Cannabis producers understand that the key to fostering organic business growth is through offering high-quality products their customers will love – and keep coming back for. Much of their business success relies on using high-quality terpenes to create unique, aromatic products that offer a wide range of effects. 

Although terpenes, also known as isoprenoids, are becoming widely recognized among both producers and users, there are still many myths floating around about where they come from, how they can be used, and so on. Our Entour team is always happy to help business owners educate their customers about these compounds, so we thought we’d bust some of the more common myths about terpenes in this month’s blog.

Myth 1: Terpenes Are Only Found In Cannabis

Fact: While it’s true that cannabis is renowned for its rich terpene profile, terpenes are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants, as well as in some animals. They are primarily responsible for the plant’s distinct fragrance, taste, and color. For example, pine trees emit the refreshing scent of pinene, citrus fruits discharge limonene, and lavender releases linalool. 

Herbs such as lavender and basil also contain an array of terpenes. These plants have been used for centuries in traditional medicine, highlighting the diverse sources of terpenes and their longstanding role in therapeutic applications.

In terms of cannabis, terpenes are primarily what make certain strains smell or taste different than others. They also act synergistically with cannabinoids to modulate the overall psychoactive effects of the cannabis product, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

Myth 2: Cannabinoids Are Terpenes Found In Cannabis Plants

Fact: While it’s true that cannabinoids are organic compounds found in cannabis plants, there are some significant differences between them and terpenes. The crucial difference is how they interact with the body. While terpenes mainly drive aroma and flavor, cannabinoids do not.  And while cannabinoids, such as CBD and THC, primarily drive effects, whether medicinal or therapeutic, terpenes are secondary modulators of effects. Cannabinoids predominantly accomplish this through our body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors, lipids, and enzymes that regulate how we react to cannabis. Whereas terpenes interact with both the ECS and a plethora of receptor systems beyond the ECS.

It should be noted that Beta-Caryophyllene (BCP) is unique as it is a terpene but acts on cannabinoid receptors, allowing it to influence both flavor and effects. 

Myth 3: Terpenes Only Play A Role In Plant Aroma

Fact: Terpenes play pivotal roles in overall plant physiology, serving as chemical messengers in defense mechanisms and ecological interactions. For example, terpenes contribute to plant resilience against abiotic stresses, including drought, salinity, and temperature fluctuations. They also attract pollinators, deter herbivores, and modulate groups of microorganisms in the root microbiome. Their critical role in plant physiology helps scientists use their natural properties in cannabis products for human consumption.

Myth 4: Terpenes Have Negligible Influence On The Physiological Effects Of Cannabis 

Fact: Although most terpenes have little to no influence on the endocannabinoid system, they contribute to the entourage effect by having a measured impact on specific receptors in the body. They can also regulate how cannabinoids are absorbed, influencing the overall experience. This is why scientists work to achieve the proper blends of terpenes and cannabinoids in their products to create the desired aroma and effect, helping to create a distinct experience for the user.

Myth 5: Synthetic Terpenes Are Identical To Natural Ones

Fact: Natural terpenes are derived directly from plants and sometimes other natural sources. Natural terpenes are generally “impure” in the sense that they contain a variety of compounds that contribute to their overall effects – whether desirable or undesirable. In contrast, synthetic terpenes are typically isolated compounds produced through chemical synthesis that generally possess high levels of purity. Terpenes sourced from natural sources can exhibit variability in impurity profile, which is a common challenge with natural products.

Myth 6: Terpenes Are Overshadowed By Cannabinoids In Medicinal Applications

Fact: Terpenes synergize with cannabinoids, amplifying their therapeutic potential through the entourage effect. This combination helps terpenes contribute a wide range of pharmacological properties to medicinal formulations. For example, the calming effects of the terpene linalool complement the calming properties of cannabidiol, providing organic relief for occasional anxiousness. Terpenes’ antioxidative, antimicrobial, and other health-benefiting properties also have the potential to be used in various standalone medicinal applications. 

Read More: Best Terpenes For Anxiousness in 2024

Myth 7: Terpenes Are Unregulated Additives With Minimal Oversight.

Fact: Regulatory frameworks govern the use of terpenes in various industries, ensuring products containing terpenes adhere to stringent quality control standards. These standards safeguard user health, mitigate potential risks, and uphold consumer trust through rigorous product evaluations by regulatory agencies, scrutinizing their toxicological profiles and labeling accuracy. Cannabis product manufacturers should request complete documentation from their ingredient partners to ensure their products are compliant with federal and state guidelines.

Your Premier Choice For High-Quality Cannabis Formulations

Since 2010, Entour botanical specialists have been a leading supplier of fresh and exciting cannabis product ideas that will build your business. Our proprietary True To Plant^® technology captures your favorite cultivars’ flavors, aromas, and effects with unprecedented accuracy and precision, resulting in experiences your customers will love.

You won’t find our unique formulation process at any other supplier – no matter how hard they try! 

Get in touch with the Entour team with your flavor requirements today!