Cesare G Bonventre - Co-FounderTerpenes are aromatic, non-intoxicating compounds that are present in countless plant species.
In fact, terpenes derived from botanical sources might be more desirable for a variety of reasons. Learn the detailed definitions of botanically derived and botanical terpenes, and discover the pros and cons of each terpene type.
What does botanically derived terpenes mean?
What are botanically derived terpenes?
Just like the terpenes present in other plants, strain-specific terpenes have flavor and aromatic properties, and they can offer medicinal benefits.
Is it legal to buy terpenes online?
Yes. Terpenes are fully legal.
Depending on the plants they’re sourced from, however, terpenes might be subject to different laws and regulations. Terpenes derived from botanical sources are unquestionably legal, but depending on the circumstances, botanically derived terpenes might not be legal.
Are botanically derived terpenes legal?
Potentially, but not certainly. The regulatory and legal framework surrounding botanically derived terpenes is relatively complex.
In its section on “marihuana,” the CSA reads in part:
Notably absent from the CSA’s definition of “marihuana” is any mention of terpenes. Since terpenes aren’t singled out by name, they’re included within the category of “every compound… of such plant [marihuana]” by default.
So far, there have been no instances of the government cracking down on producers of botanically derived terpenes.
Terpenes derived from botanical sources may be legal, but there remains room for debate.
What are plant-derived terpenes?
The term “plant-derived terpenes” can refer to any natural terpenes derived from plant sources. Within the terpene industry, however, this term most commonly refers to terpenes harvested from botanical sources.
What are botanical terpenes?
Botanical terpenes are terpenes derived from botanical sources. The term “botanical terpenes” is often used interchangeably with “plant-derived terpenes.”
What are naturally derived terpenes?
Naturally derived terpenes are terpenes derived from natural plant sources. This term is roughly synonymous with “botanical terpenes” and “plant-derived terpenes,” but it can also refer to botanically derived terpenes.
What are the differences between botanically derived terpenes and botanical terpenes?
Legality
There’s no dispute that terpenes derived from botanical sources are fully legal. Strict interpretations of the law, however, lead to the uncomfortable realization that botanically derived terpenes might be considered illegal drugs.
Flavor and aroma
Some purists insist that botanically derived terpenes taste and smell more authentic. It’s possible, however, to fully replicate the flavor of any strain using botanically derived terpenes. Plant-derived terpenes may even be more flavorful and aromatic since it’s easier to isolate and maximize concentrations of specific terpenes.
Price
Botanical terpenes can be harvested and packaged at relatively low cost. Only the cheapest botanically derived terpenes can compete with the pricing of botanical terpenes, and low-grade strain-specific terpenes offer the worst flavor profiles and repeatability of any bulk terpenes.
Repeatability
As a result, botanically derived terpenes aren’t very repeatable. Since botanical terpene blends consist of isolated terpenes expertly combined at exact ratios, however, it’s easy to produce reliable, repeatable results when you derive terpenes from botanical sources.
Botanically derived terpenes pros and cons
Let’s summarize the pros and cons of botanically derived terpenes:
Pros
- May offer more authentic flavor and aroma experiences
Cons
- Cost more for worse results
- Poor repeatability
- Strain-specific terpenes derived from plants containing more than 0.3% are technically illegal
- Botanically derived terpenes commonly offer reduced purity
- Bulk discounts aren’t very common
- Without costly isolation processes, botanically derived terpenes are limited to mimicking strains
Botanical terpenes pros and cons
Here’s what you need to know about the benefits and detractors of plant-derived terpenes:
Pros
- Expert botanical terpene mixers can replicate the exact terpene ratios of specific strains
- Botanical terpenes can be used to mix delicious botanical flavors
- Improved purity and repeatability
- Reduced cost for better results
- Bulk discounts often available
Cons
- May not provide the “authentic” strain experience purists desire
- Introduce botanical substances into infused products
What are the best terpenes?
The best terpenes are lab-tested, reasonably priced, and fully legal. Due to the potential legal concerns surrounding botanically derived terpenes, responsible brands conclude that botanical terpenes offer the most worry-free and reliable results.
Let’s answer a few common questions to help you choose the best terpenes for your needs:
Should terpenes be lab-tested?
Yes. Just like any other botanical compound, terpenes need to be lab-tested to determine their authenticity and purity. Some manufacturers may also test their terpenes for residual solvents and other contaminants, but this step isn’t strictly necessary.
Why is terpene repeatability important?
Repeatability is important in any industry, but this factor is rapidly becoming an especially important sticking point in the terpene industries.
Should I choose strain specific & non-strain options?
How much do bulk terpenes cost?
Botanical terpenes are considerably less expensive than botanically derived terpenes. The price you pay for plant-derived terpenes usually reduces in relation to the quantity you buy, further widening the cost disparity between botanically derived and botanical terpenes.
