Why Add Hemp-Derived Terpenes to Distillate?
Hemp-derived terpenes are the next big trend in terpene-infused distillate. It’s not news that distillate is perfect for dabs, carts,...
Yes, cannabis is a particularly terpene dense plant. And yes, cannabis has psychoactive properties. So, does that mean terpenes will get you high? Absolutely not! Most plants, even non-psychoactive plants like basil and apples, have terpenes in them. So, if terpenes had psychoactive properties, salads would be a lot more interesting.
However, terpenes CAN promote specific effects in both cannabis and non-cannabis products. We understand why that might be confusing, so today we’re explaining why terpenes don’t get you high and how terpenes promote different effects for a variety of products.
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We understand why this topic is complicated. Here’s a quick rundown of the details:
If you’ve been with us for a while, feel free to skip ahead. However, if you’re just now joining us, let’s cover a few terpene basics.
Terpenes are organic hydrocarbons found in the essential oils of most plants, spices, and more. For example, there are terpenes in the rinds of citrus fruits, black pepper, pine needles, and even roses. They’re pretty much the building blocks of aroma and flavor, and the world would be a less delicious place without them.
Terpenes can actively influence receptors in the brain and affect a number of different neurotransmitters to promote various effects. Plus, a lot of these effects are very beneficial to the body. Some terpenes are anti-inflammatory, some are analgesic, and some even have mood-enhancing properties.
Here’s a good example. If the scent of lavender makes you feel calm and a bit sleepy, that’s because of terpenes! Every plant has a unique ratio of terpene isolates that makes up that plant’s terpene profile. Lavender happens to have a large amount of the isolate Linalool. This delicate, floral-smelling terpene has sedative and relaxant properties making it particularly useful for products designed to help you unwind.
This also makes terpenes useful for any product that needs a specific scent, flavor, or effect. Today, terpenes are used for food & beverages, personal care, and even aromatherapy. Admittedly, terpenes are particularly useful for cannabis products.
No, terpenes do not get you high. While terpenes can promote feelings of relaxation and/or euphoria, that’s not the same thing as feeling high. Additionally, there’s no such thing as a “terpene high.”
On their own, terpenes don’t have psychoactive properties and terpenes don’t contain THC or any other psychoactive compounds. Even cannabis-derived terpenes won’t get you high unless you’re combining them with cannabinoids like THC. However, terpenes CAN influence the effects different cannabis strains promote. Confused? We don’t blame you. Let us explain...
Cannabis is a very terpene-dense plant and different strains have unique terpene profiles. They’re generally found in the trichomes of cannabis plants and they dictate the overall aroma, flavor, and effects that different strains possess. That’s part of the reason so many people associate cannabis and terpenes.
To make life a bit easier, here’s a breakdown of common cannabinoids and whether or not you’ll experience psychoactive effects when you combine them with terpenes.
THC (Δ9-THC) |
Psychoactive |
Mildly Psychoactive |
|
THCV |
Psychoactive |
Non-Psychoactive |
|
CBG |
Non-Psychoactive |
Additionally, terpenes are necessary for a phenomenon known as the Entourage Effect. Essentially, this phenomenon describes the synergistic relationship between cannabinoids and other plant compounds (terpenes, terpenoids, etc.). When they’re used together, they’re able to produce different and/or stronger effects than they could produce on their own. This is part of the reason terpenes can affect your high.
The various effects different terpene isolates have can be experienced even without psychoactive cannabis products. Aromatherapy, for example, has been helping people relax, focus, or even fall asleep with the use of terpenes for centuries. When it comes to psychoactive products, however, terpenes play a major role. A good way to understand this is by looking at Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid strains.
While the distinction between these types of strains isn’t as clear as it used to be, it’s generally understood that Sativa strains are a bit more energizing, Indica strains are relaxing, and hybrid strains fall somewhere in the middle. The reason we bring this up is because of the differences in their terpene profiles.
Generally, Indica-dominant strains tend to have large amounts of calming, sedative terpenes like Myrcene while Sativa-Dominant strains tend to have more energizing terpenes like Limonene or Alpha-Pinene. But it’s not just a difference between energizing and calming effects. Terpenes help people experience abstract effects like creativity, focus, euphoria, and more.
This is particularly important for potent extracts like distillate. The psychoactive cannabinoids in distillate help products (and customers) lift off and reach new heights. By that we mean they’ll get you high. It’s terpenes, however, that determine the destination or “effects” someone will experience. Without terpenes, you’ll JUST be high.
That’s pretty much it! On their own, terpenes are a simple way to infuse products with aroma, flavor, and effects. Even non-cannabis products will benefit from their unique properties and help you create products that customers will love.
If you have questions about our terpenes, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re happy to answer questions, make terpene recommendations, or even help formulate an entirely unique terpene blend just for your products. Plus, don’t forget to follow us on Instagram and let us know what other topics you want us to cover!