Let’s talk about terpenes. Terpenes are the compounds found in plants that, in large part, give them their distinctive aromas. The FDA has given terpenes their highest safety rating, placing them on their GRAS list of ingredients. But there are so much more to these wonderful plant compounds than simply interesting aromas. Terpenes are very powerful trigger compounds that act on receptors and neurotransmitters. For example, some terpenes signal serotonin uptake inhibitors in a similar manner to antidepressants like Prozac – only naturally. Other terpenes promote norepinephrine activity in a similar manner to tricyclic antidepressants such as Elavil – only naturally. Still others increase dopamine activity in various regions of the brain which improves energy, alertness, pleasure & satisfaction, libido, emotional well-being, and physical mobility. Other terpenes enhance GABA, the neurotransmitter that calms while inhibiting excitatory glutamate receptors, which is important in addiction control. With over 100 terpenes found only in cannabis and 50,000 known terpenes founds in other natural plants, the effects of these wonderful compounds are near endless.
Top health scientists believe that individuals who are interested in true physical and behavioral effects from cannabinoid products like CBD are best served by taking a full or broad-spectrum oil and enhanced with concentrated olfactory terpenes selected to provide direct response change in the areas desired.
