Thanks to the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, cannabis science has never had as much interest or availability in the US. In recent years, the exploration of cannabis-derived compounds has surged, leading to groundbreaking discoveries about their potential therapeutic benefits. There are hundreds of compounds in the hemp plant, and among these compounds, terpenes have garnered significant attention for their unique properties. But what are terpenes, and why are they important? Let’s take a look at these compounds and see what they might be able to do for your wellness. 

Please note that these statements have not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration. The products mentioned in this article are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This article is only meant to provide general information about a recent scientific study. 

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in plants, responsible for their distinct aromas and flavors. These organic compounds play an important role in the plant kingdom, aiding in pollination by attracting pollinators and offering protection by deterring herbivores and pathogens. When we look at the terpenes in medical hemp, we see that they contribute to the plant’s aromatic profile… and even potentially its therapeutic effects.

There are over 100 different terpenes identified in hemp, each with unique characteristics and potential benefits. Some common terpenes include:

• Limonene: Known for its citrusy aroma, it may have mood-enhancing and anti-stress properties.
• Myrcene: Offers a musky, earthy scent and may have sedative and muscle-relaxing effects.
• Linalool: Provides a floral aroma similar to lavender and is believed to help with relaxation and stress relief.
• Pinene: With a pine-like aroma, it may aid in alertness and memory retention.

Terpenes interact synergistically with cannabinoids, like CBD, in what is known as the “entourage effect.” This phenomenon suggests that the combined effect of cannabis compounds is greater than the sum of their individual effects, potentially enhancing their therapeutic benefits. But while we know the entourage effect is real, we don’t know the exact mechanisms behind all of the different terpene and cannabinoid interactions. 

That’s where today’s study comes in. In this 2024 study, researchers studied the interaction between the cannabinoid THC and the Limonene-D terpene. 

Studying The Interaction Between THC and Terpenes For Stress

Some people use cannabis for stress relief, but others find that THC actually induces stress. A study undertaken at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine examined the potential of a citrusy-smelling terpene found in cannabis to reduce stress and paranoia often induced by THC. The study focused on limonene, a terpene also commonly found in citrus fruits, and its impact on stress when used in conjunction with THC.

Researchers administered THC to participants, some of whom also received limonene. The study aimed to observe the effects on stress and paranoia, common side effects of THC. The findings revealed that participants who received limonene alongside THC experienced significantly reduced stress and paranoia compared to those who received THC alone.

This study underscores the potential of terpenes like limonene in mitigating some of the adverse effects associated with THC. By reducing stress and paranoia, limonene could enhance the overall therapeutic experience of cannabis users, making it a valuable component in medicinal cannabis formulations.

Can Terpenes Help Reduce Stress?

The study on limonene highlights the potential of terpenes in reducing stress, especially in conjunction with THC. The entourage effect suggests that hemp compounds work better together, providing more significant relief from distress. This discovery opens the door to further research on other terpenes and their potential anti-stress effects. 

So what does this mean for you? If you’re a regular user of medical hemp products or would like to start using them as part of your wellness routine, the impact of terpenes and their interaction with cannabinoids means that you may want to use full-spectrum products. 

Full-Spectrum Hemp Products

Full-spectrum hemp products are derived from hemp plants and contain a wide range of cannabinoids, terpenes, and other beneficial compounds found in the plant. Unlike CBD isolates, which contain only pure CBD, full-spectrum products leverage the entourage effect, utilizing the synergy between various cannabis compounds to enhance their therapeutic potential. This means that if you’re taking CBD for stress, you may see greater benefits from the terpenes present in full-spectrum products.

Full-spectrum hemp products typically contain:

• Cannabinoids: These include CBD, CBG, CBN, and others, each contributing to the product’s overall effects.
• Terpenes: As discussed, terpenes like limonene, myrcene, and pinene offer unique benefits and enhance the product’s efficacy.
• Flavonoids: These compounds have antioxidant properties and contribute to the plant’s color and flavor.

The inclusion of terpenes in full-spectrum hemp products can significantly impact their effectiveness. For instance, a full-spectrum CBD oil containing limonene may offer enhanced anti-stress benefits, as suggested by the aforementioned study. By utilizing the full range of hemp’s natural compounds, these products aim to provide more comprehensive health benefits compared to isolates.

When selecting a product, consider the following tips as you get started. These are especially important if you’ve been using an isolate and want to transition to a full-spectrum product!

• Check the Lab Reports: Reputable brands provide lab reports that detail the cannabinoid and terpene content of their products. Look for high levels of terpenes known for their calming effects, such as limonene and linalool.
• Start Low and Go Slow: Begin with a low dose to assess your tolerance and the product’s effects on your stress. Gradually increase the dose as needed.
• Consult a Professional: Before starting any new treatment, it’s advisable to consult with a healthcare professional, especially if you have existing health conditions or are taking other medications.

Get Full-Spectrum Hemp Products at Myriam’s Hemp

The potential of terpenes in reducing stress, as highlighted by the recent study on limonene, offers promising insights into their therapeutic applications. Full-spectrum hemp products, which harness the benefits of multiple cannabis compounds, provide a holistic approach to stress management. As research continues to uncover the benefits of terpenes, consumers can look forward to more effective and nuanced options for managing stress through cannabis-derived products.

For those interested in exploring the benefits of terpenes and full-spectrum hemp products, Myriam’s Hemp is proud to offer a lineup of lab-tested, natural hemp products that offer an array of wellness benefits. We also are proud to serve our customers by offering them the ability to add extra terpenes to their hemp products, making it even easier to customize your tincture or oil to your needs.

Shop our catalog, and if you have any questions about which products might be right for you, don’t hesitate to reach out! We believe that people should be given all the information to make informed decisions about their wellness options, and we’re happy to talk with you about what contributions our products may make to your well-being.

Sources

• A Review of the Potential Use of Pinene and Linalool as Terpene-Based Medicines for Brain Health: Discovering Novel Therapeutics in the Flavours and Fragrances of Cannabis
• Hemp Production and the 2018 Farm Bill – 07/25/2019 | FDA
• Linalool as a Therapeutic and Medicinal Tool in Depression Treatment: A Review 
• Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent? 
• Researchers Show Chemical Found Naturally in Cannabis May Reduce Stress-Inducing Effects of THC | Johns Hopkins Medicine
• Vaporized D-limonene selectively mitigates the acute anxiogenic effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in healthy adults who intermittently use cannabis 
• What are terpenes?   

FDA Disclaimer: The claims in this blog post are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, and these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. Please consult your healthcare professional about potential interactions or other possible complications before using any CBD product.