from arthritis and muscle strain conditions.
Of course, there is no current scientific evidence to support these claims. All you can do is listen to the people who’ve experienced these benefits firsthand. Rather than consume guaiol-based CBD cannabis orally, it would be more effective to use CBD cream. A topical or extract CBD product can target a specific area and reduce the pain in that location more quickly.
8) Bisabolol
Bisabolol is a terpene found in many species of plants and flowers, such as chamomile and cannabis. It emits a sweet flavor and potent flowery aroma upon consumption. Bisabolol offers the greatest medical benefits when consumed with CBD. So naturally, it is best to consume CBD oil products to enjoy the benefits of this terpene.
What are the benefits? The main benefits are increased relaxation, muscle relaxation, and sedation. If you’re having trouble sleeping at nighttime or need to relax after a stressful day at work, you might find bisabolol to be highly beneficial. It also has a fair degree of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory effects as well.
Bisabolol is available in CBD oil and CBD cream products. Some cosmetic companies will even put it in their perfumes and fragrances because of its flowery smell. Skincare companies use it as an ingredient for treating skin inflammation, eczema, psoriasis, and acne.
There is virtually no chance of skin irritation if you apply it topically. The chemical compounds of bisabolol can help heal the skin rather than damage it. Numerous cultures worldwide have used bisabolol to treat skin rashes, wounds, insect bites, and other forms of skin irritation.
9) Nerolidol
Nerolidol is the best terpene for CBD skincare products. Its chemical compounds make it easier for the skin to absorb CBD and receive the benefits it. Even though there are only small amounts of nerolidol in cannabis, it is still highly effective because they make CBD more effective.
Nerolidol serves as an antioxidant, anti-cancer, antimicrobial and anti-fungal treatment solution. It comes from several different plant species, including tea-tree, lavender, ginger, jasmine, and cannabis. The aroma and taste are a cross between a flowery bouquet and fruity sweetness. If you’re a fan of citrus fruits, you’ll love the aroma and taste of nerolidol.
Some medical studies suggest that nerolidol positively influences CBD and its pain-relieving effects on the body. It works best as a skincare solution in creams and lotions, though. You can smoke or eat nerolidol in a cannabis product, but it won’t do much for the skin unless you apply it directly.
10) Carene
Carene is naturally found in basil and cannabis. It has a sweet aroma and a bitter flavor. This terpene is most popular for its anti-inflammatory benefits. Cosmetic companies use carene in a number of their skincare products because it does a good job of battling skin inflammation. Some evidence even suggests it has antihistamine effects too.
You can consume carene as a smokable product or a topical CBD cream. Smoking a CBD cannabis strain with carene is best done if you want to relieve arthritis pains. But if you need to target a specific area on your body that is inflamed, then go with the CBD cream version.
11) Eucalyptol
Eucalyptol is a common terpene found in several plant and herb species, such as wormwood, bay leaves, sweet basil, rosemary, and cannabis. It is great for treating inflammatory, gastrointestinal, and respiratory conditions. Some studies suggest it can reduce anxiety and stress levels too.
The flavor is minty and spicy, with a cooling aftertaste. Both food companies and cosmetic companies use eucalyptol as a flavoring agent and fragrance; respectively. However, it is used in very small quantities because too much eucalyptol consumption can be toxic.
Most natural cannabis plant species have under .06% eucalyptol. It is still enough to make a CBD oil product effective at treating inflammation, respiratory issues, and gastrointestinal problems. Of course, there is no guarantee whether everyone’s body will have the same reaction to eucalyptol. Due to the small risk of toxicity, you should consult with a doctor prior to consuming it.
12) Camphene
Camphene is a common terpene found in most CBD cannabis plants. Scientific research indicates that camphene has the potential to treat heart disease and cancer. That can be attributed to its high level of antioxidants and antitumor properties. The camphene levels in cannabis are small but effective.
You probably won’t like the taste or smell of camphene. People have compared it to the taste and smell of kerosene oil. However, its ability to eliminate free radicals and reduce cancerous tumor growth is a good enough reason to tolerate the taste and smell. After all, the whole purpose of consuming camphene is for its medical benefits.
If you can find CBD cream with camphene in it, you can enjoy anti-inflammatory benefits to fight against skin conditions like eczema and psoriasis. A 2016 medical study suggested that camphene may reduce cholesterol and triglycerides in the body too. This has not been proven conclusively, but it is worth mentioning as another potential benefit.
13) Borneol
Borneol is traditional medicine in Chinese culture. The Chinese have used borneol for thousands of years to increase blood circulation in the body. Some people who’ve suffered a coma, traumatic brain injury, stroke, or heart attack have shown signs of improvement after being administered borneol.
One pharmaceutical drug called PTX contains borneol. The drug is used to reduce the size of cancerous tumor growth. Multiple studies have proven that it is successful in doing so because of the borneol. If you’re someone who cares about the blood circulation or potential cancerous growth in their body, you should look into getting a CBD cannabis strain with borneol.
The Chinese like to use borneol as a digestive aid as well. If you ever receive Chinese acupuncture treatment, you may find that burning CBD cannabis flower is part of the treatment. The aroma is supposed to aid in both your digestive and brain function. There is no scientific proof of the effectiveness, but testimonials swear it works wonders.
14) Terpineol
Terpineol is found in a variety of cannabis plants. It emits a flowery aroma that resembles a mixture of lilacs and apple blossoms. This terpene is one of the strongest sedatives to be found in a CBD cannabis strain. If you consume terpineol in the morning, you will have trouble making it through the rest of the day because you’ll just want to relax. That is why it’s better to consume terpineol at nighttime.
Terpineol has such a sweet taste and smell. You can’t help but relax as soon as you consume it. Anyone with an insomnia problem should try terpineol before any prescription sleep aid. Its ability to suppress the central nervous system into complete relaxation is astonishing.
Some studies have shown that terpineol might have anti-inflammatory and antitumor properties. Treating inflammation and cancer shouldn’t be the main reason to consume terpineol, but it is a nice additional bonus to the strong sedative effect it provides.
15) Valencene
Valencene is a terpene known for being in Valencia oranges, but it is also found in some strains of cannabis. As you can guess, it emits a strong orange and tangerine scent. When you taste valencene in your mouth, the fruity taste will be there too. But the point of consuming valencene is for its antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory properties.
Terpene valencene is an ingredient used in certain perfumes and insect repellants. Some CBD skin creams use valencene for their antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is always better to consume valencene with CBD rather than as an isolate. CBD allows valencene to be more effective and vice versa.
16) Geraniol
Geraniol is found in cannabis, roses, and lemongrass. It is produced from the scent glands of honeybees. Food companies use geraniol to manufacture several fruity flavors, such as plum, apple, grapefruit, raspberry, pineapple, and peach. Some bathing products also contain geraniol because of its fruity smell.
Humans will enjoy CBD cannabis strains with geraniol because of the sedative effects. Geraniol is a great terpene to use if you’re feeling stressed, angry, or depressed. It will calm you down and make you feel more relaxed at the end of your day. Some studies suggest it has neuroprotective properties, although this has not been proven beyond a reasonable doubt.
The Best High-CBD Strains for Terpenes
Okay, so you learned about the 16 primary terpenes found in high-CBD cannabis strains. Now you should learn about the high-CBD cannabis strains themselves. Many people are confused about which strains have more CBD than THC and vice versa. We’ll discuss that in a moment.
The reason you’ll want to focus on high-CBD low-THC strains is to avoid the psychoactive effects of THC. If you choose a strain where the dominant cannabinoid is THC, then you’ll experience symptoms of paranoia. Those are never fun for anybody. The idea is to maintain a clear and focused mind while enjoying the benefits of CBDs and terpenes.
Below are the top 5 best high-CBD strains for consuming terpenes.
1) Cannatonic
Cannatonic is a high-CBD strain with limonene, myrcene, and caryophyllene in it. This gives you a combination effect of pain relief, anxiety reduction, and muscle spasm reduction. Myrcene offers the most sedating effects, which is essential for anyone suffering from inflammation, trouble sleeping or chronic pains.
2) Dancehall
Dancehall is another high-CBD strain with limonene, myrcene, and caryophyllene in it. The difference is that dancehall has higher amounts of caryophyllenes. This gives the strain more of a spicy aroma similar to cinnamon, black pepper, and cloves. Most importantly, you’ll get to enjoy relief from chronic pain and inflammation.
3) Harlequin
Harlequin CBD contains myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene as the primary terpenes. When you combine these terpenes with the 5:2 ratio of CBD-to-THC, you have one heck of a pain-relieving cannabis strain. The flavors include a combination of sweet mango and earthy musk. That indicates the most dominant terpene of the three is myrcene.
4) Remedy
Remedy is a combination of Afghan Skunk and Cannatonic. Its main terpenes are pinene, myrcene and caryophyllene. Its terpene and CBD profile are almost the same as the harlequin strain. The biggest difference is that remedy has a lemony scent with both pinene and myrcene as its dominant terpenes. People suffering from pain, anxiety, or inflammation will benefit the most from this strain.
5) Sour Tsunami
Sour Tsunami is the classic CBD cannabis strain. It contains a terpene combination of caryophyllene, myrcene and terpinolene. What makes this strain particularly different from the other strains is its high concentration of terpinolene. This strain offers a musky and sweet diesel scent with its consumption. Its antibacterial and antioxidant properties make it extremely healthy for the body.
Method of Consumption
How should you consume these high-CBD strains to absorb these beneficial terpenes? Many scientific studies have been done into the consumption of terpenes. The studies weren’t specifically focusing on cannabis but rather the terpene compounds themselves. Researchers want to know if the body reacts differently to terpenes based on how they’re consumed.
Remember that terpenes are found in many of the fruits and vegetables we eat. So obviously, it should be okay to absorb terpenes in our digestive system. But the question remains whether it is safe to consume terpenes as a CBD supplement rather than as part of a food product.
The choice for terpene consumption through CBD products is as follows:
- Smoking – The classic consumption method. People have burned cannabis leaves and smoked them for centuries. It produces the fastest results for people with anxiety, seizures, and digestive issues. Although some terpenes will irritate your lungs when inhaled, they provide amazing medical benefits to make up for it.
- Vaping – If you want a safer way to consume terpenes without irritating your lungs, then you should try vaping CBD cannabis plants. It is one of the newer ways to consume cannabis and has become an alternative to smoking for millions of cannabis users. The euphoric sensation might not be as significant, but you can still enjoy the same great benefits for the body.
- Edibles – The most natural way to consume terpene is with CBD Even though terpenes exist in certain foods, it is better to combine CBD and terpenes together in your system. The terpenes and CBD will make each other more effective. It will improve your digestive health, lower cholesterol, lower triglycerides in cells, and help you relax for a longer time.
- Oil Tinctures – Here is a nice alternative to eating CBD food edibles. If you want an ultra-fast way to consume terpenes, then a couple of drops of CBD oil under the tongue will do the trick. The terpenes and CBD will quickly circulate through your blood and central nervous system. Just make sure you purchase your CBD oil tinctures from a reputable dealer. The oil must be diluted properly before consumed, or else it can have negative effects on your health.
- Topicals – As you learned previously, the anti-inflammatory properties of certain types of terpenes can do wonders for your skin health. They can treat skin suffering from acne, eczema, and dermatitis. You simply apply the CBD cream directly to the affected area of your skin. It is a great pain reliever and inflammation reducer.
Everyone has a preference for how they want to consume CBD and terpenes. However, it would help if you thought more about how your body reacts to various consumption methods. Smoking or vaping could have an adverse reaction in certain people with acute allergies or hypersensitivities. Your best bet is to be cautious and experiment with low doses of CBD to see which consumption method is the best for you.
How to Buy the Right CBD Product
When you buy ACDC strain online or any other type of CBD cannabis strain, you must look for a certificate of analysis from a third-party laboratory. This analytical information will give you a complete rundown of the chemical compounds found in the strain, such as the levels of terpenes and cannabinoids. It will even list their names too (e.g., guaiol, pinene, CBD, THC, etc.).
If an advertised CBD product does not contain this information, you will have no way of knowing which terpenes exist in it. Don’t take the chance of investing in any CBD product unless you can see this information first