Terpenes are responsible for a plant’s aromas, its taste and as we well know each plant or flower variety has its own unique essence. Terpenes are a complex mix of volatile chemical compounds that make up its unique characteristics. They reside in the resin glands of the Cannabis flower alongside that of CBD, THC and other Cannabinoids.

We have all heard a lot about Cannabinoids in Cannabis like CBD, THC, CBG, CBN and so on, as that is central to the growing Cannabis industry. Lesser known, is the fact that the Cannabis plant contains over a 100 different Terpene compounds.  What is being discovered is Terpenes play an essential role in working together with the Cannabinoids to generate and amplify their effects, often referred to as the entourage effect. It is the Terpenes in Eucalyptus oil that give it its therapeutic effects, like helping to open our airways aiding in respiratory support.

Terpenes though are very fragile or volatile compounds and they begin to degrade and perish even at a low temperature of 70F degrees. Sadly, these precious compounds are ruined and removed during the processing of the Cannabis plant into Oil Concentrates, such as Distillate or Isolates, as examples. To be truly full spectrum, a buzz word used in the industry, the oil concentrate should include the Terpenes, flavonoids, carotenoids, phenols, thiols and the other volatile compounds, hence the whole essence of the plant. It’s the symbiosis of Cannabinoids and Terpenes or volatile matrix that gives Cannabis its special capabilities, improving absorption, minimizing side effects, and a host of other beneficial effects.

As consumers continue to push for the most benefits they can obtain from Cannabis derived products, and research continues to develop pointing to the multiplication of effects or entourage effect, Terpenes are quickly becoming center stage.