Contrary to popular belief, not everyone who uses cannabis products does so to get “high.” Many consumers choose CBD-dominant cannabis products because they contain little or no THC, the cannabinoid primarily responsible for the intoxicating effects associated with marijuana.
CBD-dominant cannabis strains are rich in cannabidiol (CBD) and are often selected by people who want a different experience from traditional THC-dominant products. Research into CBD is ongoing, and consumers should be aware that evidence varies depending on the condition being studied and the type of product being used.
For more information, see the FDA's guidance on CBD products and the CDC's overview of CBD and cannabis.
Like THC-dominant strains, CBD-rich cannabis can be processed into concentrates, edibles, tinctures, and extracts. During some manufacturing processes, however, naturally occurring terpenes may be reduced or removed. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that contribute to the flavor and scent of cannabis and many other plants.
Learn more about what terpenes are and how they influence the cannabis experience.
Terpenes And The “Entourage Effect” In Cannabis
Researchers have proposed that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in cannabis may interact with one another in ways that influence the overall experience of a product. This idea is commonly referred to as the "entourage effect." While the concept has attracted significant interest, scientists are still studying how these interactions work and which combinations may be most relevant in different products.
As Dr. John McPartland has noted, cannabis contains a wide variety of naturally occurring compounds that may interact in complex ways. However, the extent and significance of these interactions remain under investigation.
What Research Says About Cannabis Terpenes
A September 2011 review by Dr. Ethan Russo published in the British Journal of Pharmacology helped popularize interest in the relationship between cannabinoids and terpenes. The paper explored how various cannabis compounds may work together and highlighted the need for additional research in this area.
Some consumers prefer to add terpene blends back into extracts or formulations to create specific flavor and aroma profiles. While terpenes are widely used in cannabis and hemp products, they should not be viewed as proven treatments for medical conditions.
In a previous post, we explored the characteristics of myrcene, one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis. Myrcene is also present in plants such as hops, lemongrass, and mangoes. Researchers have studied myrcene for a variety of potential properties, although much of the available evidence comes from laboratory and preclinical studies.
Beta-caryophyllene is another well-known terpene found in black pepper, oregano, cloves, and cannabis. It has attracted scientific interest because of its unique interaction with the body's endocannabinoid system, though research is still ongoing and many questions remain about how these findings translate to consumer products.
As cannabis research continues to evolve, scientists are working to better understand how cannabinoids and terpenes contribute to product effects, aroma, flavor, and consumer preferences.
Product Quality Matters
Whether you're purchasing CBD products, cannabis extracts, or terpene blends, product quality is important. Independent research has found that cannabinoid products are not always labeled accurately, making third-party testing and certificates of analysis (COAs) valuable tools for consumers. For additional reading, see this research on the accuracy of CBD product labeling.
If you use terpene-enhanced products, be sure to follow recommended usage guidelines and dilution practices. Our guide on how to safely use terpenes in cannabis products provides additional information.
Explore True Blue Terpene Profiles
For consumers interested in recreating or customizing the aroma and flavor characteristics of popular cannabis varieties, True Blue offers a range of terpene profiles for formulation and product development.
Browse our collection of strain profiles to explore different terpene combinations and find a profile that matches your preferences.