Does CBD Have Terpenes?

November 25, 2020

Terpenes are the chemicals in cannabis and hemp that give each strain its own unique smell. Because of their apparent health benefits, many people are becoming more interested in the potential of terpenes. But does CBD contain terpenes?

What are terpenes?

Terpenes play an important role in nature. They’re found in pine trees, lavender, fruits, and even certain insects. There are dozens of known terpenes, each with their own unique fragrance and flavor.

On cannabis and hemp plants, terpenes are found on the flower (also known as the bud). If you examine a bud closely, you might notice tiny sticky “hairs” all over it. These “hairs” are actually trichomes, and they produce terpenes. This is why sticky cannabis tends to be more fragrant and potent.

Each strain of cannabis or hemp has its own unique terpene profile, which is why different strains have different aromas. Some smell like citrus, others smell like blueberry; some smell like sweet fruits and others smell more earthy and woody.

The terpene profile doesn’t just affect the smell, but the actual physiological effects of each strain. Terpenes are said to have a range of health benefits, including:

Reducing sleeplessness
Soothing stress
Boosting the mood
Reducing pain and inflammation

While terpenes need to be studied further, it’s clear that terpenes matter when it comes to hemp and cannabis. With this in mind, it’s important to consider terpenes when shopping for CBD.

Full spectrum, broad spectrum, and CBD isolate

You might have heard of CBD being described as “full spectrum,” “broad spectrum,” or “isolate”. These terms are important because they can tell you whether or not your CBD product contains terpenes. Here’s what those terms mean.

Full-spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD products contain a high concentration of CBD and a smaller amount of the other cannabinoids found in the plant. It also contains a range of terpenes. The terpenes and cannabinoids in the CBD depends on the strain of hemp or cannabis from which it is extracted.

Broad-spectrum CBD

Broad-spectrum CBD products contain a high concentration of CBD and a smaller amount of multiple other cannabinoids. The THC is usually removed from the substance. THC, short for tetrahydrocannabinol, is the substance in cannabis that can make you feel intoxicated (or “high”)

CBD isolate

CBD isolate is pure CBD. Other cannabinoids and terpenes are purposely removed from the extract.

Which CBD products contain terpenes?

Full-spectrum and broad spectrum CBD products contain terpenes. The only CBD products that don’t contain terpenes are CBD isolate.

We offer both broad-spectrum CBD tinctures and full-spectrum CBD tinctures. Our CBD pre-rolls and capsules are full-spectrum CBD.

How do I know which terpenes are in my CBD products?

All companies should have a third-party lab report, also known as a certificate of analysis. This verifies the content of the CBD product. (Note: certificates of analysis are very important and you shouldn’t buy a CBD product without reading its report.)

Some of these reports include an analysis of terpenes. The report will list the terpenes that are found in your CBD products. If you’re confused, reach out to the company and ask them which terpenes are found in their products.