4 MIN READ | ZOLT TEAM
Can Terpenes Make You High? – A guide about what they are and their benefits
There are so many unique biomolecules found in hemp and other plants that make them beneficial to human health and wellness. One class of compounds that are becoming better understood are terpenes.
So, with all the talk about cannabis and hemp and plant terpenes, you’re bound to develop a few questions. What are terpenes? How are they used? Do terpenes get you high? And so much more. Let’s get more into terpenes, their purpose and what they’re known to do for the body.
WHAT ARE TERPENES?
Terpenes are the largest and most diverse group of naturally occurring compounds — 20,000+ found in nature, and they are actually a compound that we’ve all probably come across more often than we think; for example, in every fruit and vegetable you’ve ever eaten. Think about a plant that has a distinctive scent, whether it be in its natural plant form, or through essential oils. You can thank terpenes for the fragrance!
Terpenes are responsible for the odor, taste and pigmentation that many plants have. Examples of plants with terpenes include lavender, citrus fruits, thyme, pine, cannabis, and so many more. However, their responsibility for scent in plants is complex. Terpenes are responsible for protecting plants by giving off a scent to repel the organisms that feed off of them. Aside from scent, the functions of plants with terpenes expand even further. They serve as a thermoprotectant for plants and even provide signaling functions. But, most notably, terpenes are known for their medicinal properties, many of which the human body can benefit from.
TYPES OF TERPENES: UNDERSTANDING A TERPENES CHART
When getting to know terpenes, it’s important to recognize that there are actually different types, each which have their own properties. One of the ways to gain a better understanding of the different types and their properties is through a terpenes chart. A simple search on Google can give you a solid idea of what a terpene chart looks like and what information it is able to provide.
A terpene chart breaks down the most common terpenes found in cannabis and hemp plants (which are commonly found in many other types of plants as well), while also detailing the profile of each terpene. This includes: Humulene, Pinene, Linalool, Caryophyllene, Myrcene and Limonene. Followed by these classifications, you’ll also be able to gain information on their boiling points, aromatic profiles, and their properties or benefits that they’re able to provide for the body. This is a great start to get an idea of how terpenes can meet your wellness needs.
SO, WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS ?
Terpenes play a large role in hemp’s ability to provide health and wellness benefits and there’s a common misconception that terpenes are responsible for the ability to get you high. To answer the question of, “Do terpenes get you high?” No. In fact, the narrative around hemp’s terpenes providing a high is totally false. The terpenes found in hemp are found throughout the plant kingdom and are not psychoactive. Terpenes are known to work in conjunction with other compounds in the plant in order to enhance the therapeutic effect of hemp on the body. The main psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis is delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which exists in low quantities in hemp (below 0.3%).
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that provide mood-enhancing and other health benefits to humans, and there is no way for you to get a “high” or buzz from the compounds themselves. However, there has been some evidence to support that terpenes work in conjunction with other bioactives to enhance the psychoactive properties of THC; for instance, myrcene. Myrcene is known for its antifungal and antibacterial properties, as well as its strong fragrant properties.
There is still plenty of research needed to be done to support how terpenes alone are able to bestow their therapeutic properties, as well as how they interact with our body’s receptors. Existing research studies indicate the beneficial properties that terpenes have been observed to provide. Some of the medicinal values of terpenes include its anti-inflammatory properties, the ability to enhance skin penetration, and antimicrobial properties.
EXPERIENCE THE POWER BEHIND TERPENES
Given the information that we have on terpenes so far and knowing that research is currently underway, there’s no question that the potential of terpenes is plentiful. The various types of terpenes contain functionally beneficial properties that provide so much to plants as well as to the human body.
Zolt’s non-hemp products are just some ways you can reap the benefits of terpenes. Our non-hemp products use an indica, sativa, or hybrid profile terpene blend combined with adaptogens, antioxidants, and other power plants to create a functional superdrink mix.
For example, each of the following Zolt superdrinks contain different terpene profiles and a unique blend of power plants to create distinct functional benefits:
- Dreamy + Collagen Boost has an indica profile of 22 terpenes and the following benefits: Supports sleep and reduces stress with help from melatonin, GABA, and SerinAid®; rejuvenates hair, skin, and nails thanks to hyaluronic acid and tremella mushroom; and promotes relaxation and recovery with organic KSM-66 ashwagandha
- Even + Collagen Boost has a hybrid profile of 25 terpenes and these benefits: Rejuvenates hair, skin, and nails with hyaluronic acid and vegan collagen from tremella mushroom; promotes calm and equilibrium thanks to its hybrid terpene complex; and supports gut health with organic agave inulin.
- Well + Collagen Boost has a hybrid profile of 21 terpenes and these benefits: fortifies your immune system and ups your energy level while nourishing and rehydrating your hair, skin, and nails
- Peak Baseline has a sativa profile of 17 terpenes and these added benefits: Improves concentration and cognition with its sativa terpene complex and choline; reduces stress and lessens fatigue with organic lion’s mane and organic reishi mushroom; and boosts energy and metabolism thanks to its organic vitamin B blend and green tea.
Ready to support your body’s functional wellness? Our products can help.
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