What Are Live Resin Terpenes?

Seeing the “live resin terpenes” label on a product doesn’t necessarily mean the terps were extracted from a live resin concentrate. On the other hand, hemp-derived terpenes are exactly what they sound like. 

Do you know that wildly popular sticky golden cannabis extract, live resin? It’s created using fresh frozen flower that hasn’t undergone the traditional drying, curing, and trimming process. It remains frozen throughout the hydrocarbon extraction process to protect the volatile flavor and aroma compounds. The final product is a honey-like concentrate that’s packed with flavor, aroma, and a well-rounded cannabinoid profile

So, if that’s what “live resin” is, then what are “live resin” terpenes? In an effort to be honest and transparent, this is where we take a major left turn from some in the cannabis industry. 

The truth is that the phrase “live resin terpenes” is usually a misnomer. Yes, it’s technically possible to extract terpenes from a live resin concentrate, but it’s not cost-effective, and it doesn’t really make sense. Why would you pull terpenes from a finished concentrate? That’s like buying a new car just to remove the tires.

Before you flip your desk over, let us explain what live resin terpenes REALLY are, what they’re not, and why you should actually be shopping for hemp-derived terpenes.

The Truth About Live Resin Terpenes

The phrase “live resin terpenes” implies that terpenes have been extracted from a live resin cannabis concentrate. While that does exist, it’s wildly expensive and doesn’t make a lot of economic sense. The problem? When people buy live resin terpenes, that label implies that they’re buying terpenes from live resin, the concentrate.

In reality, the term “live resin terpenes” has come to mean hemp-derived terpenes. Confused? We don’t blame you. Clearly, the cannabis industry isn’t doing a great job of standardizing our language or educating people about these products. 

What’s worse is that this isn’t the first time inaccurate names and labels have been an issue. Whether it’s the use of outdated terms like sativa and indica to indicate effects, inaccurate cannabinoid levels, or using misnomers like live resin terpenes, there’s a lot of room for improvement.

What Are Hemp-Derived Terpenes?

Hemp-derived terpenes (HDTs) are exactly what they sound like. They’re terpenes that have been extracted from hemp. 

The problem is that there are terpene suppliers out there referring to their hemp-derived terpenes as “live resin terpenes.” And by referring to them in that way, they’re causing words to lose their meaning. If “live resin” is a finished concentrate made from fresh-frozen cannabis, how can it also mean terpenes steam-distilled from hemp? It doesn’t make any sense.

By us calling them “hemp-derived terpenes”, we’re just being honest about what they really are. So you know exactly what you’re buying.

Hemp-Derived Terpenes, Extracted Live?

“Live” is really the keyword from all of this. It’s super important to perform an extraction on the hemp within minutes of harvest while the plant is still alive. 

When you’re out in the field, smelling the fresh flower, what you’re actually smelling are the terpenes evaporating. And the plant loses any ability to produce terpenes once the stalks are cut and the hemp is harvested. That means you’re on the clock to extract those delicate flavor and aroma compounds before they float away into the air. 

That’s why the process of crafting our Terplandia Hemp-Derived Terpenes involves a few extra steps.

First, the hemp flower we use always comes from one farm at a time. Relying on a single source and origin means we control the entire process from genetics and phenohunting to harvesting and refining. 

This kind of control means you’ll always know exactly where your terpenes are coming from. Plus, this ensures that every bottle contains the extract from that specific cultivar. No mysterious blends and no questionable sources.

So, yes, these are steam-distilled hemp-derived terpenes like other “live resin” terpenes you might be familiar with. The difference? Our hemp genetics are meticulously bred from a single source for maximum flavor and aroma yield. Plus, there are two additional features that set our terps apart.

1. Our HDTs are distilled from FRESH (never frozen) live flower within thirty minutes of harvest.
2. We use molecular distillation to further refine them for the highest quality possible.

Basically, we wanted to provide the industry with hemp-derived terpenes that were the most authentic representation of the original plant. No fillers, no solvents, and no additional isolates. This is the hemp aroma as nature intended.

Are Hemp-Derived Terpenes Considered Full-Spectrum?

No, but we understand why there’s confusion. 

“Full-spectrum” is another term that’s started to lose its meaning. For a product to fall under this category, it must contain the full spectrum of compounds found within the original plant matter. That means it contains the wide range of cannabinoids, aromatic compounds, and, depending on who you ask, even undesirable compounds like chlorophyll and lipids. 

“Broad spectrum” means that a product has just one or two specific cannabinoids and a more limited terpene profile. Generally, cannabinoids and terpenes are selected to deliver a specific flavor or sensorial effect. 

Considering that our HDTs don’t include ANY cannabinoids, it doesn’t make sense to describe them using terms like full-spectrum or broad-spectrum.

Can Hemp-Derived Terpenes Be Used to Create Full-Spectrum Products?

Yes! 

Since they contain all of the expected flavor and aroma compounds of a total plant extract, combining our hemp-derived terpenes with cannabinoids will essentially recreate the “full spectrum” of compounds from the original plant matter.

More specifically, you’ll need to combine our hemp-derived terps with an extract, distillate, or solution that contains a full range of both major and minor cannabinoids. For it to fully qualify as “full spectrum,” the flavor and aroma compounds should also include things like flavonoids, esters, ketones, thiols, aldehydes, etc. 

Fortunately, our HDTs have all of those goodies.

Hemp-Derived Terpenes vs Cannabis-Derived Terpenes

With all the confusion surrounding these terms, it’s worthwhile to take a moment and review the differences between them.

First, let’s cover what they have in common. When terpenes are extracted and distilled into their purest forms, they’re pretty much all the same. For example, if you extract the terpene isolate d-Limonene from a lemon, it’s not any different from the d-Limonene isolate you could extract from cannabis or hemp flower. 

If you’re not distilling terpenes all the way down into isolates, meaning you want the full terpene profile, then there’s definitely an aromatic difference between hemp-derived and cannabis-derived terpenes. That’s because, while they’re technically the same species (Cannabis sativa L.), hemp and cannabis produce different amounts of various chemicals and compounds.

Cannabis has been selectively bred for flavor and aroma for decades. Hemp, on the other hand, has only had that kind of attention for a fraction of that time. Additionally, hemp has mainly been bred for industrial purposes or CBD extraction, so breeding hemp for terpenes is relatively new.

Thinking about it in a different way, we grow our hemp in the beautiful state of Tennessee where not even medical cannabis is allowed. And yet, our hemp is 100% legal and 2018 Farm-Bill compliant.

Why Our Hemp-Derived Terpenes Are NOT Labeled Cannabis-Derived

While they do have similarities, the differences between hemp-derived and cannabis-derived terpenes are important. Not only do they have different legal requirements, but the way they’re being labeled and marketed is an issue.

Many companies treat hemp-derived terpenes as though they’re the same as cannabis-derived terpenes. They’re not technically incorrect, but it’s a bit disingenuous. 

We already know there are aromatic differences between the two, but there are also significant price differences when sourcing plant matter. By saying they’re the same thing, companies can charge a premium without the market knowing any better. 

Marketing HDTs as CDTs not only makes it harder to promote a reputable cannabis industry, but it’s also a missed opportunity. In reality, they each have their own market niche, and they serve different functions. Neither is superior to the other. If you doubt that, just remember that people have been happily purchasing HDTs labeled as CDTs without knowing the difference. 

How Can You Use Hemp-Derived Terpenes?

Now, this is where things get really interesting. 

If you like our Terplandia Hemp-Derived Terpenes just as they are, then it’s simple. Easily flavor distillates, concentrates, edibles, infuse pre-rolls and flower, etc. Just like any other terpenes, our HDTs are another way to elevate your brand portfolio by offering unique products.

But that’s just the beginning. Combining HDTs with our botanically-derived terpenes can create entirely new aromas, flavors, and sensations that don’t exist anywhere else.

Imagine the high-intensity flavors in our Cloudburst Series combined with the dank earthiness of our Terplandia profiles. Maybe something like Grape Soda HDT with Blueberry Muffin Cloudburst for the loudest berry flavor imaginable. 

We also can’t stop thinking about the extraordinary combos you could create by fusing HDTs with all the gassy skunky goodness of our Native Series profiles. Come on, we can’t be the only ones drooling over the thought of mixing Sour Space Candy HDT with something like Durban Poison.

Basically, let’s get weird. You can take a little from column A, sprinkle in a dash from column B, and then dip the whole thing in Column Z. The possibilities are endless, and we can’t wait to see what you come up with. 

The Best Live Resin Terpenes Are Hemp-Derived Terpenes

At Abstrax, we conduct peer-reviewed scientific research and perform the industry’s most detailed analytics to create the most authentic and flavorful terpene blends on the market. The cannabis industry is full of unique challenges and opportunities, which is why we’re so thrilled about our partnership with Terplandia.

Founded in 2018 by Christine Miller and Taher Afghani, Terplandia has always been rooted in the desire to educate and deliver the highest quality natural terpenes. Just real people, growing real flowers, producing real products. 

Welcome to the family, Terplandia. 

Interested in using our Terplandia Hemp-Derived Terpenes? Contact us and let’s get started on your most successful product yet. 

Terplandia Hemp-Derived Terpenes

SHOP Grape Soda

The bass on this blend requires an entirely new sound system. A whisper of citrus cuts through heavy earthy elements, but a distinct haze feel gives Grape Soda an effervescence that’s perfectly balanced by syrupy berries and heady notes of pine.

SHOP Trainwreck

If you thought this train would take you home, you’re mistaken. Hazy clouds of citrus and pine envelop your senses in a stimulating rush while rumbling base notes of hemp fuel a sense of chaotic Energized. There’s no stopping this Trainwreck.

SHOP Blue Dream

With parents Blueberry and Haze, it’s no wonder Blue Dream inspires such a devoted following. Invigorating notes of pine and delicate berries gain new depth with a base of herbaceous earthy hemp.

SHOP Desserts

Delectably dank and spicy, Desserts serves up all the indulgently sweet aromas of its namesake. Relaxing notes of earthy hemp infuse this confection with a level of sophistication that’s difficult to attain and even harder to resist.