Why Are Terpenes Important in Delta 8 Products?

Terpenes are a unique class of aromatic compounds found in a variety of plants and herbs but are more commonly associated with cannabis plants because they contain these compounds in high concentrations. The marijuana plant and hemp plant, as well as many other plants such as lavender, rosemary, and pine, get their distinctive fragrance from various terpene combinations.

Terpenes perform the natural role of protecting the plant from infectious organisms. More importantly, researchers have found that terpenes may have a number of inherent health benefits for human beings. The research community is investing more in studying the different effects and potential medical benefits of terpenes.

What Are Terpenes?

The naturally occurring and highly aromatic compounds called terpenes are present in the trichomes of the cannabis plant. Trichomes are the translucent, sticky glands primarily covering the surface of the plant’s bud. The growth and long-term survival of the cannabis plant depend, in part, on terpenes.

In addition to producing the characteristic aroma, these natural compounds also enhance the distinctive cannabis flavor. Plus, terpenes add to the pigmentation and color in the buds and leaves of the cannabis plant.

How much terpenes will be produced in a cannabis plant depends on a number of factors. Whether the plant is grown indoors or outdoors, how much nutrients it receives, the type of growing medium, the amount of light exposure and temperature, and when the plant gets harvested are some of the variables that will determine the levels of terpenes in the plant.

Many of the terpenes are volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which means there is a risk of loss of this vital ingredient during an average process of cannabis extraction. High-quality producers recognize the therapeutic benefits of terpenes and are implementing more sensitive and advanced extraction techniques to preserve their value in the final product.

When a cutting-edge extraction process is used to protect terpenes and other VOCs in cannabis, it can result in a uniquely flavorful and aromatically exotic cannabis experience.

What Do Terpenes Do?

Trusted cannabis producers utilize isolated terpenes to create essential oils with vibrant smells, which are often a part of aromatherapy and various other alternative therapies.

For instance, therapies using lavender oil (which has a terpene called linalool) are known to help in body and mind relaxation. Inhaling the aroma can enhance an individual’s mood and lower their stress levels. Similar effects are achieved with terpenes in certain types of cannabis strains.

Terpenes are mostly a bioactive compound, meaning they will have an influence on the body. Depending on the terpene concentration in delta 8 THC products, the effect generated by terpenes will vary.

Researchers now believe that the benefits of terpenes are not limited just to providing lower stress levels, elevating mood levels, or creating a feel-good effect. Terpenes are now increasingly viewed as a powerful ingredient in cannabis medicine.

As our knowledge about terpenes and their therapeutic properties becomes more sophisticated, our understanding of delta 8 THC as a medicinal powerhouse will also improve.

Do Terpenes Get You High?

Terpenes might not make you feel “high” in the conventional sense of the word. As an isolated compound, terpenes are not intoxicating, but according to some, they help drive the effects of delta 8 THC, which does create a high experience. The higher the concentration of terpenes, the better the effects of delta-8 THC may be.

Some experts hypothesize that the terpene profile of a strain works in sync with the concentration of hemp-derived cannabinoids (the total amount of THC) to generate the effects consumers of cannabis associate with various strains. This could also explain why different experiences are produced with two different strains even when their THC levels are the same.

Cannabis product analysts suggest that even if terpenes may not directly get you high, they will produce an “entourage effect”. This means they will alter or enhance the effects of THC in the body and thereby impact the high a consumer derives from using cannabis.

It’s noteworthy that much still remains unknown about the interactions of terpenes with the flavonoids and cannabinoids present in cannabis. As we discover more information about terpene profiles in cannabis, their role in producing a high will become more evident.

How Do Terpenes Interact With the Endocannabinoid System?

Researchers have found that organic compounds, like THC and terpenes, are more powerful when they are used together than if used by themselves. This fascinating phenomenon is known as the entourage effect (as mentioned in the previous section) – a unique synergy between different elements that creates an even stronger result.

For instance, it is likely that terpenes have a role to play in impacting the THC effects on the body. A research review published in “Frontiers in Neurology” about people with epilepsy showed that the participants who consumed both terpenes and cannabinoids (full-spectrum cannabis extract) experienced symptomatic improvement and low side effects compared to those who only consumed cannabinoids.

Full-spectrum CBD extract is whole-plant medicine that includes terpenes, cannabinoids, and other organic compounds present in the cannabis plant. Researchers in this study also found that full-spectrum cannabis extract had a four times greater potency than isolated CBD, requiring the patients to use a substantially lower dose. The research team attributed this effect to the therapeutic synergy of terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds.

Different Types of Terpenes in Delta 8

Researchers have already identified as many as 150 different types of terpenes that are present in cannabis. Some of the important terpenes in delta 8 with a more robust concentration include:

Myrcene

Myrcene is predominantly found in thyme, lemongrass, and hops. It’s known for producing aromatic effects that are musky, earthy, spicy, and herbaceous. Myrcene in delta 8 gives the products a mildly sweet and exotic flavor profile. Apart from enhancing the cannabis scent, this terpene also provides anti-inflammatory benefits.

Research on cultured cells has shown that myrcene could be helpful in reducing inflammation and pain associated with arthritis. Myrcene may also be useful in preventing the disintegration of cartilage tissue. The power of this terpene could be potentially utilized in the future to reduce the symptoms of various other inflammatory diseases.

Myrcene also performs the role of a powerful antioxidant, helping fight oxidative damage in the brain following an ischemic stroke. Some studies have indicated that this terpene may have protective effects not just for the brain against neurological damage, but also for the heart tissue. However, it is noteworthy that a few studies are based on very high myrcene concentrations.

Caryophyllene

Beta-caryophyllene, commonly known as caryophyllene, is not just found in the cannabis plant, but also in black pepper, rosemary, cloves, and oregano. Some of the delta 8 strains get their peppery and spicy flavor from this terpene. The unique characteristic of caryophyllene is that it is the only cannabis terpene that binds to the CB2 receptors within the endocannabinoid system.       

Based on this unique property, caryophyllene has also been classified as an atypical cannabinoid. This terpene has numerous therapeutic properties, and can potentially help in providing symptomatic relief from certain conditions, such as cerebral ischemia, diabetes, colitis, depression, anxiety, Alzheimer’s disease, and liver fibrosis.

Furthermore, the anti-inflammatory effects of caryophyllene could help mitigate pain levels in some patients. Studies have shown that the analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects of this terpene may help in treating nerve pain and various types of chronic pain when the body fails to develop a natural tolerance to the painful effects.

Limonene

As the name suggests, limonene is associated with fresh and rejuvenating citrus-like aromas. This terpene is found in various citrus fruits as well as ginger. Delta 8 THC products with a fresh, clean, and fruity flavor, such as Black Cherry Soda and Papaya Punch, contain a dominant concentration of limonene.

Limonene has been emerging as a powerful tool in the fight against diseases. Recent studies have revealed that this terpene may alter immune cell behavior, potentially increasing protection from various types of disorders. Limonene could also stimulate the production of cells in areas such as the bone marrow and spleen which are key players in recognizing pathogens to be fought by our body’s defense mechanisms.

Pinene

Pinene is a terpene present in abundance in a number of plants, including cannabis. Pinene is classed into two categories: a-pinene and b-pinene. Both forms provide the clean and fresh scent found in plants, such as basil, rosemary, pine needles, and of course cannabis. Known for its therapeutic qualities, this terpene is utilized in some traditional therapies worldwide.

A Japanese therapy called shirin-yoku (literal meaning: “forest bathing”) involves undertaking long walks in the midst of the forest, breathing clean and fresh air, and enjoying the exotic scent of pinene. Researchers suggest that shrin-yoku may have restorative and preventive benefits for a user’s physical and mental well-being because the content of pinene in the atmosphere is therapeutic.

This terpene also has anti-inflammatory properties, which may help the body to fight infections.

Linalool

Linalool is naturally abundant in plants, such as lavender and cannabis. The lavender flower gets its rich scent from linalool. In aromatherapy, the linalool compound plays a vital role and is responsible for the soothing effect people achieve when they smell essential oils that contain lavender.

As an organic compound in delta 8, linalool may help improve a number of health conditions because of its properties, including (a) anti-microbial; (b) anti-inflammatory; (c) anti-depressant; (d) anti-anxiety; (e) neuro-protective; and (f) anti-cancer.

Humulene

Humulene is a vital element in the hop plant and is also found in plants, such as ginger, clove, and cannabis. A research study published in Frontiers of Pharmacology showed that humulene may help in the prevention of asthma and allergies. Researchers found that in animal models, this terpene reduces allergy-induced inflammation in the airways.

Another research study published in Food and Chemical Toxicology showed that humulene could have protective properties for certain cells in the body, which might guard against the cells turning cancerous. Research is continuing to evaluate the wider health benefits and efficacy of humulene as part of delta-8 products.

Benefits of Terpenes in Delta 8

An extensive body of research, including preclinical animal studies and in-vitro studies, is now available on the medicinal and health effects of isolated terpenes as well as their beneficial role as part of delta 8 strains. A study published in Chemico-Biological Interactions revealed the positive health effects of many terpenes and why these may be vital to various alternative therapies and alternative medicine.

Anti-Viral Benefits

Many terpenes in delta 8 strains can work as antiviral compounds with a robust ability to destroy harmful pathogens. Some of the important terpenes in this category include caryophyllene, a-pinene and b-pinene, carvone, and camphor.       

Anti-Cancer Benefits

Increasing rates of various types of cancers have sharpened the focus of researchers on identifying organic compounds that could help in the fight against cancer. Some terpenes, including the ones present in Delta-8, are known to have anti-cancer properties, which may help inhibit the growth or activity of cancerous cells. Myrcene, limonene, pinene, terpinene, and camphor are some of the notable anti-tumor and anti-cancer agents.

Anti-Depressant Benefits

A significant percentage of antidepressant medications today are formulated using natural compound extracts that contain terpenes. Beta-pinene and linalool are two of the commonly found plant extracts in delta-8 strains that may promote anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects.

Anti-Microbial Benefits

Researchers have found that many terpenes may have antimicrobial properties, which give them the ability to fight back the invasion of harmful microbes in the body. Some of the terpenes in delta 8 that may help stop the progression of harmful pathogens or destroy them include geraniol, terpinolene, alpha-bisabolol, eucalyptol, and menthol.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

A number of cannabis terpenes exhibit the properties of mimicking cannabinoid activity in order to produce anti-inflammatory and pain relief effects. Studies have shown that a combination of other cannabinoids and terpenes in delta-8 products may amplify the anti-inflammatory effects without increasing the adverse side effects. Terpenes known to promote anti-inflammatory effects include b-pinene, linalool, humulene, and geraniol, among others.

Important: It must be noted that while the current research is encouraging about the beneficial impacts of terpenes in delta 8 and other cannabis products, there is a need for larger research studies to deepen our understanding of these organic compounds.

Laughing Buddha Offers Pure and Undiluted Delta 8 THC Products

While delta 8 THC is federally legal, it’s essential to buy your hemp product from reputable brands that have all their products third-party lab tested with a certificate of analysis. State laws also vary for marijuana and hemp products, so it is best to check with your local state laws to see if you are legally allowed to purchase any delta 8 products. At the federal level, all delta 8 products must have the correct chemical composition (<0.03% delta 9 THC). It is important to note that Laughing Buddha sells to all areas where delta 8 is legal at the state and federal levels.

Laughing Buddha is one of the pre-eminent producers and distributors of delta 8 THC in the country. When you are seeking a high-quality delta 8 product, you should consider delta 8 THC from Laughing Buddha. We offer a variety of products from delta 8 edibles and gummies to flower, pre-rolls, disposables, vape cartridges, and more.

Our all-natural ingredients, certificates of analysis (COA) from third-party labs, 100% US-sourced hemp, and an unmatched focus on the quality and consistency of our products sets us apart from the rest. To learn more about our products or our quality standards, call us at 1-877-420-8420 or fill out our online contact form today.

Disclaimer: Laughing Buddha products are not intended to treat or cure any medical condition. Please use your discretion while buying or using our products and consult with a healthcare professional for advice. Additionally, do not use delta 8 THC before undergoing a drug test, as it may affect the results.