Where Do Terpenes Come From?

Have you ever wondered where liquid terpenes come from? Terpenes are naturally produced in cannabis plants. They are influenced by genetics, cultivation techniques, and growing conditions. But many cannabis products like edibles, beverages, and concentrates source their terpenes from other plants! From trees to flowers to fruits, terpenes are aromatic molecules that contribute to the diverse scents naturally produced in the flora around us! But how are these compounds extracted to enhance our cannabis experience? 

Let's explore the origins, extraction methods, and analytical tools like gas chromatography, to appreciate how natural terpenes elevate our enjoyment and deepen our understanding of cannabis.

They Come From Plants!

Plants produce terpenes as a way to communicate and protect themselves. The simple ecology is that plants develop terpenes as a defence mechanism against potential threats. Some terpenes act as natural insect repellents, keeping pests away. Others have antimicrobial properties, protecting the plant from harmful bacteria and fungi. By producing terpenes, plants can defend themselves and increase their chances of survival. 

Hard Working Molecules

Alternatively, terpenes also play a role in attracting helpful organisms. Certain terpenes attract pollinators like bees and butterflies, helping the plant reproduce by facilitating the transfer of pollen or attracting beneficial insects that can help control pests, creating a natural balance in the plant's environment. 

Environmental factors also influence the production of terpenes. For example, when plants are exposed to stressors like extreme temperatures, drought, or intense sunlight, they may produce more terpenes as a response to the stressors, helping the plant adapt and survive in challenging conditions. Terpenes are how plants interact with their environment, ensuring their survival and reproduction.

Natural Sources of Botanical Terpenes

Some plants are naturally rich in terpenes, which means they have a higher concentration of these aromatic compounds compared to other plants. These terpene-rich plants are often selected to produce large volumes of terpenes used in cannabis products. 

When deciding whether to use terpenes derived from cannabis or from other plants in cannabis consumer products, factors like availability and cost come into play. Cannabis-derived terpenes are extracted from cannabis plants themselves, which requires precise cultivation and extraction processes. This can make them more limited in availability and potentially more expensive to produce. On the other hand, terpenes from other plants, such as citrus fruits like oranges, are more widely available and often more cost-effective to obtain. 

The Same Isolated Molecules

It's important to note that at their core, an isolated limonene terpene extracted from a cannabis plant or an orange is essentially the same terpene. Terpenes are specific molecules with unique structures and characteristics. Whether a terpene comes from cannabis, oranges, pine trees, or other plants, its fundamental properties remain the same. 

When formulating cannabis consumer products, manufacturers may choose to use terpenes from sources other than cannabis. These alternative botanical terpenes can provide similar aromatic profiles and flavours while offering cost advantages and their specific desired characteristics, such as effects, aroma, and flavour profiles. The goal is to create cannabis products that provide consistent and enjoyable experiences for consumers, regardless of the source of the natural terpenes used.

Terpene Analysis

Gas chromatography (GC) is a powerful analytical technique used to examine and understand the terpene profiles of different substances, including cannabis. It allows scientists to separate, identify and measure the various terpenes present in a sample, providing valuable information about their concentrations and overall composition. In the cannabis industry, it can be used to better understand the characteristics and terpene profiles of specific strains. It also helps to ensure the quality and consistency of cannabis products, labelling accuracy, and aids in product development to deliver high-quality terpene products for consumers.

How Gas Chromatography Works

GC works by separating the terpenes present in a raw sample and precisely measuring their concentrations. A small amount of the sample is vaporized and injected into a long, narrow column. This column is packed with a material, such as an inert gas like helium, that helps separate the terpenes. As it flows through the column, it carries the vaporized sample along. It forces the terpenes to move at different speeds, causing them to separate and come out of the column at different times one by one. A detector at the end of the column then measures the individual terpenes. This information helps scientists understand different plants' combinations and concentrations of terpenes. 

How To Get Terpenes

Common terpene extraction methods used by terpene manufacturers such as steam distilled terpenes, solvent extraction, and supercritical CO2 extraction capture and preserve these aromatic compounds from plants. All three methods extract botanical terpenes that can be used to enhance flavours or aromas in food, beverages, cosmetics, and cannabis products.

Steam Distillation involves heating plant material and passing steam through it. The steam carries the volatile terpenes and other aromatic compounds from the plant, which then condense and separate from the steam into a respective container. Steam distillation is suitable for terpene extraction because it helps preserve the delicate compounds while separating them from the raw plant material. 

Solvent Extraction involves a solvent, such as ethanol, to dissolve the terpenes from the plant material. The solvent acts as a carrier to extract the terpenes. Afterward, the solvent is evaporated, leaving behind the concentrated terpene extract. Solvent extraction effectively captures a wide range of terpenes, but it requires thorough processing to ensure the removal of any residual solvent. 

Supercritical CO2 Extraction utilizes carbon dioxide (CO2) in a supercritical state, which means it behaves like both a gas and a liquid. Supercritical CO2 acts as a solvent to dissolve terpenes from the plant material. When the pressure is released, the CO2 evaporates, leaving only a pure terpene extract. Supercritical CO2 extraction is considered a safe and efficient method, allowing for precise control over the extraction process. 

Now You Know!

Terpenes are naturally more abundant in certain plants and play a crucial role in their survival and adaptation. Plants naturally produce these aromatic compounds as a defence mechanism against threats, as well as to attract beneficial organisms like pollinators. By understanding the origins and extraction methods of terpenes, we gain a deeper appreciation for their diverse scents and flavours. Whether sourced from cannabis or other botanicals, terpenes influence flavour, aroma, and potential therapeutic benefits, especially when combined with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and offer unique aromatic profiles that enhance our enjoyment of cannabis-infused products. Remember to always buy your premium quality terpenes from reputable terpene manufacturers like CannTerp!

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