Do Terpenes Get You High? [No, Learn Their Benefits Here]

Terpenes alone cannot get you high. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that can be found in everyday cleaning products and your favorite foods! They create the scent of cannabis, pine, lavender, orange peels, and more. However, creating the aroma of hemp and other plants is not its only purpose.

Not only do cannabis derived terpenes affect the smell and flavor of your favorite foods, but they are also responsible for so many potential benefits, namely that smell you love in your flower strain! Terpenes can also serve as a protective function for plants and may offer some wellness benefits to the human body. Keep reading about the great effects terpenes have to offer!

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are natural compounds that are found in every plant. They are responsible for a plant’s flavor and smell.

Terpenes are aromatic metabolites that are found inside plant oils. They are produced in the cannabis plant inside the trichomes. Trichomes can be defined as “fine outgrowths or appendages on plants, algae, lichens, and certain protists.” They serve as a deterrent for animals because of their bitter taste. Only about 30% of plants have been found to have trichomes.

Trichomes (also known as resin glands) occur on the plants’ buds, flowers, and leaves. These glands are responsible for producing terpenes and cannabinoids, including CBD and THC. Manufacturers have become so advanced they can extract terpenes and heighten their affects without harming the CBD.

Related: The Best Terpenes: Sweet Smells And Tastes That Define Your Strains

Terpenes vs. Terpenoids

Terpenes and terpenoids are terms that are used interchangeably, often confused as being the same thing. However, terpenoids are chemically different than terpenes. Without getting too complicated, terpenes are simple hydrocarbons, and terpenoids are not.

If you want to get technical, terpenoids’ key difference lies in their oxidized methyl group. But if you really want to dive deep, check out this chapter on the two compounds! Terpenoids can naturally occur in plants and spices, but they can also be synthetically produced. Well-known terpenoids include menthol, camphor, and salvinorin A.

Are Terpenes Cannabinoids?

Not quite. Terpenes simply add to the flavor and taste of your CBD product based on the cannabis strain. Anyone can consume hemp plants stripped of their natural taste and smell and get similar benefits, but where’s the fun in that?

You might not have known the name for it until now, but you surely know what it is. Ever wondered why the sultry aroma of lavender makes you calm? Or the pungent taste of a lime wakes you up? It’s because of terpenes! Terpenes are chemicals released from plants that determine how they smell and taste.

More so, the added terpene effect encourages these aromatic chemical compounds certain therapeutic benefits. For example, Cheef Botanical’s lemon-flavored CBD vapes utilize the powerful citrus aroma, which gives its consumers a quick boost of energy at every puff.

How Do Terpenes Work?

Cannabis terpenes are capable of interacting with our Endocannabinoid System (ECS). They bind to endocannabinoid receptors located throughout the brain and body. For example, depending on what receptors they react with, different terpenes can help sleep and relax muscles. Others can elevate mood and increase energy.

When terpenes work together with cannabinoids, their potential increases dramatically. They also can modify how much of a cannabinoid is absorbed. Because of this, they can increase or decrease the amount of CBD absorbed in the body. We take all of this into consideration when creating our CBD products!

What Are The Effects Of Terpenes?

Terpenes are chemical compounds found in almost every plant. Scientists have found over 20,000! About 150 of these have been found in hemp. A terpene profile is the combination of terpenes that can be found in a plant. Cannabis plants are known for its rich profile. The dozens of terpenes found in cannabis can be combined in hundreds of ways, and each profile has a unique attribute.

Terpenes bind to receptors in the brain and give rise to many great effects! They attach to our endocannabinoid system and aid cannabinoids in entering the bloodstream. The effects of consuming superfoods such as components of the hemp plant can potentially increase overall wellness.

Here is a list of effects cannabis terpenes can provide!

• Reduce Swelling
• Soothe physical discomfort and pain
• Enhance mood
• Aromatherapy
• Increased relaxation
• Soothe irritated skin
• Promote natural digestion
• Alleviate intoxicating effects associated with THC

Do Terpenes Get You High?

No! Terpenes alone cannot intoxicate you. It is the effect of Delta-9 THC that is responsible for intoxication. While these aromatic cannabis compounds play an important role in anything they’re added to, they cannot cause psychoactive effects or a “high” on their own. So, while you’ll also find them in marijuana strains, keep in mind that it is not the terpenes causing the high. If you isolate these sweet-smelling compounds from a cannabis plant, you will still experience the pleasant scents and flavors, but nothing else.

Different terpenes have been capable of increasing or decreasing the effects of THC. Studies have shown that terpenes found in lemons, black pepper, pine nuts, or calamus plant root may effectively soothe the intoxicating effects of THC.

Can Terpenes Impact The Effects Of CBD?

Terpenes can have an impact on the effects of CBD. When all components extracted from the hemp plant work together, you get the “entourage effect.” This effect refers to the boost in CBD’s effectiveness when many of hemp’s natural compounds are ingested simultaneously. Since terpenes are part of hemp’s natural makeup, they add to the entourage effect!

Finding CBD loaded with terpenes can be a bit difficult. When CBD is extracted from hemp plants, many of the naturally occurring terpenes can be damaged in the process. These compounds are easily damaged, so they are the first molecule to vaporize when heat is applied to flower.

Can Terpenes Be Vaped?

Absolutely! In fact, vaping is probably the best method when it comes to getting the most out of your terpenes and cannabinoids. Here at Cheef, our specialty is vaping. We have a large selection of flavors paired with up to 400 mg of powerful, all-natural CBD. Vaping is a fan favorite for those who desire a rich flavor and smell from their CBD products.

What Else Impacts The Effects of CBD?

There are a few things that can heighten or lessen the effects of CBD. Broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD might seem complicated, but it’s really simple once we dissect what each of these products entails. We’ll also take a look at flavonoids, which play a crucial role.

Full Spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD products contain all of the components in the hemp plant (cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes). This means it includes trace amounts of THC. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized CBD derived from hemp. Federally legal full-spectrum CBD products will contain 0.3% THC or less. 0.3% THC is not enough to make you feel intoxicated.

Broad Spectrum CBD

Broad spectrum CBD does not contain THC. It does contain other hemp plant components so that it won’t be 100% CBD alone. Why would these two very similar products exist if they are the same except for one component? Well, broad-spectrum CBD products give people who would rather avoid THC altogether a suitable option.

Flavonoids

Both odor and flavor are in part due to the combined qualities of terpenes and flavonoids. Flavonoids provide the pigmentation in cannabis, just as they do other flowers. They are not unique to the cannabis plant. Thousands have been found throughout nature, in flowers, fruits, vegetables, a multitude of cannabis strains, etc.

Flavonoids are what give cannabis its unique character. They play a distinct role in how we differentiate between strain varieties. Our full spectrum oils are a great way to explore the great benefits CBD has to offer. Experience the entourage effect for yourself!

How Do You Maximize Terpene Effects? 

Storing your desired CBD product in a temperature and damage controlled environment is the most straightforward way to keep your CBD product fresh and the terpenes to the max. Generally getting your terpenes to pop with a rich flavor and smell happens in the grow room. Certain factors like lighting, watering, soil upkeep, and timed biological stressing are great for getting your plant oily and full of that sweet aromatic plant goop. Proper growing techniques get your plant’s juices flowing, literally and figuratively. 

Though for most consumers, having access to the plants at the growing stage and the knowledge to get their terpenes to a maximum is impossible. Some forms and methods of consuming your desired CBD product may affect the terpene quality. 

CBD, or really all hemp-derived hemp products, empower the terpene profile of the plant. Most CBD products, like flowers or oil, will highlight the terpene profile because the aromatic flavors and smells that stem from these products contribute to getting you all that natural wellness. 

More so, the added terpene affect encourages certain therapeutic benefits. For example: Cheef Botanical’s lemon-flavored CBD vapes utilize the powerful citrus aromas, which is meant to give its consumers a quick boost of energy at every puff. 

Utilize Natural Terpenes

Why enjoy the natural offspring of Mother Nature if it’s tainted with synthetic byproducts and chemicals? Today’s current CBD and hemp market is saturated with brands that claim they’re natural, but a quick look through their ingredients says otherwise. Watch out for this in your vapes! The process of condensing the plant to a CBD vapable substance often includes synthetic and chemical processes that disqualify their “all-natural” title.

Always buy from brands (like Cheef Botanicals) that only utilize all-natural ingredients and can prove it too! All of our products come verified through a Certificate of Analysis (COA), which is a document provided by a third-party lab that showcases all of the ingredients, terpenes, and cannabinoids within your product. Brands that proudly provide COA show they are confident that their products are worth your time. Avoid competition that doesn’t have a COA listed completely.

Avoid The Heat

Dabbing, which involves high heat, may degrade synthetic terpenes, resulting in harmful byproducts. If you want to preserve your terpenes and keep them at their best for a while, avoid using a heat source and store your product in a cool dark zone where it won’t be damaged. Vaping or consuming your CBD through edibles is the most effective way to ensure your terpenes are the best they can possibly be.

Keep Terpenes Fresh 

Your favorite CBD product will be at its best when stored properly. Keep your CBD in a controlled environment. Doing so will not only make your product last longer, but the terpenes will be richer, and the effects will be greater too!

Terpenes and cannabinoids tend to deteriorate over time. Try not to let them stay on the shelf and unused for too long.

After observing the general markers (plant damage, dry soil, etc.…) that could affect your plant’s terpene content, give it a sniff. If your plant smells a little off or is not as vibrant and sweet as it once did, it may be why you can’t seem to get that desired effect from your plant.

Record Your Results

Everyone reacts to CBD differently. Some cannabinoids get you up and ready for the day, while others will have you sucking your thumb and off to dreamland. It all depends on you.

Try keeping a journal and as you partake in the various strains or cannabinoid-specific products we offer, write how you feel. This will help you find the best CBD products just for you.

What Are the Most Common Terpenes?

There are over 400 known terpenes found in cannabis! Many are in your household products. Do you know that lavender spray you love? The scent is a result of terpenes. Interesting, right? These are some of the most common terpenes in some of your favorite foods and products!

Limonene

There’s a reason limonene sounds like the word lemon! Limonene is one of the most common terpenes. It has very distinct, pleasant citrus notes. You can find limonene in laundry detergents, soaps, cannabis, and air fresheners. Limonene’s citrusy profile is mood-elevating and has antibacterial properties.

Linalool

Remember that lavender spray we mentioned? It contains linalool! Linalool is a terpene common in numerous natural and artificial flavorings. A few of the products include chewing gum, ice creams, and gelatin puddings. Linalool is responsible for the sweet notes of lavender you love in your favorite hand lotion.

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most abundant terpene in cannabis. Some foods that contain myrcene are mangoes, hops (often a part of your favorite beer), lemongrass, thyme, and guava melon.

Humulene

Humulene gives your favorite beer its distinctive profile. Feel free to crack open a couple of brews to study up on it. Humulene is in the flowering cone of the hops plant. It is also present in various spices, including sage, black pepper, and basil.

Pinene

Deck the halls with boughs of holly! Too early for Christmas? Well, pinene is responsible for that wonderful smell that comes from pine tree needles. Other fragrant, tasty things that contain pinene are pine nuts (duh), lime, and orange peels. The scent of pinene may be enticing to many, but it is also in insect repellent. Enjoy your holidays pest-free!

Remember, not all CBD products contain terpenes. They are highly volatile compounds that vaporize into the air quickly. If you open a container of flowers, the aroma of pine or citrus fills the area around you quickly. This dissipates into the air almost as fast as when it first filled the room.

At Cheef Botanicals, our full-spectrum oils, salves, and lotions will contain all the terpenes and cannabinoids from the plant. This strengthens the entourage effect and CBD’s benefits. Things are better when we’re all in it together!

Final Thoughts – Do Terpenes Get You High?

Isolated terpenes cannot get you high. The main culprit behind intoxication in marijuana is Delta-9 THC, but you won’t find more than trace amounts in our products. Instead, terpenes add to the overall effect of CBD, creating pleasant aromas and flavors.

Terpenes are in plants all over the world, but we love them most in hemp. Our CBD products benefit greatly from them, whether it be the mouthwatering smells, the delicious tastes, the helpful benefits, or the synergistic entourage effect. Check out our wide selection of CBD products today and experience terpenes for yourself!