The terms “cannabis terpenes” and “cannabis essential oil” are often used interchangeably, but the former is actually a constituent of the latter.
Terpenes represent a fraction of cannabis essential oil’s immense power.
If we solely focus on terpenes, we overlook the vast complexities and potential of cannabis essential oil. Let’s discuss terpenes within the context of cannabis essential for a better understanding of both terms.
What is Cannabis Essential Oil & What’s Its Purpose?
Think back to your high school science class. You most likely learned about the four elements of matter: air, earth, fire and water. The lesser-known “fifth” element — discounted by Western science — is known as quintessence, or the spirit of all living things.
And this is precisely what essential oil is: the spirit of plants.
Cannabis essential oil is the spirit of the cannabis plant. It’s obtained through steam distillation of the flowers, panicles (flower cluster), stem, and upper leaves of the hemp plant (Cannabis sativa L.).
A cannabis plant has roughly 400 compounds that break down into two main components:
- Essential oil (Terpenes, aldehydes, ketones, esters, etc).
- Cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBN, etc.)
The unique aroma, taste, and effects of a cultivar are driven by the essential oil. Essential oil creates the “complete cannabis” experience. Cannabinoids – like THC and CBD – contribute to the effects, but do not create a complete cannabis experience on their own.
Terpenes: Nature’s Most Spoken Language
Terpenes, organic chemical compounds made of hydrogen and carbon, are the largest component of cannabis essential oils. These are volatile aromatic metabolites that give plants their unique aroma.
They don’t exist just to smell good — they basically allow organisms to communicate chemically, helping their hosts recognize other organisms in the wild. Terpenes attract pollinators and help ward off predators.
We often associate terpenes with cannabis due to their abundant presence in these plants, but they extend far beyond the cannabis kingdom. Think lavender, mint, rosemary, and pine— these are prime examples of terpene-rich plants with potent and distinctive scents.
Terpenes aren’t content with just plants — they infiltrate the realms of fruits and vegetables as well. Think about the fragrances that lure you in — a juicy mango, or a zesty lemon. Don’t forget the depths of the ocean, where seaweed, kelp, and algae join the terpene party, adding their unique notes to the symphony of scents.
The world of terpenes knows no boundaries — it extends into every corner of our lives.
Cannabis Essential Oil is Now Shaping Cannabis Classification
Contrary to the long-held belief, our endocannabinoid receptors and our personal preferences for certain cannabis varieties aren’t connected to indica and sativa classifications.
Indica and sativa are terms that describe plant height and leaf shape — not what’s inside of the plant or its effects when consumed.
We’re drawn to a cannabis variety based on the effect we desire, and the natural flavor is what we can easily associate to this effect. Currently, flavor is the most important purchase decision driver after THC content, as reported by market research firm BDSA.
Complete cannabis products are gaining traction. As more markets mature and come online, more consumers are demanding complete cannabis products with cannabis-derived terpenes (cannabis essential oil) that deliver flower-like experiences.
Preserving the essential oil to flower-like experiences in manufactured goods is where consumer preference is trending. It’s where the national brands of tomorrow are headed. And, at Terpene Belt Farms, we’re building the supply chain to support that bright future.
Learn more about what to consider when selecting a supplier.