CBD. What is that again? Right, cannabidiol. And then THC? Oh yeah, tetrahydrocannabinol. And they’re different but they’re not but they are and then there’s terpenes and concentrates and now terpsolate. How do I keep track of it all?
It’s all so confusing. What happened to the daze when you just sprinkled some flower on a paper, rolled it up and sparked that joint? Or just stuffed a big old nug into a pipe and smoked it until it was cashed? Those days are long gone and it’s a good thing.
This article will try to explain to you, in the simplest and most easy to understand terms, what CBD terpsolate is, why you might like it and why it might be right for you.
What’s The Word, Early Bird?
Terpsolates are in the early stages of development and the processes are just being refined. Best to first understand the word itself and indulge in a quick review.
Terpsolate is derived from the word terpenes. Terpenes are the molecules which give the cannabis sativa plant and the various sativa and indica strains their aroma and flavor.
Besides this, science is discovering that they may offer additional health benefits including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Each terpene has its own unique molecular makeup.
Terpenoids are not just found in cannabis, they are present in most plants found in nature. They are basically the “essence” of essential oils. Fun Fact! Mother Nature’s original purpose for terpenes is primal – to repel predators and attract pollinators.
Terpene Explosion
As mentioned in the previous paragraph, every terpene is unique. Numerous factors like soil and climate influence the characteristics of terpenes.
There are two types of terpenes: organic and synthetic. Here is a list of the common types of terpenes found in the cannabis plant, in alphabetical order:
- Alpha Pinene – Like the word in its name, pine, Alpha Pinene has an earthy, woodsy profile and is energizing.
- Beta Caryo-phyllene – This terpene is the only one believed to directly interact with the human body’s built in endocannabinoid system. It has a spicy, peppery vibe so bless you!
- Camphene – smells like the raw material of the synthetic camphor it is derived from. Camphor is a terpenoid found in the evergreen Camphor Laurel Tree of East Asia.
- Humulene – combines the best of the previous entries on this list. It’s earthy, woody and spicy. A bit hoppy too so craft brew lovers will find the aroma a tad familiar.
- Limonene – Sounds like Lemonade, right? Ding ding ding, correct! Limonene has a citrusy flavor and can be described as uplifting and invigorating.
- Linalool – On the other hand, Linalool is more relaxing. It’s like lavender crossed with just a hint of citrus.
- Myrcene – Sounds like Myrrh, right? And like that holy oil, myrcene is musky and sweet. It is one of the most abundant terpenes found in cannabis genetics and also transmits just a whiff of mango flavor.
- Terpinolene – Again, an easy to recognize name. Terpinolene is like a mega mix of terpene flavors, a complex blend of citrus, pine and flower scents.
Isolating The Second Part Of The Word
So now you know the “terp” in terpsolate refers to terpenes. What about the rest of the word – the “solate”? That refers to isolates. What are isolates? Here is an explanation.
Isolate is the purest form of CBD, containing levels as high as 98-99 percent. The flower goes through multiple stages of filtration to achieve this purity and isolates mostly come out odorless and tasteless.
Thus terpsolate is celebrating the powers of cannabis with the addition of terpenes to isolate to give the concentrate a flavor and aroma. By doing this, you also create what is known as the “entourage effect”, where the cannabinoids and terpenes work together to maximize the health benefits.
At the moment, the medical community is still debating proper dosage levels for CBD. Full Spectrum and Broad Spectrum CBD products are still considered more effective than isolates.
However, despite containing no THC, isolates stimulate the CB1 and CB2 receptors, the human body’s built in cannabinoid receptors. Stimulating the receptors help regulate immunity, homeostasis, hormones and stress response. Plus the mighty antioxidant powers!
Why Terpsolate Might Be Right For You
Terpsolates offer a curated experience. The unique diversity and complexity of terpenes means there is more choice. Because of the aforementioned entourage effect, isolates offer the benefit of a CBD health boost without the risk of THC, which could be detected in a drug screening. Some clinical studies have found that terpenes can reduce bacteria growth and help wounds heal faster.
Terpsolates can stimulate creativity, battle anxiety, soothe nausea and be used for pain relief and improving your mood.
Now that you know what terpsolates are and why they might be the right choice for you, let’s move on to how they are produced.
How Is Terpsolate Made
So how are terpolates produced? Let’s take a look.
There are actually three techniques utilized when producing terpsolate. Solventless – which can involve either steam distillation or hydro-distillation. Solvent-based, where a solvent is used to separate the compounds. Or mechanical extraction known as the rosin technique.
Terpsolates basically go through three stages of production. The first critical stage of extraction, followed by winterization and decarboxylation. Extraction is when the full-spectrum CBD is converted into broad-spectrum CBD.
The winterization stage is when the terpenes, lipids, and waxes are separated through freezing. Hence, winterization.
The final stage, Decarboxylation, involves the final conversion of cannabidiolic acid (CBDA) into cannabidiol (CBD). This is a crucial stage when the terpenes that thaw are either chosen or left out. It is also known as the “short-path distillation” stage.
CBD isolates tend to come in slab or powdery forms. Terpsolate is usually a powder or a wax.
Home Brew
Can you make terpsolates at home? Yes you cannabis! There are two methods, the easy way and the more complicated way.
The easy way is to buy the two ingredients, isolate and terpenes, separately. Put the isolate into a jar. Then add a few drops of terpenes to the jar. Mix them up until the terpenes have been absorbed and the mixture becomes kind of cakey.
The second way has a few more steps and will require some extra hardware, because it can get a little heated. Melt the CBD isolate then blend in the terpenes between two sheets of parchment paper. This will require a rosin press.
Want to make your own CBD isolate too? It’s dangerous and requires extra equipment, but just for the brave, here are the five steps:
Extraction. To complete the extraction at home without very expensive equipment, the recommended method is ethanol extraction.
Next, winterization – removing the unwanted parts like chlorophyll and wax. This will end up as a clear oil.
Then decarboxylation – heating the plants to wake up the cannabinoids.
The last two steps are CBD Distillate and Crystalline. You will need a distillation kit for the CBD distillate. For the crystalline, a vacuum filtration system and other commercial grade equipment.
How To Use Terpsolates
You made or bought just the right terpsolates. Now it’s time to put them to use! There are a few options for terpsolate consumption.
One way to consume terpsolates that is common is to just dab it, using a dab rig. Since you will have to heat up the wax or crystal, a dab rig makes the most sense. With this method, the compound is vaporized and acts quickly. You only need a small bit since the terpsolate is so highly concentrated.
Another way to vaporize the terpsolates is to use, of course, a vaporizer. You can vape it pure or mix it in with some vape juice or CBD liquid. Vape Pens or a dab pen both make great options. You will need a dab tool to load up the vape.
You can also put a few drops of terpolate into your favorite snack or edible. Terpolates aren’t exactly flavor neutral but they can add a nice after taste to a brownie. Keep in mind edibles have to be digested and so some of the effects might be muted.
Finally, the topical option. Terpsolates can actually work as carrier oils. They can be added to CBD topical lotions or used in tandem with essential oils. As previously mentioned, terpsolates can stifle bacteria and accelerate the healing process of external wounds.
Concerning Your Health
Lastly, it is important to address some of the health concerns surrounding CBD terpsolate, because it is a fairly new product and there remains much more to be discovered and analyzed.
Terpsolates are not yet FDA approved. However, its genetic fiber – CBD isolates and terpenes – are both FDA approved, boding well for its safety. Of course, much of it’s efficiency has already been tested in studies using standard FDA analysis procedures.
Keep in mind that it is possible that trace amounts of THC can turn up on a drug test.
Do not operate heavy machinery or a vehicle after consuming terpsolates and do not use it if you are pregnant. And if you already have the child running around the house, keep the terpsolates out of their reach.
It is important to be sure whatever terpsolate you purchase or any terpenes you add yourself to isolate come from the highest quality hemp production from certified producers. If it is grown and manufactured organically, that is a plus.
A Lot Of Pros And That’s No Con
Overall, CBD terpsolates have advantages and disadvantages. To sum up the contents of this article, which hopefully has been helpful, here is a list of the pros and cons of CBD terpsolates:
PROS:
- Enjoy the health benefits of CBD without the psychoactive properties of THC
- Cater the flavor and aroma to your personal taste
- A small amount is effective
- Possesses healing qualities of its own
- Terpenes are fairly easy to add to CBD isolate yourself
CONS:
- Still a niche product that can be tough to find
- When found, it can be on the pricey side
- Entourage effect is questionable
One easy and safe way to find terpsolates ready to dab or vape or cbd isolate and terpenes to mix at home is to pick it up from a reputable distributor or producer online. This article is a great guide but don’t be afraid to augment the information it offers with research of your own.
Now you’re ready to terp the night away!
