cannabis derived terpenes

The Terpene Dictionary: 15 Terms You Should Learn

In this article we will discuss about terpene definition. From movies and music to astrology and pop culture, people love engaging in conversations with topics they are familiar with. However, eagerness may not always be enough to make them stay in the discussion. 

For instance, technical subject matters might intimidate people who are not fully acquainted with complex concepts. Case in point: terpenes.

The topic of terpenes can raise curiosity among many people. Since it’s part science and part lifestyle, many are still learning about the nature of these compounds. 

Whether someone is new to the terpene industry or a long-time terpene enthusiast, this article will familiarize them with the terpene definition, as well as the terms commonly used in the world of terpenes. 

Terpene Handy Dictionary: 15 Terms to Learn

1. Broad-spectrum CBD

This type of CBD is one of the main forms of cannabidiol. It contains some naturally occurring compounds derived from flower matter. However, it typically does not contain psychoactive compounds.

2. Concentrate

A concentrate is a flower extract that contains high levels of CBD. Certain extraction methods allow concentrates to retain some of the naturally occurring terpenes they contain, resulting in more flavorful final products while producing therapeutic benefits as well.

3. CO2 extraction

The CO2 extraction process involves using controlled temperature and pressure to create state changes in carbon dioxide. This process aims to extract the plant material without jeopardizing the amount and integrity of the terpenes found in the plant.

4. Distillate

Distillate is a form of flower extract meticulously refined to remove unwanted compounds from the final product. The process retains only the purest form of a specific cannabinoid in the extract. However, because of the intense refining process, the distillate loses all the natural terpenes, including their natural flavor and aroma.

5. Entourage effect

The entourage effect refers to the synergistic interactions that take place by combining CBD, cannabinoids, and other compounds. These interactions amplify the therapeutic capabilities of each compound, adding to the mixture’s overall benefits.

The entourage effect is divided into two categories:

  • Intra-entourage describes the interactions between different types of cannabinoids.
  • Inter-entourage refers to the interactions between cannabinoids and terpenes.

6. Full-spectrum CBD

Full-spectrum CBD contains several flower components, including cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. Its therapeutic effects are stronger when combined with other flower compounds.

7. Hydrocarbon extraction

Hydrocarbon extraction is a method of extracting cannabinoids, such as CBD, and terpenes from a plant. This technique uses hydrocarbons like butane and propane in the form of solvents to draw out cannabinoids from the flower. The solvents are then heated up to remove the butane or propane, leaving behind the extract.

8. Hydrodistillation

Also known as water distillation, hydrodistillation is one of the oldest methods of extracting oils from plants. The process involves soaking the plant in boiling water. While the water heats up, the oil is collected in a flask using a condensing device. 

9. Isolate

An isolate is a pure form of cannabidiol that contains a single compound. This substance is produced through an extraction method that removes all other plant compounds. The process retains only the isolates, which are free of any contaminants, preventing any undesirable or unexpected effects when taken.

10. Live resin terpenes

Live resin is a type of concentrate made from fresh flowers instead of dried buds. Fresh from harvest, the plant is flash-frozen to preserve its terpene and cannabinoid contents. As a result, the final product is more flavorful and aromatic and exhibits stronger therapeutic properties.

11. Natural botanical terpenes

In contrast to synthetic ones produced in laboratories, natural terpenes are obtained from plants. Various methods such as steam distillation and cold-pressing are used to extract natural terpenes from plant materials. These techniques are used to preserve the distinct aromas and flavors of plant-derived terpenes.

12. Solventless extracts

Solventless extracts are concentrates that are produced using high heat. Since these extracts are derived without the use of chemical solvents, no residuals are contained in the final product, preserving its potency. 

13. Solvent-based extracts

Solvent-based extracts are concentrates produced through low boiling points. Some methods used in obtaining this type of extract include butane extraction, supercritical CO2, live resin expression, and ethanol extraction. These processes use solvents such as propane, butane, carbon dioxide, or ethanol to strip cannabinoids and terpenes from the flower in the production of concentrates.

14. Steam distillation

Steam distillation is a terpene extraction method that uses low temperature and pressure control. The process involves placing the specimens over boiling water to create vapor pressure. As the terpenes heat up, their molecules are released into the air. 

The steam will then pass through a pipe that leads to a condensing chamber, which turns the vapor into liquid. During liquification, the oil from the terpenes floats to the top of the water, allowing it to be easily collected as an extract. This controlled method of extraction keeps the chemical compounds in the terpenes intact throughout the process.

15. Synthetic terpenes

Unlike natural terpenes that are extracted from plant matter, synthetic terpenes are made by manipulating and mixing certain chemicals to achieve a similar effect. The process involves analyzing the chemical composition of natural terpenes and then formulating a chemical that mimics the same profile. This allows extractors to create terpenes with consistent quality.

Know Your Terpene Terms

Whether you’re looking to buy, sell, or use terpenes, you’ll come across different terms. Use your knowledge of terpene terms to better understand its nature, purposes, benefits, and more.

For top-quality terpenes at great prices, visit Medical Terpenes today!

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