At the end of October, the industry publication CannabisTech released what appears to be the first of a series of articles to come. This first one was titled "Cannabis Doesn't Smell Like Skittles: A Public Service Announcement About Terpenes vs. Flavors.", which caught our attention for a myriad of reasons.   

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This is the first time, in our memory, that anyone other than ourselves has called attention to the specific issues discussed in the article, which have been rampant throughout the terpene sub-sector of the broader cannabis industry. Considering how long we have been trying to bring attention to these ongoing issues, we welcome seeing this story. 

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Increasingly, we're hearing directly from our customers about the tougher compliance regulations coming into effect governing what's allowed in their inhalable cannabis products, particularly in states like California, Michigan, and New York. Despite this, many cannabis manufacturers remain largely unaware of the growing compliance risks posed by non-botanical and non-cannabis-derived suppliers. Here's hoping that this recent publication helps spread the word to those who need it most.

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3 Key Takeaways from the Cannabis Tech Article

1. Misrepresentation of Terpenes as Flavors

If you absorb only one thing from this article, it should be that terpenes and flavorings are wildly conflated in our market. Thanks to misleading marketing and confusing language, there's a widespread misconception that cannabis naturally smells like popular candy flavors, such as Skittles or Fruity Pebbles. 

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Terpenes are natural compounds found in cannabis (and many other plants) that contribute to its aroma and effects. Meanwhile, "flavors" are a broader category involving compounds like esters, aldehydes, and ketones. True cannabis terpenes don't taste like candy—pure terpenes can even taste unpleasant.

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We have firsthand experience opening up competitors' terpene bottles, supposedly designed to smell like cannabis strains, to get hit with intense candy and perfume aromas. And unfamiliar consumers who must not be very experienced with the smell of cannabis are somehow starting to believe, and even expect, that cannabis strains smell like fruits and deserts. 

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At Lab Effects, in addition to our hundreds of natural cannabis profiles, we also have an enormous flavor line that is incredibly popular. But, the difference here is that we clearly label our product categories and bottles with names that accurately describe the contents. We do not obscure what's inside with non-descript names that confuse the buyer. So, whether terpenes, flavors, or a blend of both, you will always know exactly what you’re getting.

2. Compliance and Regulatory Pressures Are Only Increasing

States like California, Michigan, Nevada, Connecticut, New York, and Massachusetts are increasingly restricting the use of synthetic additives and non-cannabis-derived compounds in cannabis products, especially for inhalable items. This regulatory shift should be a warning to cannabis product manufacturers who don't know what's hidden inside their terpene inputs.

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We find it fascinating to suddenly see other brands slapping "Cali compliant" on specific product lines. This suggests that everything else in their inventory wouldn't pass state-compliant regulations. 

But given we've always been 100% naturally derived, our products are always 100% compliant, no matter what state you operate in.

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 3. Health and Safety Concerns with Synthetic Additives

This article has clarified that many synthetic additives have not been adequately tested for safety in vape or smoke applications. As we know all too well, there is growing concern over the potential health risks of additives, especially following the vitamin E acetate crisis in vape products. Nobody wants heightened scrutiny over terpene suppliers who use flavor-boosting synthetics.

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We've found countless synthetics, including acetates, in other brands' terpene products. From our perspective, the wholesale terpene market has become the Wild West in terms of synthetics and additives. With so much mislabeling and confusion in the broader market, you can always trust that Lab Effects supplies safe products with naturally derived formulations free from synthetics and harmful additives. 

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The Lab Effects Commitment to 100% Natural Solutions

As a reminder, your access to a 100% natural terpene supply is nothing new. We've been committed to this business model since the day we started. All of our terpenes and flavors come from cannabis and botanical origins, meaning they fully comply with state-specific regulations like what's coming into play in a growing number of states across the US and abroad.

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Unlike other suppliers, we do not produce or sell synthetic terpenes or add odorizers. We avoid the cheap tactics that have unfortunately become commonplace in this industry. Whether it's adding synthetic boosters, industrial odorizers, or touting the use of volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) in an attempt to crudely mimic the real skunk from cannabis, that's never been how Lab Effects operates. We have the real thing. We are The House of Cannabis Derived Terpenes.

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We've always paid attention to quality standards, which is why we are still the only terpene supplier in the market with cGMP Certifications and a rigorous quality assurance program for 12+ years standing. Our certifications span multiple FDA codes covering our entire operation, including 21 CFR 117 and 21 CFR 111, ISO, and HACCP. These certifications are verified through annual audits by a globally recognized ANAB/ANSI-accredited body.

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When you pull up a product from our menu, you don't need to guess whether it's compliant in your state. You can trust that it is. All our products are 100% naturally derived and follow regulations whether you are operating for California, New York, Nevada, or any other state implementing strict terpene regulations.

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