Top 4 Terpene Isolates Found in Cannabis

The secret ingredient to every great cannabis strain? Terpenes! Read on and discover the top 4 terpene isolates found in cannabis. 

To put it simply, terpenes make cannabis better. These naturally occurring, aromatic compounds found in plants accentuate taste, heighten aroma, and have many therapeutic effects. Usually, a cannabis strain will feature a variety of different terpenes that, when combined, complement each other to produce the smells and tastes cannabis customers have come to expect. 

So, what are terpene isolates?

Terpene isolates are terpenes in their purest form. These terpenes are botanically derived and have been naturally, safely, and individually extracted to use in whatever cannabis product you’re creating. 

From smell, taste, and health benefits, terpene isolates will strengthen nearly everything about cannabis. Each isolate produces a flavor and aroma that is uniquely different from one another. Some are fruity, citrusy, and sweet, while others are peppery, woody, and taste like the earth. Some will make you sleepy and relieve stress, while others will elevate your mood and increase your level of alertness. Whether they’re used alone or combined with others, terpene isolates can seriously supercharge your cannabis in a variety of ways. 

If you work in the industry, terpene isolates are important because they empower your cannabis to be controlled and consistent. You’ll find peace of mind knowing that your customers will get the same smells and tastes each and every time they enjoy your product. 

We believe that terpene isolates are the key to producing cannabis with a full-body flavor and trademark taste that customers love. 

Here are the top 4 terpene isolates found in cannabis: 

Beta-Caryophyllene

One of the most popular terpenes found in cannabis, Beta-Caryophyllene is bold and celebrated for its powerful aroma of pungent pepper. Take one whiff of a Beta-Caryophyllene-dominant strain and your nose will be twitching with pleasure. With notes of cardamom, rosemary, cinnamon, and cloves, Beta-Caryophyllene’s unique blend of sweet and spice is unforgettable and invigorating. Cannabis connoisseurs love this terpene for its sharp flavor that is strikingly woody and sometimes sour. 

Beta-Caryophyllene is the only known terpene that is a dietary cannabinoid and has plenty of health benefits too. In the last decade, research on Beta-Caryophyllene skyrocketed after it was discovered it can bind to CB2 receptors and reduce pain related to inflammation. Beta-Caryophyllene can also help relieve pain, promote sleep, and can positively treat fungal infections.

Due to its pain-relieving properties, strains that contain Beta-Caryophyllene are usually heavy indicas or indica-dominant hybrids. You’ll get a nice and heady cerebral high before a wave of relaxation gets you ready for bed after a long day. Strains are usually spicy, citrusy, and may be accompanied by that skunky sour you’d find in a diesel. The sweet and spiciness of Beta-Caryophyllene pairs well with the vibrant vanilla notes usually found in delicious dessert strains like Wedding Cake and Biscotti. Other popular strains that contain Beta-Caryophyllene include Chemdawg, Purple Punch, and GG4. 

D-Limonene

Looking for a terpene with a little more zest than the rest? Look no further than the eye-widening, mouth-puckering citrus in D-Limonene. Found in fruits like lemons, grapefruits, and oranges, D-Limonene is sour, sweet, and totally terpy. Don’t be thrown off by the uplifting aroma that is blissfully bitter; it’s almost like a handcrafted cocktail. D-Limonene tastes remarkably fresh thanks to subtle but strong notes of sweeping citrus, rosemary, and lemon rind that leaves you invigorated and energized. 

When it comes to health benefits, D-Limonene can help with anxiety, depression, and sleep. But where it sets itself apart from other terpenes is its powerful relationship with the stomach. D-Limonene can help reduce the risk of peptic ulcers, relieve heartburn and GERD, and can promote weight loss by lowering blood sugars and lipids. When used topically, D-Limonene is also amazing for your skin as it can help protect against sunburn and soothe damaged skin. 

In cannabis, D-Limonene is usually found in stimulating, smile-inducing sativas, but can pop up in indicas, as well. These mood-elevating and sometimes euphoric strains are often used by creatives to help them write, paint and stay focused throughout the day. You’ll taste freshly squeezed lemonade, the zest of a lime, and herbal earth. Strains and flavors that are D-Limonene-dominant include Gelato, Clementine, King Louie XIII, Mimosa, and Blue Milk. 

Myrcene

While it can be found in lemongrass, mangos and the hops used to make beer, Myrcene is affectionately referred to as “the mother of all terpenes” because it’s the most commonly used terpene in all of cannabis. It’s a highly fragrant, distinctive duet between sweet with spice. Myrcene’s strong notes of citrus fruit pair perfectly with a woody, earthy musk reminiscent of cardamom and cloves. 

If you’re looking for restful sleep, Myrcene might be able to help. For generations, holistic doctors in Germany have been using hops with Myrcene as a sleep aid for patients. A recent study suggested that Myrcene can help with increasing sleep time and scientists have even said that when combined with THC, Myrcene can literally create “couch-lock.” 

Since it can make you snooze, if you love a good indica, there’s a good chance it contains Myrcene. Strains with Myrcene are usually a sedative and nice for a night of restful relaxation. It smells woody and you’ll get notes of spicy earth, and maybe even a little incense too. You might taste fresh fruit, creamy citrus, or a pleasantly surprising peppery pine. Strains and flavors that are Myrcene-dominant include Dole Whip, ACDC, Blue Dream, Master Kush, and Grape Ape. 

Terpinolene

Found in cumin, apple, lilac, and tea-trees, Terpinolene is an earthy terpene that is curious and complex. Instead of sharp, individual notes of pepper or citrus, Terpinolene is notable for its symphony of smells that are woody, fresh, sweet, and piney. It’s like taking a walk in the forest, finding a conifer tree filled with pine cones, and slowly breathing in the fresh, fragrant air around you. 

While there isn’t as much comprehensive research on Terpinolene compared to other terpenes, scientists have still found plenty of health benefits. Terpinolene can serve as an antioxidant, help reduce inflammation, and when inhaled, has sedative effects. When used with alpha-tocopherol and beta-carotene, Terpinolene was also found to possibly reduce the risk of heart disease too. 

Usually found in rousing sativas, Terpinolene-dominant strains account for only 10 percent of cannabis on the market, but have a legion of loyal fans. Seriously, it smells like a beautiful, botanic garden. You’ll find a bouquet of notes including sage, nutmeg, and pine before a flutter of fruit closes it all out. Strains that are Terpinolene-dominant include Jack, Ghost Train Haze, Northern Lights, Trainwreck, and Grape Soda. 

Abstrax Isolates Raise The Bar For The Entire Industry

At Abstrax Tech, we pride ourselves on having the purest isolates in the entire industry. Our terpene isolates are naturally and botanically derived, organic-compliant, and natively found in cannabis. Through our molecular distillation process, we’re able to produce an incredibly pure isolate that is solvent-less and free of fillers, GMOs, and impurities. Each of our isolates comes with a Certificate of Analysis to ensure strict compliance to the highest cannabis testing requirements.