All About Terpenes

As cannabis becomes part of the mainstream, words like “full-spectrum” and “terpenes” may be on your radar. You may have even heard of them here because Care By Design products are loaded with specialized terpenes. But how much do these things really matter when shopping for cannabis products?

Actually, they matter a lot! While CBD alone can be beneficial, its effects differ when included in full-spectrum preparations. Full spectrum preparations typically include lots of other cannabinoids and terpenes.

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes don’t just give cannabis plants their smell and taste. They are present in many plants on earth each with their own unique effects. However, a wide variety of terpenes are prominent in cannabis and work in harmony with the other compounds.

Some cannabis brands don’t use the whole cannabis plant. By isolating only CBD or only THC they are literally throwing away all the advantages that other cannabinoids and terpenes offer. We think that’s a big waste! At Care By Design, we prefer to use full-spectrum cannabis oil to maintain the plant’s full benefits.

Now, let’s get to know a few terpene stars . . .

Myrcene

Myrcene is the most dominant terpene in cannabis plants. It gives a fragrant, earthy aroma, also found in mangoes, bay leaves, and lemongrass. 

Limonene

As its name suggests, limonene has a fresh, citrusy, cheerful scent. Limonene is one of nature’s most common terpenes, in addition to cannabis, it is found in foods like lemons, dill, and celery seeds. Limonene is known to be an antioxidant.

Beta-Caryophyllene

Beta-Caryophyllene, or BCP, has a spicy scent and is among the terpenes found in black pepper, copaiba, cloves, and hops. Beta-Caryophyllene is unique because it is the only terpene that can bind with receptors in the body’s endocannabinoid system.

Linalool

Linalool is in over 200 different plants, including lavender, which contains it in abundance. It’s the Linalool that gives lavender its pleasing aroma and antimicrobial properties. 

Pinene

Pinene smells just like it sounds—like a forest of evergreens. Besides pine trees, pinene is also in herbs like basil and rosemary. 

Ocimene

Due to its earthy, floral aroma, ocimene is often used to sweeten product fragrances—naturally found in orchids, as well as black currants and flowering herbs. 

Are you ready to see how terpenes can supercharge your cannabis experience? Check out our new formulations of tinctures and soft gels!