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As cannabis consumers have become more discerning, there’s been a massive spike in brands using terpenes for carts. Over the past few years, demand has shifted from a strict focus on potency above all else toward higher-end, flavorful carts. Yes, consumers are still seeking potency, but now they want it infused with flavor, too.
As a manufacturer, there’s much to consider when choosing terpenes for carts. From terpene sources to extraction methods, here’s what you need to know.
What Is a Terp Cartridge?
While the phrase “terp cart” is common in the industry today, it doesn’t have a solid definition. But typically, "terp cartridge" refers to cannabis vape cartridges where the cart’s terpene profile is a major consideration.
This contrasts with products primarily formulated with the focus on cannabinoid content, which can be made from a number of distillate and/or isolate combinations and some cutting agent. In contrast to high purity distillates and isolates, vape manufacturers are more commonly interested in using an input material that either already contains a robust terpene profile, or allows them to control it entirely.
A terpene-forward product can be made using just about any cannabis concentrate, as some may choose a basic and cheap byproduct like High Terpene Extract (HTE), which is a quick approach, but provides no variety control or standardization, while more sophisticated manufactures want to control their product specifications to every degree and make sure their clients get the same experience every time. In such cases they would source pure terpene profiles from a company like Lab Effects.
What matters is that the blend of terpenes present offers the consumer a higher-quality experience: great taste, enhanced effects, and a safe product they can trust.
What Are Terpenes in Carts?
When vape carts first hit the market, terpene profiles weren’t a major consideration. But today, their role in enhancing the flavor, therapeutic effects, and overall experience is top of mind for many consumers.
The role of terpenes in cannabis products
Terpenes are aromatic hydrocarbons found in all plants. As a diverse group of organic compounds, they play a crucial role in plants’ unique scents and flavors. For example, a lemon owes its sharp citrusy scent in part to limonene, while myrcene and humulene are responsible for the earthy smell of hops.
The same is true for cannabis plants, with each strain containing a unique terpene blend alongside its cannabinoid profile. A growing body of research on the therapeutic effects of terpenes has identified anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, and analgesic properties.
There’s also some initial evidence that terpenes can modulate the effects of cannabinoids, either enhancing desirable therapeutic effects or reducing unwanted side effects (e.g., anxiety).
Consumer demand for terp carts
Terpenes for cartridges offer three potential benefits for consumers:
- Better flavors
- Additional therapeutic effects
- Modulation of cannabinoid effects
While research is still emerging, consumers are already excited about terpene carts that could offer these more nuanced and enjoyable experiences.
Looking for High-Quality Terpenes?
Find the finest cannabis-derived and botanically sourced terpenes, perfect for your vape carts. Browse our expansive range today.
What Are the Best Terpenes for Carts?
A huge range of terpene products are available for vape carts. Some focus on pure flavor, while others provide specific therapeutic effects. You can even choose terpenes formulated for an authentic experience of a specific cannabis strain.
At Lab Effects, we offer only the highest-quality, plant-derived compounds, including cannabis-derived, botanically derived, and science-backed therapeutic blends. So, whatever you choose, you’ll get a safe, effective blend you can trust.
Cannabis-derived terpenes — for that True-To-Flower™ experience
Cannabis-derived terpenes are distilled from your favorite strain, preserving the terpene content and non-terpene essential oil compounds that make each cannabis strain unique. This means you can create vape carts that reproduce well-loved strains like Durban Poison, Gorilla Glue #4, and Pineapple Express.
Flavor-enhanced strains — cannabis-inspired with bigger, bolder flavors
For the most flavorful terp carts, a flavor-enhanced strain is the right choice. Strain-specific terpene profiles are blended with complementary terpene flavors, with the focus on creating the best final taste. Expect bold, powerful flavors like Banana-Rama, Ginger Kush, and Peppermint Bark Cookies.
Natural flavor terpenes — every flavor under the rainbow
If you’re looking to shift away from replicating existing strain flavor profiles, natural terpene flavors are formulated from scratch with a focus on pure flavor. Lab Effects has created over 200 distinct flavors from natural terpenes, from Basil to Earl Grey Tea and Peaches N’ Cream.
Therapeutic terpene blends — for targeted effects
If you’re designing products to offer certain therapeutic effects, choose a therapeutic terpene blend. Complementary terpenes are selected based on their physiological effects, such as fighting nausea, reducing inflammation, or improving sleep. These blends can amplify the therapeutic impact of your product without pushing up the cost.
Discover the Best Terpenes for Your Vape Carts
Explore our premium selection of cannabis-derived, botanically derived, and therapeutic terpene blends for the perfect vape cart experience.
Are there natural terpene carts?
Today’s vape consumer is seeking safer, healthier sessions, which is partially why synthetic terpenes have come under increasing scrutiny nationwide. Increasingly, states like California and New York have banned the use of synthetics in inhalable products, like vapes.
The good news is that there are many all-natural alternatives available. At Lab Effects, we’re committed to offering only 100% natural terpene products. All of our terpene blends are steam-distilled and extracted from plants, whether cannabis or other botanicals.
This means our terpene blends are free from synthetics, as well as from common problematic additives like PG, VG, PEG, MCT, vitamin E acetate, and squalene. We provide Certificates of Analysis and Safety Data for all our natural terpene products and comply with all state regulations.
Build a Better Terpene Cart: The Base
Choosing the right carrier is the final consideration for creating a great terpene cart. This is another area where consumer concerns and regulations are drawing attention to dangerous and low-quality choices, such as PG and VG.
We created The BASE™ to fill this gap, offering manufacturers a safe, all-natural vape carrier that preserves your desired product's terpene profile and potency. The BASE is a flavorless, non-aromatic universal carrier oil made of cannabis-centric terpenes, lipids, and esters. It can be used to formulate any vape cart and is easy to blend with terpenes and cannabinoids at any concentration.
The BASE™ complies with regulations in California, Michigan, and other states where stringent regulations on synthetic vape carts are rapidly emerging.
Formulate safe, high-quality terpene carts with The BASE™ — the ideal all-natural carrier oil for your vape formulations. Order now.
Choose Lab Effects for Terp Carts You Can Trust
Terp carts are a booming niche in the market, with many options for creating high-quality, all-natural products that meet the demand. Whether you’re formulating for pure flavor or nuanced therapeutic effects, here at Lab Effects, we’re dedicated to providing terpenes you can trust.