Terpene-infused products are items that have been enhanced with terpenes to improve their flavor, aroma, and potential effects.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, including hemp, fruits, and herbs. They contribute to each plant’s distinctive scent and flavor profile. When added to products, terpenes can significantly improve the experience and offer targeted benefits.
The terpene infusion process starts with carefully extracting these compounds from natural sources. Manufacturers then add precise amounts of these concentrated terpenes to their product formulations, ensuring a consistent flavor, aroma, and potential benefits.
Terpene infusion can occur at various stages of product development. For cannabis concentrates, terpenes might be reintroduced after the initial extraction to create a strain-specific profile. In the case of edibles or beverages, terpenes can be added during the flavoring process to enhance taste and aroma.
Key Takeaways
- Adding terpenes to products improves their flavor, aroma, and potential effects, making them more enjoyable and targeted toward specific experiences.
- Terpenes like linalool (for relaxation) or pinene (anti-inflammatory properties) may enhance wellness when combined with other active ingredients.
- Manufacturers can create terpene-infused products tailored for specific outcomes, such as sleep aids, energy boosters, or mood enhancers.
- Infusions use either cannabis-derived terpenes (which replicate strain profiles) or botanically-derived terpenes (from plants) to craft unique flavors and effects.
Benefits of Terpene Infusion
Here are some benefits of terpene infusions:
Enhanced Flavor and Aroma
Terpene infusion takes your favorite products to the next level by contributing unique tastes and smells that create a more enjoyable experience. When you consume a terpene-infused product, you’ll notice a more complex and nuanced flavor profile that goes beyond the basic taste of the base ingredients.
Potential Therapeutic Effects
Beyond their aromatic benefits, certain terpenes may offer specific therapeutic effects when combined with other active ingredients. Research suggests that some terpenes have properties that could promote relaxation, improve focus, or provide pain relief.
For instance, the terpene linalool, commonly found in lavender, has calming and stress-reducing effects. Another terpene, pinene, is believed to have potential anti-inflammatory and bronchodilatory properties.
Collectively, terpenes are also thought to enhance the entourage effect. This is the theory that cannabis compounds synergize to amplify their collective effects, hence the reasoning that full-spectrum products offer more benefits.
When these terpenes are infused into products alongside other compounds like cannabinoids, they can provide a more targeted and practical experience.
Tailored Experiences
One of the most exciting aspects of terpene infusion is enabling manufacturers to create products that cater to individual preferences and desired effects. By selecting specific terpene profiles, brands can develop formulations that align with their target audience’s needs and expectations.
A terpene-infused sleep aid, for example, might include terpenes like myrcene or terpinolene, which are shown to possess sedative properties. On the other hand, a terpene-infused energy drink could feature limonene or alpha-pinene to promote alertness and mental clarity.
This level of customization allows you (the consumer) to choose products that best suit your lifestyle and desired outcomes, whether you’re seeking a specific flavor, aroma, or potential therapeutic benefit.
How Does Terpene Infusion Work?
The process begins with sourcing high-quality terpenes from natural sources. Skilled extractors use advanced techniques like steam distillation or CO2 extraction to carefully isolate these aromatic compounds from plants. This ensures the terpenes maintain their purity and potency and are ready to be infused into various products.
Manufacturers then carefully blend the terpenes into their product formulations. This step requires precision and expertise to ensure that each batch contains the optimal amount of terpenes for the desired flavor, aroma, and effects.
However, terpene infusion is not a one-size-fits-all approach. The terpenes and ratios used are tailored to each product’s unique profile.
Moreover, the timing of infusion can vary depending on the product type. For cannabis concentrates like vape cartridges or dabs, terpenes may be reintroduced after the initial extraction process to recreate a strain-specific profile.
In the case of edibles, beverages, or topicals, terpenes are often added during the flavoring or scenting stage to enhance the experience.
For dried herbs, our NEU Bags afford you an innovative and much easier infusion method. These mesh infusion bags are saturated with terpenes and designed to work seamlessly with whole flower buds.
The process is simple: Place a NEU Bag into a bag or bin with whole flower buds, and over the next 48 hours, the terpenes naturally migrate from the bag to the flower. The result is a fully infused product without complex machinery or additional materials.
Generally, terpene infusion is a delicate balancing act. Using a lot of terpene oil could lead to unpleasant or overwhelming flavors, while infusing too little terpenes could result in products lacking the desired aromatic complexity and benefits. Striking the perfect balance is essential to developing products that showcase the best effects of terpenes.
Whether you’re creating a terpene-infused cannabis concentrate or beverage, you’ll appreciate the added depth and complexity that these aromatic compounds provide.
What Are the Types of Terpenes Used in Infusions?
When it comes to terpene infusion, the source of the terpenes plays a significant role in the final product’s flavor, aroma, and effects. There are two main types of terpenes used in infusions: cannabis/hemp-derived terpenes and botanically-derived terpenes.
Cannabis/Hemp-Derived Terpenes
Cannabis/hemp-derived terpenes are extracted directly from hemp plants. They capture the authentic flavor and aroma profiles of specific strains, making them ideal for creating products that closely mimic the ‘feel’ of particular cannabis varieties.
For example, a vape cartridge infused with terpenes from the Sour Diesel strain will have a pungent, fuel-like aroma with hints of citrus and herbal notes.
Cannabis/hemp-derived terpenes are particularly popular in the cannabis industry, as they allow manufacturers to create strain-specific products without using the actual plant material. This is especially useful in regions where cannabis is heavily regulated or for people who prefer not to consume THC.
Botanically-Derived Terpenes
Botanically-derived terpenes are sourced from plants other than cannabis, such as lavender, pine, and citrus fruits. These terpenes can be used to create unique flavor combinations or even mimic cannabis profiles.
Many of the terpenes in hemp are also present in other plants. For instance, limonene is abundant in lemon and orange peels. Botanically derived terpenes offer a versatile palette for product creators and can be blended to develop proprietary flavor profiles or complement other natural ingredients.
For example, a terpene-infused beverage might feature a combination of lavender-derived linalool and orange-derived limonene for a calming yet invigorating experience.
This makes botanically-derived terpenes a popular choice for mainstream consumer products, such as flavored sparkling water or aromatherapy blends.
What Are the Best Terpenes for Infusion?
When selecting terpenes for infusion, it’s essential to consider the desired outcome for your product. Each terpene offers a unique value proposition that can greatly influence the user experience.
Some of the most popular terpenes for infusion include myrcene, limonene, and linalool. Myrcene, known for its earthy and herbal aroma, is often associated with relaxation and sedation. It’s a common choice for products aimed at promoting calmness or sleep.
With its citrusy and uplifting scent, limonene is frequently used in energizing and mood-enhancing formulations. This terpene can add a refreshing, zesty note to beverages, edibles, and topicals.
Linalool, a floral and slightly spicy terpene, is prized for its potential stress-relieving properties. It’s a popular addition to products designed for relaxation and anxiety reduction, such as aromatherapy blends or infused bath salts.
Other notable terpenes for infusion include pinene (for an invigorating pine aroma), caryophyllene (for a warm and spicy scent), and terpinolene (for creating a complex and herbaceous flavor profile).
Many manufacturers develop proprietary terpene blends to create signature product profiles and experiences. These custom blends combine carefully selected terpenes in specific ratios to achieve the desired flavor, aroma, and effects.
When sourcing terpenes for infusion, quality and consistency are paramount. Look for reputable suppliers that prioritize purity and potency to ensure your products maintain their intended characteristics batch after batch.
Terpene Belt Farms provides a reliable solution with its Fresh Never Frozen® terpenes, ensuring pure and solventless options for producers seeking quality terpenes. Upgrade your infused products today with our cannabis terpene oils.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do Terpenes Affect the ‘High?’
Terpenes, by themselves, do not produce psychoactive effects. However, they can influence the overall experience through the entourage effect. This occurs when terpenes interact with cannabinoids and other compounds in cannabis, potentially modulating or enhancing certain effects.
Are Terpene-Infused Products Safe?
Terpene-infused products from reputable manufacturers that prioritize quality and purity are generally considered safe. These companies source their terpenes from trusted suppliers and follow strict manufacturing processes to ensure consistency and safety.
Can Consumers Make Terpene-Infused Products?
While creating your own terpene-infused products at home is technically possible, it’s not recommended unless you have extensive knowledge and experience working with these delicate compounds.
Terpene infusion requires specialized equipment, precise measurements, and high-quality terpenes to achieve consistent and safe results. Improper handling or low-quality ingredients can lead to an unpleasant or even harmful experience.
For the best outcomes, it’s advisable to purchase terpene-infused products from experienced manufacturers with the expertise and resources to create reliable and enjoyable products.
Sources Used
-
- Cox-Georgian, D., Ramadoss, N., Dona, C., & Basu, C. (2019). Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes. Medicinal Plants: From Farm to Pharmacy, 333–359. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-31269-5_15
- Dos Santos, É. R. Q., Maia, J. G. S., Fontes-Júnior, E. A., & do Socorro Ferraz Maia, C. (2022). Linalool as a Therapeutic and Medicinal Tool in Depression Treatment: A Review. Current neuropharmacology, 20(6), 1073–1092. https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159X19666210920094504
- Rahimi, Kaveh, Mohammad Zalaghi, Elahe Ghazi Shehnizad, Ghazal Salari, Fatemeh Baghdezfoli, and Akram Ebrahimifar. “The Effects of Alpha-Pinene on Inflammatory Responses and Oxidative Stress in the Formalin Test.” Brain Research Bulletin 203 (2023): 110774. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.brainresbull.2023.110774.
- Surendran, Shelini, Fatimah Qassadi, Geyan Surendran, Dash Lilley, and Michael Heinrich. “Myrcene—What Are the Potential Health Benefits of This Flavouring and Aroma Agent?” Frontiers in Nutrition 8 (July 19, 2021): 699666. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnut.2021.699666.
- Hajizadeh Moghaddam, Akbar, Fatemeh Malekzadeh Estalkhi, Sedigheh Khanjani Jelodar, Tabarek Ahmed Hasan, Soroush Farhadi-Pahnedari, and Mohammad Karimian. “Neuroprotective Effects of Alpha-Pinene against Behavioral Deficits in Ketamine-Induced Mice Model of Schizophrenia: Focusing on Oxidative Stress Status.” IBRO Neuroscience Reports 16 (June 2024): 182–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ibneur.2023.12.012.
- Song, Yunjeong, Sowoon Seo, Santosh Lamichhane, Jungwon Seo, Jin Tae Hong, Hye Jin Cha, and Jaesuk Yun. “Limonene Has Anti-Anxiety Activity via Adenosine A2A Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Dopaminergic and GABAergic Neuronal Function in the Striatum.” Phytomedicine 83 (March 2021): 153474. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153474.
- Harada, Hiroki, Hideki Kashiwadani, Yuichi Kanmura, and Tomoyuki Kuwaki. “Linalool Odor-Induced Anxiolytic Effects in Mice.” Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience 12 (October 23, 2018): 241. https://doi.org/10.3389/fnbeh.2018.00241.
- Ferber, S. G., Namdar, D., Hen-Shoval, D., Eger, G., Koltai, H., Shoval, G., Shbiro, L., & Weller, A. (2020). The “Entourage Effect”: Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. Current neuropharmacology, 18(2), 87–96. https://doi.org/10.2174/1570159X17666190903103923.
- Grumezescu, Alexandru Mihai, and Alina Maria Holban. Therapeutic, Probiotic, and Unconventional Foods. London: Academic Press, 2018.