Last updated: June 2026
You’ve smelled terpenes thousands of times without knowing it — the fresh scent of pine, the zing of citrus, the calm of lavender. These aromatic compounds are produced by plants and flowers, and hemp contains over 100 of them. They’re far more than just fragrance: terpenes play a significant role in the effectiveness of CBD.
Evopure CBD — broad-spectrum with natural terpenes
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic organic compounds produced in the oils of plants and flowers. They’re responsible for distinctive scents — pine, citrus, lavender, earth, pepper. Scientists have identified over 20,000 different terpenes, with more than 100 found in cannabis and hemp plants alone.
In plants, terpenes serve important biological functions: they attract pollinators, repel predators and protect against harmful microorganisms. In hemp, they also interact with cannabinoids to shape the effect profile of CBD products.
What do terpenes do?
Terpenes affect humans through our olfactory system (smell) and respiratory organs. Studies have found that certain scents — citrus, pine, lavender — can influence mood, relaxation and even cognitive function. Different terpenes have different chemical makeups and therefore produce different effects.
In CBD products, terpenes contribute their own potential benefits while simultaneously supporting the effectiveness of cannabinoids through the entourage effect.
Read more: The entourage effect explained | 7 CBD benefits
Terpenes and the entourage effect
The entourage effect describes the phenomenon where cannabinoids and terpenes work together synergistically — producing greater benefits than any single compound in isolation. When you consume terpenes alongside CBD and other cannabinoids, the combined effect is stronger and more nuanced than each working alone.
This is one of the key reasons broad-spectrum and full-spectrum CBD outperform isolate in many applications. All Evopure CBD oils are broad-spectrum, retaining the full terpene profile alongside cannabinoids while removing THC.
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Take the free health quiz →Uses and benefits of terpenes
Terpenes are used widely across multiple industries:
- Flavouring and fragrance — in foods, beverages, perfumes and cosmetics
- Aromatherapy — essential oils rich in terpenes like limonene, linalool and myrcene are used to induce relaxation and support mood
- CBD products — added to broad-spectrum oils to support the entourage effect and enhance CBD’s effectiveness
Many CBD manufacturers now design specific terpene blends for targeted outcomes — sleep, focus, recovery — by selecting terpenes with the relevant properties. Our Sleep CBD Oil, for example, uses a terpene profile weighted toward myrcene and linalool.
Are terpenes safe?
The vast majority of terpenes are considered safe. However, some people may be sensitive or allergic to specific terpenes — linalool is a known allergen for some. If you notice skin irritation or any adverse reaction when using a CBD product, check the terpene profile and consider switching to a product with a different blend. Always stop use if symptoms persist.
Terpenes vs terpenoids
Terpenes are the active aromatic compounds in living plants. When a plant is dried and cured, some terpenes undergo oxidation and their molecular structure changes — at this point they become terpenoids. The distinction matters because the aroma of fresh herbs (terpenes) differs from dried herbs (terpenoids). Most CBD manufacturers add terpenes in their active form to preserve their properties.
9 key terpenes found in hemp
1. Limonene
Found in citrus fruits, rosemary, juniper and peppermint. Uplifting and mood-enhancing; believed to improve the absorption of other terpenes, making it a useful component in CBD formulas.
2. Myrcene
The most abundant terpene in cannabis — earthy, herbal and musky. Found in mango, hops and lemongrass. Has soothing and sedating properties; particularly associated with calming strains. Key terpene in sleep-focused CBD blends.
3. Pinene
Gives pine trees their characteristic aroma; also found in rosemary, dill and basil. Associated with improved focus, alertness and mood support. Has shown potential for pain and inflammation relief.
4. Linalool
Responsible for the floral scent of lavender and chamomile. Associated with relaxation and sleep support through aromatherapy. Gentle and calming without causing drowsiness. Found in our Sleep CBD Oil blend.
5. Beta-caryophyllene
Found in black pepper, cinnamon and cloves. The only known terpene that binds directly to CB2 receptors in the endocannabinoid system — giving it cannabinoid-like activity and linking it to anti-inflammatory properties.
6. Humulene
Found in hops, coriander, cloves and basil. Research suggests potential wellness-supporting properties and may act as an appetite suppressant.
7. Terpinolene
Woody and smoky aroma; found in rosemary, apple, pine and sage. Has sedative properties; may promote drowsiness at higher concentrations.
8. Bisabolol
Found in high concentrations in chamomile. Sweet, floral and gentle — associated with relaxation and improved sleep. May also help relax tense muscles and support skin applications.
9. Borneol
A rarer terpene found in some Cannabis sativa strains. Used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries; associated with pain and inflammation support.
Read more: The entourage effect | Types of CBD
Frequently asked questions
Do terpenes enhance CBD?
Yes — terpenes contribute to the entourage effect, where cannabinoids and terpenes work together synergistically. Broad-spectrum CBD retains the full terpene profile for stronger, more nuanced effects than isolate.
Which terpene is best for sleep?
Myrcene and linalool are the most commonly associated with relaxation and sleep support. Both are retained in our broad-spectrum Sleep CBD Oil blend.
Are terpenes safe?
Most terpenes are safe, but some people are sensitive or allergic to specific types (e.g. linalool). Stop use if you notice any adverse reaction and review the terpene profile.
What’s the difference between terpenes and terpenoids?
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds in living plants. When the plant is dried, some terpenes oxidise and become terpenoids — slightly different molecules with potentially different properties.
Why does my CBD oil taste different between batches?
Terpene profiles vary by hemp strain and batch — which naturally changes the aroma and flavour from bottle to bottle. This is normal and a sign of genuine plant-derived CBD.
Final thoughts on terpenes
Terpenes are far more than just scent — they are active compounds with their own potential benefits and a significant role in making CBD more effective through the entourage effect. When you choose broad-spectrum CBD, you’re choosing a product that retains this full terpene synergy alongside cannabinoids. That’s why Evopure only makes broad-spectrum oils.
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