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by Lee G . Lyzit
Q
I hear a lot about the terpenes in cannabis extracts . What types of extracts contain the most terpenes ? — Greg S . a
Thank you for your question . Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the odors and flavors associated with many plants . Although found in a variety of plants , terpenes are commonly linked with cannabis because of its high concentration of terpenes . Terpenes are the compounds responsible for the different odors emitted from cannabis plants , including pine , lavender , citrus , and , of course , the tell-tale “ cannabis ” odor . Terpenes are much more than just scent and flavor producing compounds . Some terpenes have incredible therapeutic potential . Terpenes in cannabis have been shown to have anti-inflammatory , anti-seizure / antiepileptic , pain relieving , and antioxidant benefits . It is believed that terpenes , used in conjunction with cannabinoids , give the most therapeutic benefits . This is known as the “ entourage effect .” There are many cannabis-based extracts available to consumers . Some of these extracts contain higher concentrations of terpenes than others . A full-spectrum extract that focuses on enhancing terpenes is known as high-terpene fullspectrum extract or HTFSE . HTFSEs are derived from new extraction techniques that focus entirely on terpene preservation and enhancement . Most conventional extraction methods destroy many of the delicate terpenes with harsh solvents and intense heat . Extraction techniques for HTFSE typically use fresh , flash-frozen plant material , light solvents , and low temperatures . Live resin and terp sauce , a . k . a “ sauce ,” are two of the most popular types of HTFSE . Most cannabis concentrates are extracted from dried and cured plant material . Since drying and curing can significantly diminish the concentrations of terpenes , this step of the harvesting process is skipped . Instead , live resin extracts are made from fresh , flash-frozen plant material which gives a unique preservation of terpenes that are often lost during the flower curing process .
Live resin ’ s unique extraction process utilizes lightweight hydrocarbons , which can extract at supercold temperatures to preserve the highest concentration of terpenes . This , combined with flower that has been flash frozen at the height of it ’ s potency , allows live resin to have the most broad spectrum of terpenes and other minor chemical constituents . Thus , live resin has the most complex flavor and aroma profile on the market . Terp sauce is a cannabis extract with a sticky , liquid consistency ( hence the name ). Sauce contains a high concentration of terpenes , which is why many consumers claim it is the most flavorful of extracts . Terp sauce is typically produced utilizing a closed loop system for the initial extraction . The resulting solution is then given time to settle as it ’ s subjected to pressure and temperature , with or without the use of a centrifuge . This technique promotes the natural separation of the sought-after cannabinoids from the terpene-rich portion of the extraction . A completed “ sauce ” can be either a high terpene full spectrum extraction ( HTFSE ) or a high cannabinoid full spectrum extraction ( HCFSE ), although these may be broken down and sold as individual components ( cannabinoid “ diamonds ” and terpene “ sauce ”). Whether separated or sold as a complete sauce , this extraction method produces some of the purest terpene-rich products available .
As we continue to learn about the therapeutic benefits of cannabis , we will continue to see extraction techniques that favor the preservation of terpenes . Where once the focus was on THC and cannabinoid extraction , the latest extraction methods aim to preserve the plant ’ s original terpene profile . I hope this answers your question .
Keep on Growing , Lee G . Lyzit
LL
Lee G . Lyzit has been involved in the cannabis industry for nearly 20 years . His passion for natural healing motivates him to learn as much as he can about the miraculous cannabis plant . Lee ’ s knowledge of cannabis gardening stems from his own extensive cultivation experiences and his past work as a hydroponic shop owner and manager .
20 Maximum Yield