Terpene Buyers Guide
Terpenes are a diverse class of organic compounds found in many different species of plants. These compounds are responsible for the distinct aromas and flavors of different strains of cannabis and are increasingly being used in a wide range of applications, including aromatherapy, dietary supplements, and as ingredients in various consumer products. It is vitally important to only order terpenes from trusted sources. By using subpar terpenes you run the risk of ruining your concentrates and possibly even harming your health. While botanical, hemp, and cannabis-derived terpenes each have their own unique properties and benefits, there are also some key differences to consider.
Botanical terpenes
Botanical terpenes are extracted from a wide range of plants, including citrus fruits, herbs, and conifers. They are considered safe to use and are legal in most countries. Some of the pros of botanical terpenes are:
– Distinctive, sweet, candy-like smell and taste.
– Wide array of vendors offering nearly every scent imaginable.
– Readily available and by far the most affordable option.
However, there are also some cons to consider, such as:
– Purity of botanical terpenes can vary depending on the source and quality of the plants used, which can affect the taste and cause the vapor to become more harsh.
– Some botanical terpenes may be sensitizing or allergenic to certain individuals. Most people agree botanical terpenes tend to be more harsh than hemp or cannabis derived terpenes.
Hemp-derived terpenes
Hemp-derived terpenes are extracted from the flowers of the hemp plant through a wide variety of methods and are legal in most countries. The method of growing (indoor, greenhouse, outdoor) and method of extraction will greatly impact the quality of the terpenes. Some of the pros of hemp-derived terpenes are:
– Natural cannabis scent and there are a wide variety of strains available.
– Legal in all 50 states and most countries; the supply is stable.
However, there are also some cons to consider, such as:
– Quality may vary depending on the source and the extraction process used.
– Often not as potent as cannabis-derived terpenes
Cannabis-derived terpenes
Cannabis-derived terpenes are extracted from the flowers and occasionally sugar leaves, which contain high levels of terpenes. These terpenes will often contain upwards of 30 or more unique terpenes that are naturally formed within trichomes of the plant. Some of the pros of cannabis-derived terpenes are:
– Potent smells with wide variety of options
– Closely mimic the entourage effect of terpenes found in flower.
However, there are also some cons to consider, such as:
– Cannabis-derived terpenes are not legal in all countries, making them difficult to obtain in certain areas.
– The quality of cannabis-derived terpenes may vary depending on the source and the extraction process used.
– They are by far the most expensive option.
In conclusion, botanical, hemp, and cannabis-derived terpenes all have their own unique properties and benefits. However, it’s important to consider the legal, practical, and economic implications of each type when choosing which one to use. Regardless of your choice, make sure you source your terpenes from a reputable vendor.