Terpene sprays have been the standard method for adding aroma to dried flower products. However, spray methods face challenges such as uneven distribution, terpene loss during storage, cost efficiency, quality, and operational complexity.
At Terpene Belt Farms, we’ve developed NEU (Natural Enhancement Unit) Bags to provide producers with a simple method to enhance terpene content. NEU Bag technology is an equipment-free method for increasing the terpene content of cured material through a simple infusion process that requires only a sealed container and periodic mixing.
For B2B producers seeking to enhance flower, here is an analysis of these technologies to inform decision-making about final product quality, operational and cost efficiency, and production workflows.
Key Takeaways
- NEU Bags infuse terpenes via a natural equilibrium process, offering uniform distribution throughout the flower without spray equipment or solvents.
- While terpene sprays allow immediate application and variable dosing, they have issues like uneven coverage and terpene loss, and require ventilation and regular equipment maintenance.
- Producers with limited staff or long-term storage needs benefit from NEU Bags, while those needing fast turnaround or flexible customization can leverage sprays.
- Successful flower enhancement depends on technique and environment. NEU Bags need proper sealing and regular mixing; sprays require controlled application, ventilation, and safety procedures.
What Are Terpene Sprays?
Terpene sprays contain concentrated terpenes diluted in carriers like ethanol, propylene glycol, or other solvents. These products are widely adopted due to their simple application process; producers can treat flower quickly using spray bottles or automated spray systems during packaging or as a post-harvest treatment.
The spray method allows for rapid treatment of large quantities of flower with minimal equipment. The process typically involves measuring terpene solutions, loading spray equipment, applying to the flower in thin layers, and allowing carrier evaporation before packaging.
The common spray formulations are:
- Ethanol-based: Quick evaporation, most common carrier
- Propylene glycol: Slower release, potential residue concerns
- MCT oil: Extended effects, visible oil deposits possible
- Water-based: Requires emulsifiers, safer but less effective
Common Challenges with Terp Spray Methods
Spray methods typically present numerous challenges. For instance, surface application means that terpenes concentrate primarily on the outer portions of the flower buds, rather than distributing throughout the material. This can lead to terpene loss through handling, packaging friction, and standard storage conditions.
The other challenge with sprays is achieving uniform coverage across all flower surfaces, especially with dense buds that are difficult to penetrate. Manual application introduces operator variability, while automated systems struggle with the dimensional complexity of flower shapes.
Furthermore, carrier solvents may affect the flower’s moisture content, and rapid evaporation can create concentrated terpene pockets.
Operationally, spray equipment requires regular cleaning and calibration, work areas need adequate ventilation for solvent evaporation, and different flower structures absorb sprays at varying rates.
Moreover, applying terpene sprays requires protective clothing, gloves, and sometimes respirators, as high concentrations of volatile terpenes can irritate the skin and respiratory system. Proper ventilation is also necessary to mitigate inhalation risks, increasing operational complexity.
Spray methods can be labor-intensive and wasteful due to overspray, loss of terpenes into the environment, and the need for specialized equipment and protective gear. Additionally, reprocessing batches that were inconsistently sprayed can further add to production costs.
Consequently, batch consistency depends heavily on the application technique, with environmental factors such as temperature and humidity playing critical roles. Achieving consistent quality with spray methods requires meticulous attention to process control.
How NEU Bag Technology Works
NEU Bags offer a simple, safe, equipment-free way to increase the terpene content in cured cannabis material. Rather than applying liquid terpenes directly, NEU Bags use mesh sachets with the highest quality, easy-to-use, cost-effective, and safe Fresh Never Frozen® terpenes to transfer aromatic compounds into the flower through natural equilibrium processes.
Simply put, the NEU process works through concentration gradient diffusion. When a NEU Bag is placed with cured material in a sealed container, the oil moves from the higher terpene concentration environment (the NEU Bag) to the lower concentration environment (the flower) until equilibrium is reached.
The cured material absorbs the terpene oil like a paper towel absorbs water, through physical absorption into the plant material.
The infusion process typically requires at least 48 hours with regular mixing to ensure even distribution. Environmental conditions affect infusion rate, but most applications achieve complete absorption within 2-5 days. One infusion pack can treat one pound of flower.
Our NEU Bag product line of profile-specific terpenes features:
- Candy Gas NEU Bags for sweet fuel profiles
- Dessert Infusion Packs for bakery and vanilla notes
- Gas Infusion Packs for diesel characteristics
- Purple Infusion Packs for grape and berry profiles
- Sour Infusion Packs for citrus notes
For consumers doing R&D, our NEU Bag Sample Kit allows you to experiment with various flavor profiles before committing to larger volumes.
Distribution and Stability Differences
A key difference between NEU Bags and terpene sprays is the distribution of terpenes throughout the flower material. Spray methods apply liquid terpenes directly to flower surfaces, creating unavoidable variations in terpene concentration. The outer surfaces usually get more spray than the inner surfaces.
NEU Bags work via equilibrium-based absorption, where terpenes transfer from the high-concentration infusion pack to lower-concentration flower material. Our tests show that approximately 1.18% (w/w) of terpenes relative to flower weight is needed to maintain terpene content after 6 weeks of storage.
Moreover, terpenes applied using spray methods face environmental exposure, leading to faster initial loss of volatile compounds. On the other hand, NEU-enhanced flower absorb terpenes throughout the plant material rather than concentrating them on surfaces.
NEU Bags also serve a dual purpose: they add terpenes and help maintain natural terpene content by creating positive pressure that reduces their evaporation during storage.
Cost and Efficiency Considerations
Spray methods require equipment ranging from simple manual bottles to costly automated systems, ventilation considerations, and safety equipment. While these methods enable flexible terpene dosing, they are less efficient due to overspray and evaporation. NEU Bags need no specialized equipment and use existing containers.
Key operational differences:
| Category | NEU Bags | Sprays |
| Labor Requirements | Minimal training required | Requires technique mastery |
| Processing Time | 48+ hours needed | Immediate application |
| Dosing Flexibility | Fixed ratios | Allows variable amounts |
| Equipment Maintenance | No maintenance required | Needs regular cleaning |
Neither method achieves perfect transfer efficiency. Spray applications lose terpenes to overspray, rapid evaporation during application, and carrier solvent evaporation. NEU Bags require proper sealing to prevent vapor loss, with absorption efficiency depending on mixing frequency.
Best Practices for Flower Enhancement
Successful flower enhancement depends on proper execution regardless of the method chosen. For NEU Bags, the process requires:
- Using one infusion pack per pound of flower
- Creating space in the flower center for pack placement
- Sealing containers with minimal air
- Mixing after 3 hours initially, then after every 6-12 hours
- Maintaining a minimum 48-hour infusion (2-5 days optimal) and removing the pack after the infusion completes
However, NEU Bags are also functionally limited because they cannot increase potency, adjust moisture content, or improve discoloration. The technology requires proper storage after infusion, as terpenes can diffuse out if improperly stored.
Still, NEU Bags can serve as a reparative solution for flower that have lost aromatic appeal or a quality control measure to maintain flavor during long-term storage.
For spray methods, the best practices include:
- Applying in thin, even coats
- Allowing complete carrier evaporation
- Working in well-ventilated areas
- Testing small batches first and monitoring moisture changes
Both methods require matching terpene profiles to base flower characteristics, maintaining consistent environmental conditions, proper documentation, and quality testing post-enhancement.
Making the Flower Enhancement Choice
The benefits of spray-enhanced flower include immediate aromatic impact when opening packages, though some consumers report detecting carrier solvents. Similarly, NEU-enhanced flower exhibit more integrated aroma throughout consumption.
For producers considering using NEU Bags, timing is hugely important. NEU Bags require a minimum of 48 hours of processing with periodic mixing. Testing phases should factor in 2-5 day processing windows, with workflow adjustments to build adequate time for infusion and mixing schedules.
When choosing how to enhance flower, consider:
- Production volume: Large volumes may justify spray methods
- Turnaround needs: Rush orders favor sprays; planned production suits NEU
- Quality goals: NEU offers consistency; sprays allow customization
- Resource availability: Limited staff/space favors NEU simplicity
Overall, terpene sprays and NEU Bag terpene infusion packs are two distinct approaches to enhancing cannabis flower, each with specific advantages and limitations. For cannabis producers, the chosen method ultimately depends on production timelines, equipment capabilities, staff resources, and quality requirements.
Spray methods offer quick application and flexible dosing, but they require specialized equipment, adequate ventilation, and precise technique. NEU Bags provide safe, equipment-free, consistent enhancement, but need longer processing times and work at a fixed one-pack-per-pound ratio.
Furthermore, spray methods are suitable for operations requiring rapid turnaround, while NEU Bags work well for producers seeking simplicity, consistency, and equipment-free enhancement. Both methods can produce high-quality results when properly executed with attention to storage and handling.
Request terpene samples to experiment with our terpenes before committing to larger volumes, which you can access through our wholesale program. If you are a flavor house, join our white label program to access a secure and consistent supply of hemp terpenes to white label under your brand or use as ingredients to craft complex, innovative blends.
Check out our Fresh Never Frozen® Terpenes today, available in multiple formats, including NEU Bag terpene infusion packs.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does It Take to Enhance Cannabis Flower with NEU Bags?
NEU Bags require a minimum of 48 hours, with optimal results seen after 2–5 days, depending on environmental conditions and mixing frequency.
Are NEU Bags More Effective Than Sprays for Terpene Retention?
Yes. NEU Bags infuse terpenes throughout the flower, leading to more integrated aroma and better retention during storage, compared to surface-applied sprays.
What Are the Main Drawbacks of Using Terpene Sprays?
Sprays can cause uneven terpene distribution, solvent residue, and terpene loss during storage. They also demand skilled application and regular equipment upkeep.
Can I Adjust Terpene Levels with NEU Bags?
No. NEU Bags work on a fixed one-pack-per-pound ratio, while sprays allow more flexible dosing based on desired intensity.
