This month released our new CBD shatter and CBD crumble line infused with cannabis terpenes, the molecules associated with a strain’s unique flavor and aroma. But terpenes play a more front-and-center role than flavor alone.
What are Terpenes?
Terpenes exist in all fruits, veggies, herbs, spices and other botanicals and aid in their survival. The acrid odor of marigolds can lure leaf-eating butterflies away from your garden. Or a sunflower’s scent can attract helpful pollinating honey bees. So far, over 200,000 have been discovered across various plant species.
In cannabis, terpenes give strains their unique characteristics. Today, they also get credit for cannabis’ effects, while the idea that the type, Sativa or Indica, influences the outcome has become old school thinking.
There are 200 terpenes in cannabis alone. Only a few appear in substantial amounts, but the variety of cannabis strains’ effects illuminates their purpose. For instance, if two different marijuana plants have the same amount of THC, but one strain is relaxing while the other is energizing, there must be something other than the THC that causes these responses. According to an article in Project CBD discussing terpenes, a research company in Holland tested the results of a 100-percent THC concentrate to a terpene-infused resin and found that the terpene resin was more intoxicating than pure THC.
Terpenes alone will not get you high, but when they interact with other cannabinoids, they seem to qualify the experience. They are like adjectives giving color and texture to a noun. It is also thought they may aid in the absorption of cannabinoids into the bloodstream, which is one explanation behind the entourage effect.
Because we sell full spectrum CBD oil vapes, our line of shatter and crumble is made from CBD isolate and distillate, respectively, to give our customers THC free concentrate options. (Check out our CBD vapes if you’re looking for a full spectrum smokeable.)
Terpenes evaporate at much lower temperatures than CBD, so they are stripped out during the refinement process on their way to a THC free state. Reinfusing the terpenes back allows us to make flavorful CBD crumble and shatter void of THC while maintaining the benefits and effects terpenes create.
Our new cannabis-derived terpenes come from classic marijuana strains bred to contain less than 0.3 percent THC, the legal amount in hemp. For this reason, hemp strains may have some subtle differences from the marijuana strain it mirrors.
Cannabis Terpenes
The predominant terpenes in our CBD concentrates are caryophyllene, myrcene and limonene. These three, along with dozens of other terps create a distinct profile as unique as a fingerprint. Here is a zoomed-in look at the major three.
Citrusy and Bright
Limonene
This citrusy terpene is common in grapefruit, lemon, pine, juniper and mint. The fragrant and powerful smell when peeling an orange comes from limonene. It makes up 97 percent of the rind’s oils, according to an article in Healthline. (Terpene molecules evaporate quickly, which is why this aromatic experience is lovely but short-lived.)
This spirited terpene holds anti-anxiety, antioxidant, anti-stress, anti-bacterial and pain relief properties. Limonene is one of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis, along with myrcene.
Spicy and Peppery
Beta-caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is a unique terpene because it is larger than other flavor molecules and binds with the CB2 receptors of the endocannabinoid system. CB2 receptors are associated with regulating inflammation and are located predominantly in the body. (CB1 receptors are mainly in the brain and are responsible for intoxicating effects of THC.) Caryophyllene is the only terpene that interacts with the ECS. According to the Project CBD article, caryophyllene shows therapeutic promise for ulcers, inflammatory conditions, and auto-immune disorders. This common terpene is often found in rosemary, clove, black pepper, and hops and has a spicy warming aroma.
Musky and Earthy
Myrcene
A sleepy terpene, myrcene is a sedative molecule and muscle relaxant with anti-inflammatory properties that is plentiful in ylang-ylang, lemongrass, cardamom, hops and mango. It’s described as spicy, musky and earthy. It is the most prominent terpene in cannabis.
Cannabis-derived Terpenes
CBD Shatter and CBD Crumble Flavors
Blue Dream
Chances are you have heard about Blue Dream, a Sativa-dominant hybrid strain that originated in California and is one of the most popular marijuana strains on the market today. This cerebral strain is typically energizing and well-suited in social situations. People often report a boost in creativity. Our Blue Dream terpenes are caryophyllene dominant, followed by limonene and myrcene. Blue Dream’s unique blend results in sweet berry aromas, followed by earthy and citrusy notes.
Lemon Fuel
Lemon Fuel is described as eye-opening and motivating, but also balanced. It’s a combination of buzzy, citrusy lemon and energetic petrol-potent Jet Fuel. It’s no surprise that the dominant terpene in Lemon Fuel is limonene. It is only available as crumble.
God’s Gift
The Indica strain God’s Gift gained notoriety as the award-winning offspring to Granddaddy Purp and OG Kush. The dominant terpenes in our God’s Gift CBD shatter and crumble are caryophyllene, limonene and myrcene. God’s Gift maintains GDP’s earthy, grape flavor with hints of citrus. People often report relaxed, heavenly effects that settle into the chill buzz that can carry you to sleep.
Guava Jam
The cannabis community loves this high-potency concentrate’s vibrant tropical, juicy flavor with floral notes. The energizing blend increases focus and productivity. Like most of our concentrates, the primary terpenes in Guava Jam are caryophyllene, limonene, and myrcene. Guava Jam is only sold as crumble.
Garlic Jam
This caryophyllene-dominant pungent terpene profile has a spicy garlic taste. Unlike most of our fruity or citrusy cannabis terpene blends, Garlic Jam offers a savory option with sweet spice. The terpene blend has relaxing effects.
Read more about our line of concentrates with our CBD Shatter and Crumble Guide.
