Natural food grade terpenes can be present in cannabis and other valuable plants worldwide. Terpenes are frequently touted as the “better, more delicious, and more fragrant” component of cannabis-based goods.
But, many people still struggle when it comes to answering, “are terpenes safe to consume?”
Not everyone is aware that improper usage of food-grade terpenes can be quite harmful. Terpenes should be diluted before use at all times. In fact, for thousands of years without adverse consequences, most terpenes have been orally taken in their native form, as components of fruits, vegetables, and herbs. They can offer full medical advantages in safely diluted quantities.
Scientific research is beginning to reveal that ingesting particular terpenes may help safeguard and maintain the healthy functioning of our digestive systems.
The following is a complete guide on the secure use of terpenes and getting full terpenes benefits. At the end of this article, you will be able to answer, are terpenes safe to consume?
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes are the aromatic and flavorful organic molecules found in all plants. Fragrant oils are aromatic compounds found in plants. This is more typical of citrus and coniferous species. Plants emit their characteristic aromas due to the chemical chemicals they release. Generally speaking, their job is to improve the plant’s health.
The biological qualities they hold are thought to be beneficial to human health, and they may serve various functions, such as luring pollinators or warding off pests and predators. Essential oils, which are at the heart of aromatherapy, also contain food-grade terpenes in significant amounts. Even though terpenes are all the rage now, their use dates back centuries and even civilizations.
Terpenes reviews have long been the subject of research by scientists eager to learn more about their unique features and find new uses for their fragrant compounds. Food grade terpenes are used not only as natural cleansers but also as flavorings in foods and beverages, as well as in pharmaceuticals and disinfectants.
Terpenes, which give cannabis its distinctive aroma and flavor, have recently seen a surge in popularity thanks to its purported entourage effects. Terpenes benefits are fascinating regardless of their uses, and you may be enjoying them already without even realizing it.
Can Terpenes Be Dangerous?
Terpenes are dangerous and must be diluted before usage. It is safe to utilize terpenes benefits in concentrations of 5% or below. The FDA has classified most of the main food-grade terpenes in cannabis as GRAS, meaning they are considered completely safe for human use. To be included on this list signifies that even very huge amounts can be consumed without risk.
The caveat is that this list was intended for consumables like food and candy. Without more study, it’s difficult to offer a definitive conclusion on whether are terpenes safe or not.
The terpenes A-Pinene, Linalool, BCP, Myrcene, and Limonene are most commonly associated with hemp. All of these are approved by the GRAS. “Flavor wheels” displaying the multiple terpenes benefits and their corresponding aromas and potential effects have been created by many marijuana manufacturers.
Terpenes benefits cause hypotension (low blood pressure) and dizziness by relaxing the walls of blood vessels. Irritation, discomfort, inflammation, and other symptoms might result from prolonged or repeated exposure to concentrated forms.
What are the Most Common Terpenes & Their Effects?
Among the many food grade terpenes present in cannabis, the following are among the most common:
- Humulene: Cannabis, sage, and ginseng are all natural sources of humulene. It has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects in mice and rats, but whether or not these effects translate to people is unclear from the available research.
- Linalool: The primary terpene in lavender, linalool, is what gives the plant its floral aroma. In animal and human studies, Linalool has shown calming, antidepressant, mood-stabilizing, sedative, analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and pain-relieving effects.
- Limonene: It is common to find limonene on the peel of citrus fruits like lemons and limes, but it is also present in cannabis. Anti-cancer, wound-healing, anti-inflammatory, and antibacterial properties have been observed in preclinical research.
- Caryophyllene: The compound caryophyllene gives black pepper its characteristically pungent aroma. Cloves, hops, and rosemary also contain it. In a 2014 study on animals, it was discovered to have anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving characteristics, but whether these effects translate to people remains unclear.
- Pinene: This terpene is responsible for the revitalizing and energizing scent of pine needles. It has a revitalizing aroma that can help you get back to work after a break. When pinene is present in high enough amounts, it can make people feel sick and dizzy.
How to Use Terpenes Safely
Diluting Terpenes
Always dilute terpenes with a carrier oil like olive, hemp, coconut, or cannabis oil before utilizing them. Before adding to food, base extract, or oil, ensure it has been properly diluted (typically less than 5% by total volume).
Consult a qualified herbalist about whether are terpenes safe and the appropriate dilution for use. They will advise you to dilute the food-grade terpenes and safely take them with meals.
Wear Safety Equipment
Many topical products rely heavily on terpenes benefits. They’re aesthetically pleasing, fragrant, and are good overall.
Use caution while including food-grade terpenes into topical formulations; gloves and eye protection are recommended. Pure terpenes are harmful to the skin and eyes because they can kill cells, irritate the skin (such as with contact dermatitis), and set off allergic reactions.
Flush the affected area with clean, warm water for any skin or eye irritation. If your condition worsens, you should immediately go to the emergency hospital.
Avoid Inhaling Concentrated Terpenes Directly
Concentrating terpenes requires special precautions, including plenty of fresh air circulation. Pure, concentrated terpenes inhaled can irritate and injure the lungs and may do additional harm once absorbed into the circulation.
Some food-grade terpenes, including benzene and methacrolein, are directly poisonous. Even though our mixes don’t contain any potentially harmful terpenes, it’s still important to avoid using them in a small, stuffy room with little ventilation.
Check Lab Reports Before You Buy
It’s not just terpenes that are harmful. Make sure an independent lab has tested the purity. Read customer comments and ratings and learn more about the product.
If you care about your health, stick to items verified as safe in a lab. You don’t know their reliability, efficacy, or security in terpenes reviews.
How Do Terpenes Differ From Cannabinoids?
There is no chemical similarity between food grade terpenes and cannabinoids.
Cannabinoids are primarily found in the cannabis plant and are big molecules. They need to be heated to very high temperatures to evaporate, affecting us through the endocannabinoid system (ECS).
Food grade Terpenes are volatile organic compounds found in tens of thousands of plant species. They evaporate at low temperatures, and our noses detect them as they do so. Terpenes have a wide range of effects, from anti-inflammatory COX inhibition to opiate receptor agonism (painkilling action).
On the contrary, terpenes, except one known terpene, do not excite the endocannabinoid system by interacting with receptors in the same way as cannabinoids do. The intoxicating effects of cannabinoids like THC and delta 8 THC are caused by their binding to the CB1 receptor.
Summary
It’s clear that further study is needed, but preliminary results suggest that there may be exciting benefits from ingesting the right amounts of terpenes orally. Eating foods containing terpenes is not harmful in and of itself.
However, when isolated and concentrated, they pose a threat. When they make contact with your skin or eyes, it can be uncomfortable or even dangerous. In high enough quantities, they can also damage internal organs.
Well, are terpenes safe to consume?
Yes, and they provide several beneficial health effects when appropriately utilized. Proper safety equipment must be used when interacting with full-strength terpenes, including gloves, goggles, and ventilation. Terpenes should never make up more than about 5% of the finished product’s volume undiluted.
FAQ
Is it correct to call terpenes cannabinoids??
Food grade Terpenes, which are the principal components of essential oils, give cannabis its distinctive scent. Researchers have only begun to speculate about the interactions between cannabinoids and food-grade terpenes in the last few decades, demonstrating a synergic and/or entourage impact.
Are terpenes safe to consume internally??
Eating foods containing terpenes benefits is not harmful in and of itself. However, when isolated and concentrated, they pose a threat. When they enter the body, they can trigger itches and allergies.
What are the effects of food grade terpenes on the human body?
Terpenes benefits have been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits in various conditions, including ear edema, bronchitis, COPD, skin inflammation, and osteoarthritis, by blocking certain proinflammatory pathways.
Does exposure to food grade terpenes stimulate you??
With its pungent and earthy flavor, Sour Diesel is a balanced strain that provides a lot of energy, joy, and bliss. Sour Diesel is loaded with the energizing terpene limonene. A little bit of soothing myrcene balances out the energizing rush just right.
When it comes to treating depression, which terpene is the most effective??
Below are some of the benefits of the top food grade terpenes that are best for depression:
- Most food grade terpenes in marijuana, including limonene, have antidepressant properties.
- Pinene is a component of black pepper, rosemary, and pine needles.
- The gentle terpene linalool can be found in oils like lavender and rosewood.
