Does Delta 8 THC Contain Terpenes?

Did you know that the enchanting aroma that wafts through a pine forest or the soothing scent of lavender that you use to calm your mind before bed has a secret architect? These natural perfumes are brought to you by aromatic compounds known as terpenes. Found extensively in nature, terpenes are responsible for the fragrance and flavor of thousands of plants.

Hemp and cannabis plants are no exceptions to this botanical artistry. Each strain has its own terpene profile that not only makes them smell and taste in a certain way but also helps shape their effects (such as calmness, euphoria, or focus). In many hemp-derived Delta 8 THC products, terpenes are added back or increased during the extraction process to make the most of their therapeutic benefits.

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What are Terpenes?

Terpenes are largely the reason why a plant or herb smells the way it does. For example, the terpene “linalool” is responsible for that floral and slightly spicy aroma in mint, lavender, cinnamon, and some fungi. Although terpenes affect the natural fragrance, which closely ties to how we taste, they also directly contribute to flavors in many spices. “Caryophyllene” gives black pepper and cloves their signature sharp, zesty kick. If you love the hoppy flavor in your beer, know that it comes from the terpene “humulene”, which imparts the same bitter, aromatic, and sometimes fruity notes to sage and ginseng as well.

Interestingly, terpenes themselves do not add color to the flora, but they do indirectly influence pigmentation. In some plants, the presence of terpenes protects other volatile organic compounds, like chlorophyll (which makes plants green) and anthocyanins (which contribute to red, purple, and blue hues), from degradation. This protection helps maintain the brightly vivid colors you see in leaves and flowers.

Terpenes are also evident in the animal kingdom to some degree. Some marine animals, like sea sponges and sea hares, produce terpenes as a protective mechanism against predators due to their potent aroma. A few species of ants, honeybees, termites, wasps, beetles, and butterflies also produce terpenes in their glandular secretions to use for defense, building nests, or marking territory.

If you use any kind of skincare or cleaning product, there is a good chance it has terpenes. Manufacturers across the world widely use terpenes today when making perfumes, colognes, candles, scented lotions, soaps, essential oils, shampoos, sodas, topical pain relievers, and eco-friendly household cleaners.

Does Delta 8 THC Contains Terpenes?

Both cannabis plants and hemp plants produce terpenes. Terpenes in these plants also contribute to what we know as the “entourage effect,” where different types of terpenes work together with hemp-derived cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) to deliver a much more satisfying experience.

If you are wondering what are terpenes in Delta 8 – they are not part of the THC molecule itself; they are a separate class of compounds. But as we mentioned earlier, in many Delta 8 cannabis products, terpenes are preserved or reintroduced during the extraction process to maintain the plant’s natural properties and improve the user’s experience.

Delta-8- tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is a less potent cannabinoid compared to Delta 9 THC, and is synthesized from CBD in hemp plants. Some brands add the terpenes back into their final product to provide specific flavors or to multiply the entourage effect.

Factors That Affect Terpene Content in Delta 8 THC

Not every Delta 8 product has the same amount – or types – of terpenes as it largely depends on how the product was grown, processed, and stored.

Source Material

The flowers, leaves, and stems of the hemp plant used to extract Delta 8 THC play the biggest role; though primarily the flowers are used because they contain the highest concentrations of cannabinoids and terpenes. Different strains of hemp have different terpene profiles as they are influenced by the plant’s genetics. For example, the strain Sour Space Candy is rich in myrcene and pinene terpenes, while Super Lemon Haze has limonene, caryophyllene, and terpinolene.

All strains will contribute a different terpene profile to the final Delta 8 THC product, be it an edible, a vape, flower, or tincture, depending on which strain is used as the source.

Extraction Process

The method used to extract Delta 8 THC from hemp also affects how many terpenes remain in the final product. Some techniques may destroy terpenes due to the heat or solvents used, while others – like the CO2 extraction we use here at Laughing Buddha – are designed to protect these delicate compounds using a lower temperature.

Post-Extraction Processing

After extraction, sometimes the Delta 8 THC needs to be refined further and this can change the terpene content. Distillation is generally used to increase the purity of Delta 8 THC, but it can strip away terpenes because it involves heat. Similarly, the winterization process removes fats and waxes from the extract but can also reduce terpene content. Careful manufacturers adjust their techniques to minimize terpene loss or add them back into the distillate.

Storage Conditions

Terpenes are volatile, i.e., they degrade over time or when exposed to heat, light, or oxygen. If you recently some Delta 8 products and they came in airtight, UV-resistant containers with strict instructions to keep at cooler temperatures, you know that the brand is conscious about the quality of terpenes over time. On the other hand, storing them in clear containers at room temperature or in direct sunlight will result in rapid terpene degradation and loss of flavor rather quickly.

This is why the terpene content in Delta 8 THC products can differ significantly from batch to batch, even within the same brand or product line. We recommend following these steps to get the most out of your purchases:

• Choose reputable brands that invest in quality control and have good manufacturing practices.
• Always check if the product comes with third-party lab testing reports (Certificates of Analysis) that contain the terpene profile, potency, and purity of the product.
• Reach out to manufacturers or retailers to ask about their product consistency and how they manage batch-to-batch variations.
• Start noting down your experiences with different products, including the specific batch and its effects. This can help you identify patterns or particular batches that work best for you.
• If possible, try a smaller size of the product first before committing to a larger purchase.
• Educate yourself about the effects of different terpenes to make informed decisions when purchasing products based on their terpene profile, even if there is some variation.

Do Added Terpenes Improve Delta 8 THC?

As you now know, some D8 brands put additional terpenes into their final products. The thing is, this is not always a good practice.

Many high-end manufacturers add terpenes to boost the natural cannabis profile that can be lost during the extraction process. This gives you a product that mirrors the flavor, aroma, and entourage effects of traditional cannabis strains. These quality-minded brands use terpenes extracted from cannabis itself or from other natural sources like fruits and plants to maintain a high standard of purity.

But on the other end of the equation, you have manufacturers who add terpenes only as a marketing tool or to mask the inferior quality of their base product. The Delta 8 terpenes used by these brands are not always derived from cannabis compounds or naturally occurring sources; instead, they come from synthetic, less expensive sources, which end up contaminating the final product.

Before you buy any hemp-derived product that contains terpenes, check the label carefully. Good brands are always transparent about the concentration and source of their terpenes.

Top 12 Terpenes Found in Delta 8 THC

Now that we have answered your question, “does Delta 8 have terpenes?”, it is time to learn about the most common cannabis-derived terpenes you will find in D8 THC products out there.

Myrcene

Myrcene is abundant in mangoes, which explains why some users believe that eating a mango before indulging in cannabis enhances its effects. Myrcene has been used in traditional folk medicine to treat diabetes, diarrhea, and hypertension around the world, particularly in Mexico and Brazil. Any weed strain that contains myrcene will likely help loosen up your muscles and make it easier to fall asleep.

Limonene

Limonene has a fresh smell that reminds you of citrus fruits and can brighten your mood just like the scent of a fresh orange or lemon might. It’s like a natural mood booster that helps chase away the blues and brings a bit of sunshine into your day. As it increases the serotonin and dopamine levels in key areas of the brain, you may experience relief from anxiety and depression as well. Limonene is also particularly effective as a natural insect repellent against houseflies and mosquitoes.

Caryophyllene

Caryophyllene interacts directly with your body’s CB2 receptors found in the immune system. When caryophyllene binds to these receptors, it may help reduce swelling, pain, and emotional stress, all without making you feel high. If you are looking to ease your physical discomfort or lighten the periodic feelings of sadness (episodic mood changes), caryophyllene can be a nice natural remedy.

Pinene

Pinene is found in extremely high concentrations in the oils of pine, spruce, fir, cedar, juniper, and hemlock trees. If you have ever walked through a forest and the fresh, crisp scent in the air has made you feel better, it is all thanks to Pinene. This is part of why forest bathing — a practice known in Japan as Shinrin-yoku, where people spend time in the forest to help manage stress — is recognized as a form of ecotherapy by health practitioners.

Pinene is mostly released from pine needles during warm weather or when the forest air is disturbed by wind or rain. Research suggests that inhaling pinene may also help open up the airways in the lungs. Whether you have respiratory issues or high cortisol levels, cannabis strains with pinene can be a good addition to your medicine cabinet.  

Humulene

Historically, humulene-rich hops were used both for flavoring beer and for extending its shelf life before the advent of modern preservation methods. It’s well known in the cannabis world for its appetite suppressing properties, so if you are looking for a strain that does the opposite of inducing munchies, try humulene. It’s also exceptional at reducing swelling and discomfort in the body that comes with inflammatory conditions like arthritis, asthma, inflammatory bowel disease, eczema and psoriasis.

Ocimene

Because of its sweet, herbal, and woody aroma, you would never guess that some plants, when attacked by pests or physically damaged, release ocimene into the air as part of their defense mechanism. The scent of ocimene is quite unpleasant or downright toxic to aphids, whiteflies, some beetle species, and deer. But in humans, it works as a natural bronchodilator, just like pinene.  

If you are feeling congested or have a cold that is making your chest feel tight, try a strain rich in ocimene. Because of its anti-inflammatory effects, ocimene may also help lessen any swelling in your respiratory tract.

Terpinolene

Terpinolene is organically found in apples, cumin, and lilacs. What makes it especially interesting is its exceptional combination of aromas — it is simultaneously citrusy, piney, floral, and herbal. It has shown great promise in scientific studies for neutralizing harmful free radicals in the body. Free radicals are unstable molecules that damage the body cells and make them vulnerable to premature aging and chronic diseases. Even though terpinolene-rich strains smell so refreshing and invigorating, they help many users sleep better.

Linalool

Linalool is found in more than 200 types of plants, including lavender. It is a big part of why many flowers and spices smell so good. In fact, if you like a particular food or drink because of its sweet floral aroma, it most likely has linalool in it. Beyond smelling great, it affects the nervous system and regulates emotions in a way that can calm you down. If you’re ever in need to lift your spirits or fall asleep after a tiring day, give yourself the gift of a linalool-containing Delta 8 goodie.

Geraniol

Geraniol is abundant in geraniums, roses, and lemons, making it a popular choice in the perfume and essential oil industries. It’s also known for its protective effects on cells; it prevents free radicals from accumulating in your body and wreaking the obligatory havoc. In addition to killing the growth of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi), healing wounds and helping manage pain from said wounds, there is evidence that geraniol may also have anti-cancer properties.

Bisabolol

Bisabolol helps reduce inflammation and treat conditions skin irritations, redness, and swelling. It is a major component of chamomile, which is why chamomile tea is used by many to soothe upset stomachs and calm the nerves. According to many users, it promotes faster healing of wounds as well. If you’re recovering from a surgery or having a hard time falling asleep, try vaping a Delta 8 cart that specifically lists bisabolol among its terpenes. You can also take an edible or add a couple of drops of the tincture into a cup of tea before bed; vaping works the fastest, but the other methods’ effects last longer.

Eucalyptol

Have you ever opened the little jar of a vapor rub and got hit in the face with a eucalyptus-y scent? That is eucalyptol at work. Because of its ability to ease breathing and reduce coughing, it is very common in over-the-counter cough drops, syrups, and other medications for colds and flu. Also known as cineole, eucalyptol can open your bronchial airways by relaxing the muscles in your chest and throat. It may also reduce the frequency and severity of coughing by soothing your throat and eliminating any inflammation in the respiratory tract.

Nerolidol

Jasmine, tea tree, and lemongrass are all chock-full of nerolidol, which has proven to help sleep by interacting with the brain’s neurotransmitters that regulate sleep cycles. Instead of relying on sleeping pills, consider trying a nerolidol-rich weed strain to make you feel drowsy and hit the bed more easily. Not only that, it can actually improve the quality of your sleep by making it more deeper and restorative. Its ability to tranquilize the nervous system is quite similar to how some anti-anxiety medications work. Some studies also suggest that nerolidol might help deliver chemotherapy drugs to cancer cells more effectively, thanks to its ability to make the skin more permeable.

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Discover Pure Bliss with Laughing Buddha’s Premium Delta 8 THC

Here at Laughing Buddha, we prefer to let nature guide the flavors and aromas in our hemp-derived products, rather than using artificial, lab-grown terpenes. We avoid adding anything that does not come from a cannabis plant and work hard to keep the terpene levels similar to those you would find in the original buds.

You will see the most prominent terpenes listed on every Laughing Buddha vape cartridge, and flower to give you clear insights into what you are using. Every batch of each product undergoes tests that are performed by a third-party lab to guarantee its quality and safety. These lab reports (Certificate of Analysis) are readily available on our website for anyone interested, completely free of charge. Browse our selection of Delta 8 products online today.