What Is High-terpene Full-spectrum Extract?

One of the latest developments in the cannabis world is the production of cannabis concentrates that maintain a full flavour profile and authentic cannabinoid content. These premium concentrates are produced courtesy of technological advances and an ever-changing consumer pallet that demands better products. The result is a significant differentiation of the traditional concentrates from the current crop. 

Previously, producers primarily focused on the THC content of their products. The concentrates were highly potent but lacked a powerful aroma and flavour. These concentrates were made mostly using solvents. You could make some yourself at home. However, the traditional production method has now given way to advanced technological techniques.

Concentrates are now full-spectrum, extracted at very low temperatures. With these, you enjoy CBD and THC effects, along with those of the terpenes and flavonoids. Flavonoids and terpenes work synergistically along with the cannabinoids to give the full impact of marijuana. 

Full-spectrum extracts fall into two categories: high-terpene full-spectrum extracts (HTFSE) and high-cannabinoid full-spectrum extracts (HCFSE). This article focuses on HTFSE.

What Is HTFSE?

High-terpene full-spectrum extracts are full-spectrum extracts having a relatively high terpene concentration. Their extraction removes only the range of therapeutic elements of the cannabis plant. It leaves out any non-therapeutic ingredients, like lipids, fats, and waxes. Traditional extraction only pulled out select cannabinoids, CBD, and THC. At that time, that’s all the industry demanded. With CBD and THC being potent cannabinoids, they could take high-temperature extraction methods. Unfortunately, the heat destroyed many of the other cannabis compounds. 

HTFSEs have a rich deposit of terpenes, cannabinoids, and flavonoids. They have a diamond or sugar-like consistency, for which they get the name HTFSE sugars or HTFSE diamonds. The extracts have an oily texture and look more like a sauce, with THCA crystals suspended. The street name for HTFSE is “Terp Sauce” or “The Sauce.”

In most cases, HTFSE is not as potent as HCFSE because of its lower THCA content. HCFSEs are 90 percent THCA. High-quality HTFSE could contain even 50 percent THCA. Of their terpenes content, HTFSEs have a higher profile than other cannabis concentrates. The terpenes percentage ranges between 13 and 40 percent. Note that THCA is THC in its acidic form. After decarboxylation, THCA turns into active THC, which is intoxicating.

The profiles of HTFSE and HCFSE content are not the same as those of a live cannabis plant. But, they are close enough because they capture almost all the available compounds. 

Making HTFSE 

The extraction process involves a hydrocarbon solvent, pressure, and sub-zero temperature. The hydrocarbon solvent should have a low boiling point. Cannabis flower buds are a must-have. 

The extraction process is quite complicated. You need not attempt to DIY (do it yourself). You would have to own specialized extraction equipment that is quite expensive. Also, the making of HTFSEs demands the use of high-quality buds that tend to be costly too. 

The extraction of isolated cannabinoids does not place demands on the plant material. All that matters is the potency. Since HTFSE preserves the entire plant material profile, ensure that you’re holding the good stuff. The cannabis flower buds must have a healthy cannabinoid and terpenes profile. The content of the original plant material determines the quality of your extract. 

Most producers prefer fresh frozen marijuana flowers to cured, dried flowers. There are claims that fresh flower buds produce a better terpene profile than dried ones. 

Producers must maintain low temperatures in the first step of the extraction process. It helps to preserve volatile sensitive compounds like terpenes. They also must dewax the extract to take out the non-useful compounds. Sub-zero temperatures make scooping out these unwanted fats, waxes, and lipids easier. 

In the second step of extraction, the producers introduce some low heat to the process. The heating is meant to evaporate the solvent, leaving behind the concentrate. This step makes the choice of solvent critical. The resulting concentrate is the coveted “sauce.” 

Choice Between Terpenes and Cannabinoids

Cannabis concentrates are famous for potency. This makes it crazy to choose HTFSE with 50 percent THCA and not HCFSE with 90 percent THCA. The reason people make this choice is that a high THCA does not translate to more effectiveness. By itself, a cannabinoid does not deliver superior intoxication or therapeutic effect. The case is different for a concentrate that has both THCA and an extensive terpenes profile. The result is what many call the entourage effect. 

The entourage effect is a term coined by Israeli researcher Raphael Mechoulam. He used the term to describe the effect cannabis compounds have together. Their combination makes a greater effect, better than a concentrated, isolated compound. 

Even so, the choice between HCFSE and HTFSE depends on your taste. It also depends on the effect cannabis compounds have on you in general. Most people prefer HTFSE to HCFSE because of its higher terpenes profile. The terpenes enhance its desirable effects. 

Synergistic Effects of Terpenes

Cannabinoids produce therapeutic effects, and so do terpenes. But, cannabis plants are not the only producers of terpenes. Plants, like black pepper and oregano, also produce beta-caryophyllene, a terpene found in cannabis. This terpene has a soothing effect on your stomach. Research shows that the interaction between terpenes and cannabinoids creates a synergy that may help with some body conditions. 

For the best experience, the way to consume HTFSE is to dab it. Some people compare dabbing HTFSE to consuming whole fruits. Taking a cannabinoid isolate is compared to consuming only one vitamin. So, choose HTFSE to experience the entire essence of a strain. But, this is not to say that an isolated cannabinoid does not have some advantages. 

Closing Thoughts

People now prefer HTFSEs to isolated cannabinoids. They deem HTFSEs more effective than isolates and distillates. With the excellent quality type, you experience the layered wonders of cannabinoids and terpenes. Be careful not to buy the HTFSE made by adding terpenes to a distillate. Get your product from a legit, trusted dealer. Get Kush stocks some high-quality HTFSEs.