The difference is easy to understand when comparing our experience to any essential oil. For instance, a lavender essential oil contains the terpene Linalool. While Linalool, as a single molecule, is recognized as one of lavender’s components, it does not capture the complete herbal-floral smell of lavender (the essence of the lavender plant). This is because it does not contain all the other components that make up lavender’s full essential oil.

The same holds true for every terpene and the many plant essential oils they are commonly found in. So you see how the term “Cannabis Derived Terpenes” can be somewhat misleading and confusing, as it suggests just a single terpene was derived from cannabis. Where in truth, it really means the entire cannabis essential oil.

In biological taxonomy, all Hemp and Marijuana are Genus Cannabis, specifically classified as Cannabis Sativa L. Many people have chosen to stop using the term marijuana to dissociate from its prior unsavory connotations and instead use the word Cannabis to describe the plant’s non-industrial-hemp varieties. Although this decision was rooted in good intention, it has also created much confusion within the hemp and “cannabis” space, since both hemp and marijuana are scientifically classified as Cannabis. So when one says cannabis today, it is not always clear which variety they are speaking of. When you read the word cannabis, remember that it also includes all industrial hemp varieties, such as those used by Lab Effects to produce our Cannabis Derived Terpenes.