The Ultimate Guide to Terpenes: Live Resin, Botanical, and Cannabis Derived
Trichomes of the cannabis plant.
At Dabstract, we believe in the power of terpenes to elevate your cannabis experience. But not all terpenes are created equal. Today, we’re diving into the differences between Live Resin Terpenes, Botanical Terpenes, and Cannabis-Derived Terpenes, exploring their extraction methods, and explaining why Live Resin Terpenes, preserved through High Terpene Extract (HTE), provides the most authentic expression of the plant.
Understanding Terpenes
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in many plants, including cannabis. They contribute to the plant’s scent, flavor, and effects. These are housed in the trichomes of the cannabis plant. Whether you're seeking a calming, energizing, or balanced experience, terpenes play a crucial role.
Botanical Terpenes
Botanical terpenes are natural compounds in plants and fruits such as lemons, pine trees, and lavender. These terpenes give these plants their distinct aromas and flavors. They are also responsible for the therapeutic properties of many essential oils. When it comes to cannabis products, botanical terpenes are often added to enhance the flavor profile or believe health benefits. For example, limonene, a terpene commonly found in citrus fruits, is thought to have anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects. Another prevalent terpene found in herbs like thyme and oregano is myrcene, which is believed to have anti-inflammatory properties.
Extraction Method:
Botanical terpenes are derived from a variety of plants other than cannabis. They are commonly extracted through steam distillation or cold-pressing. In steam distillation, steam is passed through the plant material, vaporizing the volatile compounds. These vapors are then condensed into a liquid form, separating the terpenes from the plant. Cold-pressing, typically used for citrus peels, involves physically pressing the plant material to release the essential oils containing terpenes.
Pros and Cons:
While these methods produce high-purity terpenes that can sometimes mimic the profiles found in cannabis, they often lack the complexity and depth of cannabis-specific terpenes. The resulting terpenes might not provide the full entourage effect because they do not interact with cannabinoids in the same way cannabis-derived or Live Resin terpenes do.
Cannabis-Derived Terpenes
Cannabis derived terpenes (CDT) are natural compounds found in the cannabis plant that give it its distinct aroma and flavor. Unlike other botanical terpenes, CDT is derived directly from the cannabis plant itself, rather than synthetically created or extracted from other plants. This means that CDT provides a more authentic flavor profile than botanical terpenes, as it utilizes the terpene profile of each individual strain of cannabis. These terpenes not only add to the overall sensory experience of consuming cannabis products, but they also have potential therapeutic benefits. Overall, Cannabis derived terpenes offer a more natural option than botanical or synthetic terpenes for enhancing cannabis products. They can be extracted using several methods, including CO2 extraction, Steam Distillation, and Solvent extraction. The term CDT is used broadly and could cover everything from a single cannabis strain product to terpene blends or even single isolated terpenes that are cannabis derived and then added to a product to enhance flavor.
Extraction Methods
CO2 Extraction: One of the most popular ways to obtain cannabis-derived terpenes is through CO2 extraction. This method involves using pressurized carbon dioxide to extract the essential oils and terpenes from the cannabis plant. The process starts with placing the plant material into a chamber, where high-pressure CO2 is then applied. This causes the CO2 to act as a solvent, pulling out all volatile compounds, including terpenes.
Pro and Cons: These methods ensure that the terpenes reflect the original profile of the cannabis strain. However, the extraction process can sometimes degrade these delicate compounds, resulting in a less potent and flavorful product compared to Live Resin Terpenes. One of the primary disadvantages of CO2 extraction is the further refinement and purification steps required resulting in a less robust terpene profile. Another disadvantage is that CDTs are typically derived from dried or cured flower. During the drying and curing process, terpenes evaporate off the plant and results in an incomplete terpene profile.
Steam Distillation: Another common method for extracting cannabis-derived terpenes is through steam distillation. As with Botantical Terpene manufacturing, this process involves using steam to extract the essential oils and terpenes from the plant material. The steam passes through the plant material, carrying with it the volatile compounds which are then condensed into a liquid form. The resulting liquid contains a high concentration of terpenes.
Pros and Cons: While these methods produce high-purity terpenes that can mimic the profiles found in cannabis, they often lack the complexity and depth of a full spectrum product.
Solvent Extraction: Solvent extraction is another method used to obtain cannabis-derived terpenes. In this process, solvents such as ethanol, butane, and/or propane are used to extract the essential terpenes and cannabinoids from the plant material. The resulting extract can then be processed using a variety of different methods including low-temperature decarboxylation, crystallization, or fine filtration. In all of these methods, additional heat and agitation is required to separate the terpenes from the crude extract. This additional processing can impact the delicate nature of terpenes and can result in a less pure product.
Pros and Cons: Like steam distillation and CO2 extraction, solvent extraction has its own pros and cons. One of the main advantages of this method is that it can be done on a large scale, making it more cost-effective for commercial production. However, there are also potential drawbacks, such as the oxidation or evaporation of the terpenes from the extract which results in a less flavorful and complex product.
Live Resin Terpenes
Fresh Frozen Cannabis Flower
Live Resin cannabis terpenes are a highly sought-after product in the world of cannabis extraction. These unique terpenes are known for their incredible flavor profiles and come directly from the cannabis plant. Unlike other extraction methods, which often involve drying and curing the plant, live resin extraction captures the volatile terpenes in their natural state, resulting in a more robust and full-bodied flavor. This method of extraction involves flash-freezing freshly harvested cannabis buds, preserving the delicate terpene profile that is typically lost during curing or drying. As a result, live resin cannabis terpenes offer an enhanced flavor experience that truly showcases the essence of the plant. This is because live resin cannabis terpenes are extracted from the fresh, whole plant rather than dried or cured material.
This method preserves a wider range of terpene profiles and characteristics compared to other terpene extraction methods. This results in a more diverse and robust flavor profile that is specific to the particular cultivar or strain of cannabis being used.
Just as different grape varieties and harvest conditions create distinct flavors in wine, each cannabis strain offers a unique aroma and taste based on its terpene levels. While one batch may exhibit a specific profile, another batch could differ due to various factors like harvest time, growing conditions, and more. Live Resin cannabis terpenes accentuate these individual traits, offering an authentic experience specific to each harvest's unique characteristics.
Extraction Method:
Live Resin Terpenes are extracted from fresh, flash-frozen cannabis plants. The plants are harvested and immediately frozen to preserve their terpene content at peak freshness. Extraction is typically done using hydrocarbon methods, which are particularly effective at capturing the full spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids. By processing the plant material while it is still frozen, we prevent the loss of volatile compounds that can occur during drying and curing.
Pros and Cons:
This method captures the plant’s full terpene profile at its peak, ensuring a more robust and true-to-plant experience. The downside is that it requires specialized equipment and conditions to keep the plant material frozen throughout the process, making it more resource-intensive.
Live Resin Terpenes = Ultimate Strain Flavor Preservation
Authenticity: Live Resin Terpenes provide a true representation of the plant’s original terpene profile. This authenticity translates to a richer flavor and more pronounced effects.
Flavor: By flash-freezing the cannabis plant at harvest, we lock in the terpenes at their peak maturity. This process minimizes the loss of volatile compounds that can occur during drying and curing, resulting in a true-to-plant experience.
Live Resin High Terpene Extract (HTE): The Ultimate Terpene Preservation Method
High Terpene Extract (HTE) is created using a specialized extraction process that isolates cannabis terpenes from cannabinoids, preserving them in their most potent form. Here’s why HTE is the best way to preserve Live Resin Terpenes:
Precision: HTE focuses on extracting terpenes while minimizing cannabinoid extraction, resulting in a terpene-rich product that can be reintroduced to cannabis extracts for a heightened experience.
Stability: Terpenes extracted via HTE are more stable, ensuring they retain their aromatic and therapeutic properties over time.
Authentic Strain Expression: HTE allows for the preservation of terpene profiles in each cultivar so what you're smoking is reminiscent of the plant it is derived from.
It’s All About the Terps.
In the battle of terpenes, Live Resin Terpenes stand out as the clear winner. Their unmatched authenticity, potency, and ability to harness the full potential of the entourage effect make them the superior choice. At Dabstract, we use High Terpene Extract (HTE) to ensure that our Live Resin Terpenes are preserved in their most potent form, delivering a cannabis experience that is second to none.
*DISCLAIMER: Statements made on this website have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The products described herein are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Information provided by this website or this company is not a substitute for individual medical advice. UCG Inc. encourages responsible, legal cannabis use of its products and brands, including the award-winning Dabstract® brand.