Frequently Asked Questions
Interested in the work we've done in this industry? Check out our FAQs to learn more about terpenes.
Terpenes Overview
SIMPLY PUT: Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds produced by a variety of plants. Terpenes are what give each flower, herb and fruit its own unique scent and flavor. Every day, everywhere you go, you encounter terpenes. When you zest a lemon, you smell terpenes. Open a jar full of herbs, what you are smelling is the terpenes. Stop and smell the roses? More like stop and smell the terpenes.While there is so much to learn, what you need to know is that terpenes are aromatic compounds that when inhaled, applied to the skin, or consumed, they enhance our experience and greatly influence flavors and aromas.
A BIT MORE COMPLEX: Terpenes are hydrocarbons present in essential oils produced by nature. There are more than 20,000 terpenes in existence. Plants, animals, microbes, and fungi produce terpenes to carry out necessary biological functions. This diverse class of compounds serve as vitamins, hormones, pheromones, and as part of the immune system.One way to think of botanical terpenes is as building blocks created by plants. These building blocks are blended with other aromatic compounds in countless ways in order to produce complex essential oils, such as Lavender, Rose, Sandalwood, etc.In addition to unique aromas, terpenes play an equally important role in influencing the way we taste, smell and feel when a plant, herb or fruit is consumed. This happens because terpenes interact synergistically with other botanical compounds and humans hormones to create a phenomenon referred to as the “entourage effect” that magnifies the benefits of the plant’s individual components.
SIMPLY PUT:Terpenes can be added to products (food, beverages, marinades, extracts, etc.) to improve the scent or flavor, as well as enhance the overall experience.
A BIT MORE COMPLEX:There are many diverse applications for terpenes in isolated forms as well as in complex blends. It might surprise you to know that terpenes are used in the development of food flavorings, incense, cosmetic products, organic gardening products, household cleaners, natural medicines, and perfumes.
In the past few years, product developers have used isolated terpenes in order to reverse engineer the terpene profile of popular herbs; this blend is then introduced to a formulation in order to mimic the scent and flavor of the herb.
The vast majority of our terpenes are derived from many different natural sources. There are over 20,000 terpenes in nature and they are not unique to only one species of plant. For example, some natural sources of alpha-pinene include pine trees, other coniferous trees, eucalyptus, sage, rosemary, frankincense and ironwort. The structure of terpenes are always the same no matter what plant they were isolated from. There is a myth that the source of the terpene is important, but that is not true. When terpenes are isolated from any plant, there is virtually no difference between them.
Our terpenes are extracted via steam, expression, or vacuum distillation methods and fractionally purified.
A little at a time – Terpenes can be added to aromatherapy blends, diffusers, lotions, edibles, tinctures, cocktails, homemade cleaners, bug repellents, plant extracts, etc.
Undiluted Terpenes are POTENT and should never be consumed, inhaled or applied to the skin as is. In most cases, consider staying within 1-5% concentration by volume. The dilution can vary depending on the isolated terpene, blend or flavor, desired outcome, personal experience and preferences.
Terpenes must be handled with care. Always consult the SDS (Safety Data Sheets) before using and working with terpenes. SDS contain all the information you need to know including personal protective equipment, hazardous and preventive statements, etc.
SIMPLY PUT:While there is still a great deal to be discovered and understood, what you should know is that terpenes interact synergistically to create what scientists refer to as an “entourage effect”. The entourage effect magnifies the therapeutic benefits of the plant’s individual components so that the medicinal impact of the whole plant is greater than the sum of its parts.
A BIT MORE COMPLEX:The term “entourage effect” has become an important piece of vocabulary to describe the relationship between terpenes and other phytochemicals (chemicals made by plants).
Terpenes such as Myrcene, Nerolidol and Terpinolene have relaxing effects, while Alpha-Pinene is known to be uplifting. And when combined, they have been known to be vastly more effective than in isolation.
To learn more, check out the work of our favorite researcher, Dr. Ethan Russo. The complete version of Dr. Ethan Russo’s first paper on terpenes is available here.
About our Terpenes
No, our terpenes are extracted from many different natural plant sources. There are over 20,000 terpenes found in nature and each terpene can be found in multiple sources. One benefit of doing it this way is to help ensure consistency of strain flavors as our ratios can be replicated precisely each time. For example, Alpha-Pinene extracted from pine trees is chemically identical to Alpha-Pinene extracted from other coniferous trees, eucalyptus, sage, rosemary, frankincense, and ironwort.
Our terpenes are extracted terpenes from a variety of plant species through several methods depending on the source. The terpenes are then purified through distillation and other techniques to create the highest quality product available.
Yes. We purchase only Food Grade ingredients. In fact our products are True Grade™:A real step above Food Grade, True Grade™ is a designation used to clarify the superior quality of the terpenes True Terpenes offers. True Grade™ terpenes are California Phase 3 Compliant. True Terpenes provides terpenes which are specifically distilled to reach the highest possible purity.
Are we still selling True Grade? This FAQ tab has a long section including badges (older graphics) & copy.
There may be trace amounts of solvents contained in True Terpenes isolates. However, in those circumstances it is below the standards in several states. Keep in mind, terpenes themselves can act as solvents to many other substances. Also over time, through exposure to heat, oxygen, and UV, terpenes can degrade and be found to contain trace amounts of other organic solvents like Acetone. These trace amounts should be noted and accounted for but are not cause for alarm or disposal of product.
Sources:
U.S. Department of Energy Office of Scientific and Technical Information
ScienceDirect
Product Certificate of Analysis (COA) and Safety Data Sheets (SDS) are available on the product’s page. Other product specific certificates (Natural, Nutritional, Non-GMO, and Allergen Statements, Product Specifications, Certificate of Compliance, etc.) are available upon request.
No. Our products do not contain Diacetyl. Diacetyl is an organic compound with the chemical formula (CH₃CO)₂. It is a yellow or green liquid with an intensely buttery flavor. It is a vicinal diketone with the molecular formula C₄H₆O₂. Diacetyl occurs naturally in alcoholic beverages and is added to some foods to impart its buttery flavor.
Our terpenes are EXTREMELY concentrated and should not be consumed undiluted. Consumers should determine and conduct their own safety standards and testing. Avoid contact with the skin, eyes, wood surfaces and fabrics. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
When in this pure of a form, terpenes ARE DANGEROUS and must be handled with the utmost care for your own safety.
Short version: All terpenes of this high purity MUST SHOW these warnings, legally and morally.If you see terpenes for sale somewhere that does not show these warnings, one of two things are occurring:
1) The product is NOT high enough purity to warrant a legal warning (when diluted, terpenes are safe enough to ingest and do not need warnings)
2) The company is in violation by not displaying the proper safety information to you. Proceed at your own risk!
As close as we can get! We use the terpenes found in the greatest quantities, which might make up on average 90+% of the profile. However, the remaining 10% might be made up of numerous terpenes found in small quantities. We use 10-50 terpenes per bottle of strain profile on average.
It’s other terpene isomers and aromatics such as esters, aldehydes, ketones, and alcohols.
We are the largest supplier of terpenes in the industry, meaning that most of our competitors purchase some of their terpenes from us. What it really comes down to is our True Grade™ quality standard, we provide nothing but the best.
We also provide the best customer service in the industry. We have outstanding Quality Control and Quality Assurance professional teams. We offer custom blends per request which our clients rate as the tastiest and have a greater effect than any blends sold by our competitors.
True Terpenes operate under a Quality Management System (QMS) following ISO 9001:2015 and FSSC 22000 quality standards. Our facility is certified for the above standards and operates following current Good Manufacturing Practices (cGMP). The above certifications show that a company has adequately demonstrated to a third-party that it meets the requirements of a certain standard and is dedicated to continuous improvement, managing risk, and maintaining customer satisfaction. The result of an effective QMS is consistent, quality, safe products and happy customers.
True Terpenes Strain Profile Blends are designed to replicate the ratio of terpenes found in the world’s most famous strains. They enable you to customize the flavor, experience, and viscosity of your extracts and other natural products. True Terpenes Strain Profile Blends are created by combining the highest quality botanical terpenes available.
Unless otherwise stated on the label (QR Code), COA, or SDS, the recommended intended use for an unopened product is one year from the date of purchase or listed manufacturing date. It is crucial to observe product label directions and store terpenes properly to maintain product integrity. Terpenes are volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and may degrade over time. Customers may contact our quality department at [email protected] to obtain further information regarding a specific production lot.
Strain Profile Blends
True Terpene Strain Profile Blends are designed to replicate the ratio of terpenes found in the world’s most famous strains. They enable you to customize the flavor, experience, and viscosity of your extracts and other natural products. True Terpene Strain Profile Blends are created by combining the highest quality botanical terpenes available. Want a flavor-forward option? Check out our Flavor Infused Strains for a burst of fruity and dessert flavors expertly designed to deliver big flavor while staying true to the strain’s dominant terpene profile.
To make True Terpene Strain Profile Blends we search high and low for the best chemovars across the world. After our lab identifies the chemovars dominate terpenes, our development team creates a concentrated terpene blend which mimics the ratio of terpenes and other aromatic compounds found in the sample.
True Terpenes is recognized as offering the highest quality, purest terpenes and the best customer experience service in the industry.
We suggest a maximum of 10% total added terpenes in any product. This includes any combination of Isolates, Cultivar Series Strains, Flavor Infused Strains, Live Resin, and Flow Extract Liquidizer.
Strain Profile Blends can be added to all forms of Plant Extracts, Flower, Tinctures, Edibles, Lotions, Salves, Candles, Essential oil diffusers, Beverages, and other similar products.
True Terpene Strain Profile Blends are potent oils and should always be diluted to less than 10% of any solution before use.
No one uses more terpenes in their blends or comes closer to identically matching a Strain Profile than True Terpenes.
True Terpenes only uses True Grade™ Terpenes which have top of the line flavor and have met our high-level safety and quality standards. Our terpenes are the purest, freshest, and most accurate to the scent and flavor you demand.
Every one of our terpenes has passed a smell and taste test and are California Phase 3 Compliant for solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals.
Yes, you can use True Terpene Strain Profile Blends with CBD. It is important to know that terpenes WILL NOT dissolve CBD into a liquid solution. This includes all forms of CBD including distillate and isolate.
Yes. All terpenes must be diluted. We suggest a maximum of 10% total added terpenes in any product. This includes any combination of Isolates, Flavor Infused Strains, Cultivar Series Strains, Live Resin, and Flow Extract Liquidizer.
Terpene Flavors
Terpene Flavors are enhanced blends of terpenes with the taste of the most in demand flavors. They enable you to customize the flavor and viscosity of your extracts and other natural products. These one-of-a-kind profiles are created by combining a base of terpenes with flavonoids, esters, and other flavorful phytochemicals, enabling you to add a whole new dimension of flavor to your products.
Yes. Our Terpene Flavors line was designed strictly for flavor. This line of products was developed to taste fantastic without sacrificing the True Grade™ promise.
To make a Terpene Flavor, we first start with an idea in mind of a flavor we would like to develop, a specific fruit for example. Next, we create a complementary terpene profile to act as the base for the flavor. Then, we formulate the body and top notes of the flavor and combine this with the base terpene profile to round out the blend. Finally, we homogenize the profile and sample the batch for quality.
We suggest a maximum of 10% total added terpenes in any product. This includes any combination of Isolates, Strain Profile blends, Cultivar Series Strains, Flavor Infused Strains, Live Resin, and Flow Extract Liquidizer.
Terpene Flavors can be added to all forms of Plant Extracts, Flower, Tinctures, Edibles, Lotions, Salves, Candles, Essential oil diffusers, Beverages, and other similar products.
True Terpene Strain Profile Blends are potent oils and should always be diluted to less than 10% of any solution before use.
Terpene Flavors will work with Distillates, Isolates, BHO, rosin, dry sift, bubble hash, kief, flower, tinctures, edibles, lotions, salves, candles, essential oil diffusers, beverages, and many other similar products.
Terpene Flavors are potent oils, which should always be diluted to less than 10% of any solution before use.
Terpene Flavors use only terpenes as the base for carrying our delicious line of flavors and do not contain added ethanol, PG, MCT, or other common diluents.
True Terpenes only uses True Grade™ Terpenes which have top of the line flavor and have met our high-level safety and quality standards. Our terpenes are the purest, freshest, and most accurate to the scent and flavor you demand.
Every one of our Terpene Flavors has passed a smell and taste test and is California Phase 3 Compliant for solvents, pesticides, and heavy metals.
Terpene Flavors have the strongest most pronounced flavor of any comparable product.
Yes, you can use Terpene Flavors with CBD.
Yes. All terpenes must be diluted. We suggest a maximum of 10% total added terpenes in any product. This includes any combination of Isolates, Strain Profile blends, Flavor Infused Strains, Cultivar Series Strains, Live Resin, and Flow Extract Liquidizer.
Terpene Isolates
Terpene Isolates are responsible for some of the most identifiable aromas and flavors in nature. Using terpene isolates in your products will enable you to create a unique flavor and aroma profile that is your very own. True Terpenes offers a wide variety of isolated terpenes so that you can craft the perfect mixture for your needs.
Terpene Isolates should be used as an additive for aroma and flavor. With Isolated terpenes it is suggested that you start with less than 1% by volume of any single terpene in a blend and work your way up until you reach your desired strength. Isolated terpenes are considered active at levels above 0.05%. As with all of our terpene products, we suggest you never add more than 10% by volume.
Isolated terpenes can be added to your products individually or as part of a custom blend. They are oils and will not mix with water-based products.
It is difficult to say what effect each terpene has on its own. In an attempt to gain a greater understanding, we have completed a meta-analysis of the research available and found mention of the qualities used as headings in the table below associated with the presence of the following terpenes and terpene combinations.
This should in no way be viewed as a definitive guide on how to use terpenes for an effect. The following table is based on studies which make suggestions and hypothesize based on various forms of data collection and experiment, many times without involving human studies.
Energy | Uplift | Creative | Focus | Calm | Rest |
Alpha Phellandrene | Alpha Phellandrene | Alpha Phellandrene | Alpha Pinene | Alpha Bisabolol | Alpha Bisabolol |
Alpha Pinene | Alpha Pinene | Alpha Pinene | Beta Caryophyllene | Alpha Phellandrene | Camphene |
Beta Pinene | Beta Caryophyllene | Citral | Beta Pinene | Alpha Pinene | Citral |
Cadinene | Cadinene | Citronellol | Camphor | Beta Caryophyllene | Citronellol |
Camphor | Camphor | Delta 3 Carene | Citral | Camphor | Delta 3 Carene |
Eucalyptol | Citral | Eucalyptol | Delta 3 Carene | Citral | Linalool |
Gamma Terpinene | Geraniol | Gamma Terpinene | Eucalyptol | Eucalyptol | Myrcene |
Limonene | Humulene | Limonene | Limonene | Eugenol | Nerolidol |
Valencene | Limonene | Linalool | Para - Cymene | Humulene | Pulegone |
Linalool | Nerol | Pulegone | Limonene | Terpineol | |
Myrcene | Nerolidol | Terpineol | Linalool | Terpinolene | |
Nerol | Ocimene | Valencene | Myrcene | ||
Valencene | Terpineol | Nerol | |||
Terpinolene | Nerolidol | ||||
Valencene | Phytol | ||||
Pulegone | |||||
Terpineol | |||||
Terpinolene | |||||
Valencene |
Flow Extract Liquidizer
Flow is an All Natural, TEC (Triethyl Citrate) + Terpenes extract modifier that allows you to optimize the viscosity of any vape-ready extract without impacting the flavor and aroma.
High-purity extract has a consistency similar to honey. Adding terpenes can “thin” extracts to decrease viscosity and encourage flow to make it easier to fill and then pull from carts. However, it’s not always ideal when you want to maintain the flavor profile you’ve worked hard to cultivate. We’ve developed Flow Extract Liquidizer as an All Natural, virtually flavorless and odorless way to optimize the flow rate of any extract.
Mix Flow with any vape-ready extract, including D9, D8, Live Resin, Live Rosin, CBD, and HHC.
Flow is a proprietary blend of TEC (Triethyl Citrate) and Terpenes. This All Natural blend combines the ester Triethyl Citrate with Terpenes native to flower.
No. Flow is designed to be virtually flavorless.
Blend at 1-5% by total volume.
Follow the same temperature parameters you use when mixing any of our terpene blends.
Basic Tools
Used for filling cartridges if you do not have a filling machine. We suggest you use a Luer lock syringe with a 14 or 16 gauge tip. Smaller tips (larger number gauge) tend to clog quickly as oil cools.
Glass – Glass syringes are the best option for filling vape cartridges because glass is nonreactive with terpenes and can be heated with a heat gun if the oil solidifies while filling. Glass syringes can be cleaned and reused many times.
Plastic – Plastic syringes will work for filling cartridges. It must be noted that terpenes are reactive with many types of plastic (see our list of terpene safe materials) and can dissolve the ink used on syringes. Plastic syringes should not be cleaned and reused.
Used for precisely measuring terpenes, carriers, diluents, and other fluids. Pipettes are not a good choice for measuring thick viscous oils as they often clog as the oil cools and do not create enough pressure.Common Sizes:
- 0.5 ul – 10 ul – 1/2000th of a ml to 1/100th of a ml – trace measurements
- 10 ul to 100 ul – 1/100th of a ml to 1/10th of a ml – single product measurements
- 100 ul – 1000 ul – 1/10th of a ml to 1 ml – small batch measurements
- 1000 ul – 5000 ul – 1ml to 5ml – large batch measurements
A scale which uses a digital display to show its measurement. When working with terpenes, it is suggested that you use a scale which can measure to 1 / 100th of a gram or 0.01. Digital scales come in all sizes and price ranges. Based on your level of production you should pick a scale which meets your needs.
Mixing containers come in all shapes and sizes. Glass is the most common material for these containers. Based on your batch size there are different options available to you. We have heard of clients using wide mouth mason jars, lab grade beakers, and cosmetic containers to mix from 500 – 0.5 grams at a time.
There are many types of cartridges to choose from. They are generally split first into 2 categories, wicked and no wick.
Wicked cartridges have a cotton or synthetic wick which is saturated with the extract to transport it to the heating coil for vaporization. Thinner oils are preferred for wicked cartridges.
Cartridges without wicks usually have a ceramic coil which is saturated with the oil and heated from within by a coil which is ran through the ceramic. Thicker oils are preferred for cartridges without a wick.
The most popular cartridge is the CCell cartridge. CCell is short for Ceramic Cell. CCell cartridges do not have wicks and generally have large (1.2 – 2 mm) inlet holes for the oil to flow into the vaporization chamber. CCell is a name brand, there are several knock-off brands which offer similarly designed cartridges.
Based on the design of the cartridge you choose, the viscosity of your oil will need to be within a range for the cartridge to function. The size and position of the inlet holes, the heat generated by the cartridge, and the force created by suction when drawing on the cartridge will all impact how thick or thin the oil must be to work properly.
If an oil is too thin, it may leak out of the cartridge or be drawn into the mouthpiece. If the oil is too thick, it may not flow into the vaporization chamber and will render the cartridge useless.
A machine designed to dispense a measured quantity of extract into a cartridge. Cartridge filling machines usually have a mechanism to heat the oil to keep it fluid. Cartridge filling machines allow a manufacturer to produce many times the number of cartridges that can be produced by hand. Some machines are automated filling up to 100 cartridges in a cycle and others are semi-automated requiring manual intervention for each cartridge.
A lab instrument which can be set to a precise temperature in order to warm a beaker or other vessel. Hot Plates are useful for warming a substance or keeping it warm. The magnetic mixing feature uses a spinning magnet inside of the device to influence and spin a silicone coated stir bar which is placed in the bottom of your mixing container and mixes the fluid.
An immersion mixer which is inserted into a solution and uses a high powered motor to rapidly homogenize a fluid. Rotor-stator homogenizers have minimum and maximum volume requirements, meaning you must be sure to purchase the rotor-stator that will be the right size for your manufacturing needs. Recommended for commercial cartridge manufacturing.
Glass, stainless steel, or other terpene safe (review our list of terpene safe surfaced) tools used for mixing terpenes into extracts and other carriers.
Carriers & Diluents
It is important to note that while the terms carrier and diluent are used interchangeably in conversation, they have distinctly different meanings.
SIMPLY PUT:
A diluent is added to a potent substance or mixture to thin it. Diluents are the smaller portion of a solution. On the other hand, a carrier is the larger portion of a solution. A potent, concentrated substance is added to a carrier to be reduced in strength.
A diluent is distinctly different from a carrier oil, but they Both will DILUTE a substance.
The carrier or diluent you choose will be determined based on the product you intend to make. Each carrier and diluent has its own characteristics which make it suitable for certain products. Ultimately, it is up to you to decide which is best for your product. Below we have outlined the most common diluents and carriers including recommended use cases.
Diluent: A substance which is combined with a larger volume of another substance to reduce its strength.
Carrier: A substance which is combined with a smaller volume of another substance to reduce its strength. The term carrier is derived from its purpose in carrying the terpenes. Another term for carrier is base.
Terpenes are diluted by mixing them into a carrier. The carrier oils should amount to between 90% and 99%+ of the mixture.
Flow Extract Liquidizer is a diluent. Its suggested use is 1-5% by total volume.
Terpenes are a diluent when added to an extract or oil. The diluent should be less than 10% of the solution. When added to a base extract or oil, terpenes reduce the viscosity (thickness) of the base and reduce its potency.
Flow is an All Natural, TEC (Triethyl Citrate) + Terpenes extract modifier that allows you to optimize the viscosity of any vape-ready extract without impacting the flavor and aroma.
Use Flow to increase the viscosity and control the flow rate of any vape-ready extract, including D9, D8, D10, CBD, and HHC.
Harvested from mature coconuts, coconut oil is a common carrier oil used for lip balms and topicals. Coconut oil is also used as an alternative to butter for use in edibles. At room temperature, coconut oil is a solid paste which melts and becomes clear above 76 degrees F.
Best for: Edibles, Salves, Capsules
Not for use with: Cartridges
Derived by distilling coconut and palm oil, MCT is a clear oil, liquid at room temperature. Because of its pleasing mouth feel and light flavor, MCT is often used as a base for tinctures.
Best for: Tinctures & Edibles
Not for use with: Cartridges
When you combine terpenes with MCT we suggest a dilution of 99%.
Jojoba oil is derived from Wild Hazel and closely resembles oils produced naturally in human skin. Jojoba oil is easily absorbed, highly moisturizing, and does not leave behind an oily residue. Jojoba oil should not be ingested as it contains a phytochemical (gondoic acid) which cannot be digested.
Best for: Topicals & Cosmetics
Not for use with: Cartridges & Edibles
Derived from hemp seeds, this carrier is known for a number of health benefits. Hemp oil is rich in essential fatty acids which makes it a great option for tinctures and edibles.
Best for: Edibles, Tinctures, Topicals
Not for use in: Cartridges
Conversions & Tools
100c = 212f
90c = 194f
80c = 186f
70c = 158f
60c = 140f
50c = 122f
40c = 104f
30c = 86f
1 gram | 100 grams | 1000 grams | |
1% | 0.0105g or 0.0126ml | 1.05g or 1.26ml | 10.5g or 12.6ml |
2% | 0.021g or 0.0252ml | 2.1g or 2.52ml | 21g or 25.2ml |
3% | 0.0315g or 0.0378m | 3.15g or 3.78ml | 31.5g or 37.8ml |
4% | 0.042g or 0.0504m | 4.2g or 5.04ml | 42g or 50.4ml |
5% | 0.053g or 0.0636ml | 5.3g or 6.36ml | 53g or 63.6ml |
6% | 0.064g or 0.0768ml | 6.4g or 7.68ml | 64g or 76.8ml |
7% | 0.0755g or 0.0906ml | 7.55g or 9.06ml | 75.5g or 90.6ml |
8% | 0.087g or 0.1044ml | 8.7g or 10.44ml | 87g or 104.4ml |
9% | 0.1g or 0.1188ul | 10g or 11.88ml | 100g or 118.8ml |
10% | 0.1115g or 0.1338ml | 11.15g or 13.38ml | 111.5g or 133.8ml |
Bottle Size | Grams in a Bottle |
---|---|
0.5 ml | 0.415 |
2 ml | 1.66 |
15 ml | 12.45 |
30 ml | 25 |
120 ml | 100 |
240 ml | 200 |
480 ml | 400 |
960 ml | 800 |
Gallon - 3,785 ml | 3125 |
Diluting & Solubility
Dilute: to reduce the strength of a potent substance or mixture.
Terpene isolates and blends are highly concentrated and can be dangerous straight out of the bottle. Diluting them before use is essential. Terpenes can be diluted with carrier oils, concentrates, and to some extent alcoholic beverages.
If you are unfamiliar with using terpenes, it is best to start with less than a 1% concentration and gradually increase the strength until you are satisfied with the product you have made. We never suggest that you use more than a 10% concentration of terpenes in any product. Frequently you may use less than 1% to achieve your desired flavor and effect.
Terpenes are oils and as most everyone knows, oil and water do not mix. This means that water-based substances such as fruit juice cannot dissolve terpenes and as a result, without the aid of an emulsifier (more on this below), terpenes will separate from water-based fluids and create a layer on top.
The alcohol in beverages such as vodka, beer or wine will dissolve a small amount of terpene and suspend it in a solution. Once a certain threshold is met, the terpenes will once again float on the surface of the beverage.
Emulsifier: Substances that are soluble in both oil and water, enables oil to be evenly suspended in water as an emulsion.
An emulsifier is a molecule with a hydrophilic (water-loving) head and hydrophobic (water-fearing) tail, attaching to both oils and water at the same time, forming a uniform solution. Which emulsifier you use will vary depending on desired outcomes but the most common is lecithin. It should be noted that lecithin is not clear in color and if added to a clear liquid such as water it will cloud the solution.
As a rule of thumb, remember that terpenes (as an oil) will mix with other oils and alcohol.
Water – will not mix with terpenes without an emulsifier
VG – water based, will not mix with terpenes
Alcohol / Spirits – mixes minimally based on total alcohol content
- Less than 1 drop per glass suggested
- Add to a glass and swirl, use as a bitters, combine with alcohol-based tinctures
- Less than 1 drop per glass suggested
- Add to a glass and swirl
- Less than 1 drop per glass suggested
- Add to a glass and swirl
- For Brewing: 125ul per 5 gallons or 1ml per 40 gallons. Added post fermentation
MCT – mixes very well up to a 1:1 ratio
Olive Oil – mixes very well up to a 1:1 ratio
Jojoba oil – mixes very well up to a 1:1 ratio
Hemp Oil – mixes very well up to a 1:1 ratio
PG (Propylene Glycol) – We are told 1 drop or 275 ul of terpene per 1ml of PG.
Terpene Measurements
Milliliters | Grams | % of added terpenes when combined with 1 gram |
---|---|---|
1 | 0.83 | 45.3% |
1.2 | 1 | 50% |
0.0275 | 0.023 (23mg) | 2.2% |
Milliliters | Grams | % of added terpenes when combined with 1 gram |
---|---|---|
1 | 0.87 | 46.5% |
1.15 | 1 | 50% |
0.0285 | 0.0247 (24.7mg) | 2.4% |