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The term Cannabis-Derived Terpenes (CDT) refers to the complete essential oil extracted from the cannabis plant. This essential oil includes both terpenes and non-terpene components that together create the plant's unique and distinct aroma. Unlike isolated terpenes sourced from other plants, the non-terpene elements in cannabis essential oil cannot be replicated effectively, making CDTs highly valuable and sought after. Cannabis-derived terpenes are currently sought after for flavoring products intended to smell just like the plant in its natural form. They capture the full-bodied aroma unique to each specific cannabis varietal, and not just some of its individual parts.
The phrase "cannabis-derived terpenes (CDT)" might be misleading, suggesting that individual terpenes are extracted and isolated from cannabis, which is not the case. Isolating single terpenes from cannabis would be neither cost-effective nor scalable. Instead, isolated terpenes are sourced from other plants, known in the industry as "Botanical Terpenes," despite cannabis itself being a botanical source. In reality, CDTs encompass the entire essential oil of the cannabis plant, with terpene levels varying based on extraction methods and processes.
Previously, CDTs have faced challenges such as limited supply options, availability, cost, standardization, and scalability. These factors have inspired manufacturers to pursue using botanical terpenes to create profiles that match a terpene spectrum of a particular strain. However, this approach lacks the essential oil aspects that emit the key elements inherent to the cannabis plant’s full essence. The essential oil includes various subcomponents like flavonoids, ketones, aldehydes, and esters, which all contribute to the plant's distinct aroma and cannot be duplicated from non-cannabis sources.
Certain suppliers have adulterated their terpenes using synthetic industrial chemicals in an attempt to mimic the unmistakable skunky and sulfur-like aromas ubiquitous to cannabis, disguising these chemicals behind innocuous marketing terms like “flavorants.” This can mislead less discerning buyers into believing they have discovered breakthrough molecules that achieve CDT-level quality without extracting from the natural plant. However, the truth is that nobody can properly duplicate the natural plant's true complexity. There are too many minute chemicals collectively contributing to the plant’s aroma, which would take many years, if not decades, to identify. Even if identified, these chemicals are not commercially available.
Additionally, synthetic mimicking of the natural plant with industrial chemicals poses safety concerns, as these chemicals have not undergone safety testing for human consumption, particularly for vaping directly into the lungs. Moreover, most states in the U.S. are moving toward stricter safety standards prohibiting non-cannabis or non-plant-derived ingredients in products. These new regulations are quickly flagging and prohibiting the sale of synthetic concoctions within their states. Savvy businesses will avoid the mistake of tying their product lines to suppliers who may have their inventory pulled from shelves and recalled, creating significant liability exposure.
Cannabis-derived terpenes (CDTs) are essentially the complete essential oil of the cannabis plant, containing a mix of terpenes and other organic compounds that give the plant its unique scent. The non-terpene components of this oil, such as ketones and esters, are critical to its full-bodied aroma and cannot be replicated using non-cannabis sources. This distinctiveness is why CDTs are so valuable and highly sought after. They offer an authentic, full-spectrum aroma that is characteristic of the specific cannabis plant from which they are derived, setting them apart from isolated terpenes obtained from other botanical sources.
At Lab Effects, we advocate for avoiding the risks associated with synthetic alternatives. That's why Lab Effects is the all-natural choice, offering a 100% natural portfolio of strain-specific cannabis terpenes derived from true plant varietals. By leveraging the aromatic and therapeutic qualities of cannabis-derived terpenes, Lab Effects empowers brands to craft products that embody the essence of the plant while ensuring safety and compliance with emerging regulations.
Cannabis essential oils (made up of terpenes at varying ratios and a multitude of other subcomponent oils) are the secret sauce that actually creates that highly desired aroma of cannabis. This is really what so many strive to attain when seeking “cannabis-derived terpenes”.
