The terpene profiles of cannabis stand out over those of other fruits and plants in the plant kingdom, both for their high aromatic concentration and for the diversity of terpenes (aromatic molecules) that they bring together.
This feature not only gives the cannabis plant a unique and complex aroma and flavor, but also combines the beneficial properties of different molecules like humulene, myrcene, or terpinolene (among other terpenes), enhancing the functional and therapeutic potential of the final product.
Therefore, the terpene profiles of cannabis are very useful not only for their properties but also for their aroma and flavor, making them a versatile tool which is ideal for various applications.
Today, we want to focus on the advantages of using terpene profiles in base oils. Not only does this enhance and improve their characteristics but it also broadens their uses.
We’ll explore what cannabis terpene oils are, what types of oils can be used, their benefits, and how they can be applied in different sectors.
What are oils with cannabis terpene profiles?
To create an oil enriched with cannabis terpenes, you only need to add the specific terpene profile to a base oil in the right proportions.
When terpenes are applied to different types of oils, the following benefits are achieved:
- Unique broad-spectrum aromas and flavors which significantly enrich the sensory experience of the product. These complex flavors and scents will take any oil to another aromatic dimension.
- Functional properties which promote relaxation, energy, focus, or stress relief. These functional effects vary from one profile to another, depending on the specific proportions of each terpene added. As we’ve explained on other occasions, some terpene profiles like 707 Truthband produce relaxing effects, whereas others like Nina Limone deliver stimulating effects.
- Functional versatility, adapting to the specific needs of each sector. The uses of terpenes are varied, and so is the way to approach the use of the final product. For example, the same olive oil with terpenes can be marketed as a cannabis-flavored oil, a functional oil, or an oil with a specific flavour (Mediterranean, springtime, etc.).
- Beneficial medicinal properties, which vary depending on the terpene profile provided. The properties of the different terpenes work together to offer numerous benefits for body and mind.
Once we have the cannabis terpene oil, a wide range of possibilities opens up to create personalized products designed for specific applications. From the cosmetic industry to the food and beverage sector and the cannabis and vaping industries, the possibilities are endless.
Why are oil and terpenes an ideal combination?
Oils provide an exceptional base for terpenes because of the liposoluble nature of these aromatic molecules. This means that terpenes are organic compounds that can easily mix and dissolve in fats and oils.
But this isn’t all that makes them a good match – thanks to this ability, oils can easily “capture” and preserve these rich aromas:
- The affinity we’ve just explained ensures that the terpenes are encapsulated in the oil, which protects their structure and prevents their evaporation. It’s important to remember that terpenes are volatile elements, which is why we smell their aroma in the air when we’re near a “source” rich in terpenes, such as cannabis flowers.
- The oil acts as a stabilizer, trapping the terpenes and allowing them to be released in a more gradual and controlled manner. Therefore, using terpene-rich oils to apply their aromas, flavors, and functional properties to different products brings an advantage.
- Moreover, the oil preserves the quality of the terpenes when applied to various products, as it protects them from light, heat, and oxygen degradation. It’s like they’ve got an oily protective layer that keeps them almost intact, preventing oxidation and loss of product quality.
- Longer duration in products: Aromas and flavors remain in the final product for longer, prolonging its benefits and aromas, which is essential to the user’s experience.
- The different oils that can be used act as a neutral base for versatile applications, ensuring that the terpenes retain their original properties. This allows the use of oils with added terpenes in multiple applications like cosmetics, vaping products, cannabis products, and foods.
- Gradual release of the aroma. Terpene profiles integrated into oil have a slower release rate, which provides a longer-lasting and more effective aromatic experience. This characteristic is crucial in products like massage oils or food, as it is key to a prolonged and intense sensory experience.
- Optimization of the production process and profitability. Adding cannabis terpene profiles to various products through oils allows for a homogenous dispersion of the terpenes in formulations, ensuring that each drop has the desired aromatic and therapeutic profile. This not only increases the stability and uniformity of the production line but also reduces costs and optimizes efficiency.
Types of oils to which terpenes can be added
There are different types of oils that terpene profiles can be added to, and it’s important to note that each has particular characteristics that may make it more suitable for one use or another.
- Olive oil: Ideal for the food sector, as it combines its flavor and properties with those of the terpenes, creating a premium product for making a multitude of food products and dishes.
- Sunflower oil: Perfect for use in the food industry, as it’s quite neutral aromatically and helps to enhance the flavors of terpenes.
- Coconut oil: Quite popular in the cosmetics sector, as it provides hydration and stability to products.
- Sweet almond oil: Widely used in cosmetics for its benefits for the skin and because it enhances the aromas of terpenes.
- Jojoba oil: Another cosmetic ally with excellent properties for skin and hair. It can also prolong the duration and action of terpenes.
- Hemp oil: This oil has multiple uses. It is used in the food sector for its excellent nutritional properties, as a source of protein and essential fatty acids. Hemp oil is also used in certain products in the cannabis sector – in this case, hemp oil enriched with terpenes can contribute to the entourage effect if used in cannabinoid products, improving their effectiveness and the overall user experience.
- Vegetable glycerin: Used for e-liquids and vaping products, as it mixes homogeneously with the terpenes.
Uses of oils with cannabis terpenes
As mentioned above, the use of oils with cannabis terpene profiles represents a versatile solution for the creation of products across different sectors.
Cosmetic industry
In the formulation of products for the cosmetics sector, terpene oils offer an innovative solution for the creation of products that combine aromatic and therapeutic properties.
The terpenes present in the profiles of different cannabis strains have beneficial properties. Each terpene has its own – when combined, several terpenes result in a mix with multiple uses:
- Anti-inflammatory: ideal for sensitive or irritated skin.
- Antioxidant: protection against premature aging.
- Soothing: reduces stress and provides well-being.
For specific applications, it’s crucial to choose the right profiles that contain a higher proportion of one terpene or another, depending on the purpose of the product.
For example, if you want to make a body oil with relaxing properties, you can use profiles high in this terpene (like Gorilla Glue or LA Kush Cake) to provide a calming effect.
If you want to formulate a product with stress-relieving properties, such as an aromatic cream for nighttime use, you can choose an oil with a terpene profile like Mojito or Cheese, which are rich in linalool.
On the other hand, if you want to create a product with a revitalizing effect, you can choose profiles rich in limonene with a stimulating entourage effect (for instance, 24K Gold or Tangie).
Cannabis Sector
Terpene-enriched oils are especially interesting for the creation of cannabis products due to their synergy with cannabinoids like CBD or THC in what is known as the entourage effect. They can also boost the effects of cannabinoids. Some of their main applications include:
- Sublingual oils or tinctures: Terpenes enhance taste, smell, and therapeutic effects, and can improve or boost the cannabinoid effect.
- Vaporizers and e-liquids: They offer the possibility to create vaping products with different flavors, experiences, and effects.
- Cannabis creams and cosmetics: They provide a wide range of beneficial properties (anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, etc.) and provide exquisite aromas to the final product.
Food Sector
In the food industry, terpene oils are opening up a wide range of possibilities, as the complex aromas and flavors of terpene profiles offer countless new sensory experiences for manufacturers, chefs, and gourmet product brands.
Terpene oils don’t just bring a new organoleptic dimension that surprises consumers with innovative flavors, but they also provide foods and beverages with functional benefits like stimulation, relaxation, focus, etc., depending on the terpene profile used.
As we mentioned at the beginning of this article, terpenes can also be used to create cannabis-flavored oils, as well as oils with specific flavors. Can you imagine an oil with the flavour of autumn or a multi-floral taste? You can easily create these with terpene profiles. Enhance the taste, smell, functionality, and beneficial properties of your edible oils with Cali Terpenes’ profiles.
In addition, oils can be used to produce other foods, functioning as a perfect base to which terpenes can be added.
Conclusion
Oils with terpene profiles offer an efficient solution to maintain the aromatic, therapeutic, and functional benefits of these molecules. They also extend the life of terpenes in products and increase their versatility of use.
They are a powerful tool for creating innovative formulations that is redefining the way we perceive some products, in which not only an attractive aroma and flavor is expected, but also functional properties that help maintain overall health and well-being.
Are you ready to experience everything terpenes have got to offer? Explore their versatility and discover how to transform your products with this innovative ingredient!
Cali Terpenes
