A6: Understanding CBD Terpenes

1. Terpenes: Aromatic Compounds in Cannabis

1.1. What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds found in many plants, including cannabis, and are responsible for their distinctive aromas and flavours. Terpenes are the reason cannabis strains have unique smells—like citrus, pine, or pepper—and can also have therapeutic effects.

There are over 100 different terpenes in cannabis, each with its own aroma and potential benefits.

1.2. Key Terpenes in CBD Products:

Myrcene: Known for its earthy, musky scent with hints of cloves, myrcene is believed to have anti-inflammatory and sedative properties, making it useful in CBD products for relaxation and pain relief.

Limonene: With a fresh, citrus aroma, limonene is thought to have mood-enhancing and anti-anxiety effects. It is commonly used in CBD products aimed at reducing stress.

Linalool: Often associated with a floral, lavender scent, linalool is known for its calming and anti-anxiety properties, making it popular in CBD products designed for relaxation or sleep.

Pinene: This terpene has a pine-like aroma and is thought to have anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects, which may help with respiratory issues and inflammation.

Caryophyllene: With a spicy, peppery aroma, caryophyllene is unique in that it interacts with the body’s CB2 receptors, making it an effective anti-inflammatory agent in CBD products.

1.3. Uses of Terpenes in CBD Products:

Aromatherapy: Terpenes are commonly used in aromatherapy, as their distinct aromas can influence mood and emotional states. Adding terpenes to CBD oils, balms, or tinctures can enhance the therapeutic experience through scent.

Wellness Products: Terpenes can enhance the efficacy of CBD products by contributing to the entourage effect. For example, adding myrcene to a CBD tincture may improve its sedative properties for better sleep.

Topicals: Terpenes are often included in topical formulations, where their anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties can enhance the effects of CBD on the skin.

1.4. Regulatory Considerations:

Terpenes themselves are not controlled substances, but their use in CBD products must still comply with Cosmetic Products Regulations for skincare or topical products, and with labelling regulations for ingestibles. Terpenes must be sourced from legal, approved suppliers, and products should include information on their terpene profiles for transparency.

2. Flavonoids: Antioxidants and Anti-inflammatory Agents

2.1. What Are Flavonoids?

Flavonoids are plant compounds that give flowers, fruits, and vegetables their vibrant colours. In cannabis, flavonoids contribute to the plant's overall biochemical profile and may provide additional health benefits through their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. While they are not as well-known as terpenes or cannabinoids, flavonoids make up around 10% of the compounds found in cannabis.

2.2. Key Flavonoids in Cannabis:

Cannflavin A and B: These cannabis-specific flavonoids have been shown to have potent anti-inflammatory properties, potentially even stronger than some over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications.

Quercetin: Found in many fruits and vegetables as well as cannabis, quercetin is known for its antioxidant and anti-viral effects, which could contribute to the wellness benefits of CBD products.

Apigenin: This flavonoid is known for its anxiolytic (anti-anxiety) properties, which may enhance the calming effects of CBD, making it useful in relaxation or anti-anxiety formulations.

Kaempferol: Known for its antioxidant effects, kaempferol can help reduce oxidative stress in the body, supporting overall health and wellness when included in CBD formulations.

2.3. Uses of Flavonoids in CBD Products:

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Support: Flavonoids are natural anti-inflammatory agents, making them beneficial in CBD products aimed at managing conditions like arthritis, pain, or skin inflammation.

Skin Care and Anti-Ageing: Because flavonoids have antioxidant properties, they are commonly used in cosmetic and skincare products. Flavonoid-rich CBD products may help protect the skin from environmental stressors and ageing.

2.4. Regulatory Considerations:

Like terpenes, flavonoids are not controlled substances, but their use in cosmetic or ingestible products must comply with the relevant regulations, including safety assessments for cosmetics and Novel Foods authorisation for ingestibles.

3. Sesquiterpenes: Complex Terpenes in Cannabis

3.1. What Are Sesquiterpenes?

Sesquiterpenes are a subclass of terpenes made up of three isoprene units, making them more complex than regular terpenes like myrcene or limonene. They are found in cannabis and contribute to the plant’s aromatic profile and potential therapeutic effects.

3.2. Key Sesquiterpenes in Cannabis:

Humulene: Known for its woody, earthy scent, humulene has anti-inflammatory and appetite-suppressing effects, making it a useful addition to wellness CBD products targeting weight management or inflammation.

Farnesene: With a sweet, floral aroma, farnesene is thought to have anti-inflammatory and calming properties. It is often used in products aimed at relaxation and stress reduction.

Bisabolol: This sesquiterpene has a mild, floral aroma and is known for its soothing properties, making it ideal for use in skincare products designed to reduce inflammation or irritation.

3.3. Uses of Sesquiterpenes in CBD Products:

Anti-inflammatory Products: Sesquiterpenes like humulene and bisabolol are commonly used in topical CBD products aimed at reducing inflammation and soothing irritated skin.

Aromatherapy and Mood Enhancement: Given their strong aromatic profiles, sesquiterpenes are often used in aromatherapy products to enhance relaxation or stress relief.

3.4. Regulatory Considerations:

As with other terpenes and flavonoids, sesquiterpenes are not controlled substances but must comply with regulations governing product safety, especially for cosmetic or ingestible products. Transparency in labelling and third-party testing are key to ensuring compliance and consumer trust.

4. The Entourage Effect: Synergy Between Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids

The entourage effect refers to the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and sesquiterpenes, where the combination of these compounds enhances the overall therapeutic effects of the product. Many consumers prefer full-spectrum CBD products because they contain a wider range of these natural compounds, increasing the potential for enhanced health benefits compared to CBD isolate alone.

4.1. Full-Spectrum CBD Products:

Cannabinoids: Full-spectrum CBD includes a wide range of cannabinoids, such as CBD, CBG, and CBC, along with terpenes, flavonoids, and sesquiterpenes.

Terpenes and Flavonoids: The inclusion of these compounds in full-spectrum products enhances the aromatic, anti-inflammatory, and mood-enhancing effects of CBD.

4.2. Benefits of the Entourage Effect:

Enhanced Therapeutic Effects: The combination of cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and sesquiterpenes may offer more comprehensive wellness benefits, particularly for consumers seeking relief from stress, inflammation, or pain.