WHAT ARE TERPENES AND FLAVONOIDS?

The resonating theory by cannabis specialists is that the entire cannabis plant manifests better than individual compounds.

That is to say, you will experience more benefits from ingesting full spectrum flavonoids, cannabinoids, and terpenes than you would in THC or CBD alone. The effects one might experience after Ingesting full-spectrum cannabis products are referred to as “entourage effects.”

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are organic compounds found in flowers. Terpenes are responsible for the aroma and strong scent in essential oils of several botanical organisms, ranging between vegetables, flowers, herbs, fruits; cannabis is not an exception!

Probably, you are aware of the way plants use their scent; either to discourage herbivores from encroaching or as an enticer for pollination agents when they have a nice fragrance. The terpenes may be used to manufacture aftershaves, perfumes, and several other fragrant products.

Some of the terpenes in the hemp plant include:

• Linalool
• Myrcene
• Limonene
• Alpha-pinene
• Terpinolene

Terpinolene, Linalool, and Myrcene are usually common for their relaxational and soul-soothing effects, while Limonene and Alpha-pinene tend to be “uplifting.”

In addition to their after-effects, Cannabis-based terpenes may potentially interact with endocannabinoids in the body, leading to moderation of the “high” feeling associated with full-spectrum cannabis products.

Terpene Production in Cannabis Plant

In the female hemp plant, terpenes are synthesized in glandular trichomes. With a glance, terpenes look similar to a series of crystal-like protrusions.

 A bed of minute hair-like growths.

The trichomes are responsible for shielding the plant against herbivores and harsh winds.

If you might have smelt cannabis’ strong scent, it shouldn’t be a surprise that the plant has over 100 terpenes.

Before scientists properly understood terpenes’ properties, cannabis enthusiasts held the plant by heart for its potential interactions. While acting as hemp’s primary mechanism for defense, trichomes house other essential compounds in the hemp plant that necessitate the production of CBD oils.

What Are Flavonoids?

Like terpenes, flavonoids occur naturally in all plants, including the hemp plant.

One of the flavonoid’s primary roles is to provide color pigmentation for the hemp plant’s flowers, leaves, and fruits.

What Do Hemp’s Flavonoids Do?

One of the noticeable occasions where flavonoids play a role in the hemp plant is the pigmentation of autumn leaves.

Trees tend to be predominantly green during summer and spring due to high chlorophyll content enhanced by exposure to sunlight. However, as the sun fades away, flavonoids make the leaves yellow.

Despite flavonoids’ etymology and their role in making the plant yellow, flavonoids do not exclusively provide yellow pigmentation.

For instance, the most naturally prevalent flavonoids in fruits, anthocyanins, are responsible for changing the fruit’s hue once they ripen. Covering a palette of purple, blue or red, they are common in blackberries, blueberries, and other dark fruit.

Maximizing Hemp’s Flavonoids

If you intend to reap the benefits that come with flavonoids in hemp, you may be wondering about the consumption method that will serve you best.

While the answer is not always to cut & dry, it might be thought that cannabis ingestion will help you experience the most out of your cannabis’ flavonoids.

 Why Not Smoke?

While the combustion of hemp can potentially activate its flavonoids, it might end up burning up other essential compounds.

Tinctures tend to be one of the great ways to get the best out of their flavonoids. However, flavonoid concentration in tinctures depends on the method of preparation.

While there is much known concerning benefits that can be reaped out of flavonoids, the compound is relatively new in the cannabis space.

Hence, it’s not that much studied by experts. However, with advancements in technology and new legal frameworks that support cannabis use, scientists continue to understand the role of flavonoids in general wellness.

Flavonoids And Terpenes Are Better Together

Flavonoids and terpenes come with their therapeutic benefits. However, they work better when together.

 In providing the “entourage effect,” cannabidiols, flavonoids & terpenes can potentially reach a synergy together. Hence, magnifying each compound’s benefits.