Terpene-infused products are all the rage, not just within the cannabis industry. These organic compounds play a role in many of the health benefits associated with weed. But it's worth noting that terpenes are in everything from pine trees to lavender.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are aromatic hydrocarbons found in plants and insects. They have been used for centuries as medicinal remedies. Today, they're studied extensively for their anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, analgesic, antioxidant, and neuroprotective properties.
Terpenes are an integral component of essential oils. They are best known for imparting flavors, aromas, and colors to products.
You can read our full explainer on how terpenes change the flavor and effect of weed here.
Why Infuse Them Into Products?
Terpene infusion allows manufacturers to create unique and enjoyable products with therapeutic potential.
Terpene-infused products provide natural alternatives to many everyday products with synthetic ingredients. Many offer health-promoting benefits without the use of artificial compounds.
Unique Flavors and Aromas
Terpenes can enhance flavor and aroma when added to food or beverages. For example, CBD-infused recreational beverages often utilize terpenes as flavoring agents. Terpene infusion is also increasingly popular in experimental restaurants across the West coast.
The unique flavors of terpenes are also used in unconventional consumables like e-liquids. The availability of terpenes to the general public has also made them popular among home cooks.
Potential Health Benefits
Terpenes have been shown to provide medicinal benefits, including pain relief and producing anti-inflammatory and antidepressant effects. They may also be also effective in relieving symptoms of diseases like Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease.
Skin Nourishment
The terpene camphor can help to reduce inflammation and control the appearance of wrinkles. Acting as an antioxidant, it can help to fight free radicals that can cause cellular damage.
In addition, some terpenes can help to soothe skin irritations, such as eczema and psoriasis.
By moisturizing skin, terpenes can help it retain its natural elasticity and youthfulness. Certain terpenes even increase collagen production in the dermis to promote skin health.
Hair Nourishment and Repair
Menthol is one terpene that can stimulate the scalp by improving circulation. This is essential for healthy hair growth. Others have antibacterial and antifungal properties, which help reduce scalp inflammation. Less inflammation can help in preventing dandruff and other scalp conditions.
Terpenes can also restore hair texture and shine. This is why essential oils are a mainstay in natural shampoo formulations.
Potential Entourage Effects Between Cannabis Compounds
The Entourage Effect describes the interaction of different compounds found in cannabis. Specifically, how they work to produce greater effects than any individual compound. These compounds include terpenes, cannabinoids and flavonoids.
Entourage effects are the reason full-spectrum formulations are considered superior to terpene isolates. Edibles and topicals are examples of cannabis products that can benefit from terpene infusion.
Terpenes for Carts: A Look at Terpene Infusion in Vapes
Terpenes have become a common additive to nicotine-and THC-based cartridges in recent years. Since vaping relies on heating terpenes to their vapor point, it helps to know each terpene's boiling point. They provide flavor, aroma, and potential health benefits to the vaping experience.
Terpene-infused carts fall into two categories: ones using natural terpenes and synthetic terpenes.
Natural Terpenes
Limonene is one example of a natural terpene commonly infused into vape cartridges. It may have some health benefits, such as aiding digestion and reducing inflammation.
Limonene can be extracted from the peels of citrus fruits, such as lemons, limes, oranges, and grapefruits.
At True Blue, we use 100% natural food-grade terpenes. Once infused, protecting that potency in storage matters too. See our guide to terpene shields. We don't rely on additives, diluents, or carrier agents to artificially boost or weaken our products.
Synthetic Terpenes in Vape Carts
Synthetic terpenes work similarly to their natural counterparts. They're created by chemical processes instead of refined from essential oils or extracted from plants. These compounds have a variety of uses, including as fragrances and flavoring.
Synthetic terpenes are becoming quite popular in vaping cartridges. This is because they have a longer shelf life than natural terpenes. They're used to alter the taste, smell and effects of vape oils without altering their chemical composition. Manufacturers use a similar process when mixing terpenes into cannabis distillates.
Three Terpene-Infused Products You Should Check Out
To close out the article, let's take a brief look at three infused products and how they're made below.
Terpene-Infused Bath Soaps
Terp-infused bath soaps are popular among high-end skincare companies. Using active organic ingredients lowers the risk of adverse reactions or effects. Terpenes also allow manufacturers to create unique aromas and impart specific benefits.
The infusion process begins by selecting terpenes based on their therapeutic profile. Then, they're mixed with carrier oils such as jojoba, sweet almond, or grapeseed oil.
Full incorporation requires the carrier oil and terpene mixture to be heated at low temperatures. This preserves the natural aroma and therapeutic benefits. Once completely infused, this mixture can be blended directly into the soap base during saponification.
Terpene-Infused Freeze Sprays
These combine the muscle relaxant effects of eucalyptol with analgesic compounds. This creates a novel and potent solution for joint or muscle aches. Freeze sprays are easy to use and deliver quick, localized relief for hours.
Sports companies select and infuse terpenes that reduce inflammation or muscle tension. These include linalool, myrcene and humulene.
Once extracted from source plants, the terpenes are blended to reduce viscosity. Propylene glycol or alcohol is used to optimize the formulation for sprayability.
Terpene-Infused Edibles
Edibles with terpenes offer an enhanced flavor profile and additional health benefits. CBD edibles, for example, may provide antioxidant benefits while helping with relaxation.
Adding terpenes can make them more enjoyable by adding distinct flavors and aromas. The positive reception around Maryland-based Curio Wellness' terpene-infused chews is an excellent example.
The process of infusing terpenes into edibles is simple but effective. First, the desired terpene strain and concentration are determined by the product. A citrus edible, for instance, is typically infused with limonene or valencine.
The terpenes are blended with a carrier oil such as MCT to ensure even distribution when infused. This mixture is then stirred or shaken into the edible base (e.g., for gummies or drinks). This allows the terpenes to be evenly dispersed throughout the product.