By: Mica Cruz
By now, many of us know a lot about THC and CBD, the two most well-known cannabinoids found in cannabis, which are used, respectively, for their recreational and medicinal effects. If you’re a cannabis aficionado or a ganjapreneur, you might have some knowledge about terpenes. For those who don’t know, terpenes are a class of organic compounds found in our favorite cannabis flower and in many other plants such as oranges, lemons, lemongrass, hops, cloves and lavender.
Basically, every other essential oil-bearing plant, and even animals, microbes and fungi, have terpenes, which are defined as compounds that are responsible for a plant’s distinctive smell and flavor. There are over 100 different terpenes identified in the cannabis plant, and each particular strain has its unique types and combination of terpenes in various concentrations—the reason why your weed smells so dank.
Other than smelling great, terpenes have a direct effect on the experience of using cannabis, such as inducing couch-lock versus an active high. One indication: some strains may have the exact-same levels of THC and CBD, yet their effects can be felt differently from one user to another.
Some scientists believe that terpenes might be responsible for a strain’s unique effects, although more exploration is needed in order to know for sure. Current research shows that terpenes have an effect on mice and humans in clinical trials. For example, one study showed that linalool, a terpene that produces lavender’s scent, has anti-tumor, anti-convulsant, anti-nociceptive (i.e., pain-inhibiting), sedative, anti-depressant, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, neuroprotective, hepatoprotective and anti-microbial properties. Another study found that the terpene β-pinene (100 mg/kg) produces an anti-depressant effect.
True Terpenes is a company that creates products that use terpenes to add aroma and flavor to cannabis and other products. These terpenes can potentially influence the cannabis experience. Terpene-based products can be added to edibles like gummies, hard candies, baked goods, honey, sauces and drinks. They are also added to topicals, vape products, beverages and even aromatherapy products. Terpenes can be used in vape products to adjust the viscosity and flavor of oil, and they can be used in candles and lotions as scents and to enhance the experience with cannabinoids.
To be able to imitate and enhance a specific strain and its effects, True Terpenes analyzes cannabis samples with a special machine that allows them to see what are the most basic compounds present in the sample. The company then use this information to write a recipe and blend compounds derived from other plants. Terpenes are extracted via steam, expression or vacuum distillation methods, and are fractionally purified.
Next, True Terpenes’ flavorists use their know-how and noses to add additional terpenes that might not appear on the report but still can be detected by nose in the original sample. Finally, sample products are made and tested using True Terpenes’ “suggested use” instructions so that customers will have a great experience.
Anyone using terpenes to work with cannabis products should remember that undiluted terpenes are super-potent and must be handled with care. Always check the SDS (Safety Data Sheets) before using and working with terpenes. Do not directly consume, inhale or apply them to skin in undiluted form. The company’s website suggests staying within a 1-5 percent concentration by volume, depending on your desired outcome and preference.
True Terpenes’ Precision Profiles are blends of isolated terpenes, which mimic the terpene profiles of popular cannabis strains. They do not contain carriers, flavor accents or non-terpene compounds. Their Infused Profiles, on the other hand, are terpene strain profiles with added esters, aldehydes and ketones, which accentuate the flavor and give these profiles a well-rounded tasty flavor.
Terp Flavors are premium terpene and aromatic compounds’ only flavor line, which means they contain nothing else but the compounds that make plants smell good. No medium-chain triglyceride, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin or propylene ethyl glycol is used or added. These flavors, which include blood orange, blueberry and grape, are not cannabis strain-based at all. MCT X Terps are a basic terpene blend in an ultra-distilled coconut/palm-derived medium-chain triglyceride base. Terp Flavors and MCT X Terps have either an UP or DOWN effect blend, which you can use to direct the experience of cannabis to either an uplifting or relaxing effect. All these products work well in enhancing oils, edibles, tinctures, topicals and vapes. The MCT line will not work with beverages.
As the world of legal cannabis grows, more and more cannabis companies are beginning to see the value that terpenes add to the table. True Terpenes commits to manufacturing and providing the cleanest terpene products in the world. The terpenes are triple-distilled to deliver products that beat the most rigorous consumer-safety standards.
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