Terpenes

Purpose behind the isolation of terpenes

Just like cannabinoids, terpenes are produced in the trichomes (sticky resin glands) of the plants. Which type of terpenes develop in the many strains of cannabis plants, is largely genetically determined. So for instance do Sativa weed plants usually have a different terpene profile than Indica strains and do CBD-dominant weed strains contain a different profile yet again from THC-dominant weed strains. In Sativa dominant weed in many cases the terpene alpha-pinene is predominantly present, while in Indica dominant weed that is mostly myrcene. And also a Cheese strain has another profile than for instance a Lemon Haze.

Which percentage of each terpene is present, can on the other hand depend on many environmental factors, including the location where the plant grows, the amount of sunlight that the plant receives, the amount of wind and the altitude at which the plants grow. This means many factors can influence the ingredients which creates large differences in percentages and ratios.

Also terpenes are not distributed equally in the plant, rather some parts contain much higher concentrations than other parts. So for instance the concentration can be the highest in the flowers, but certain terpenes can be found mainly in the leaves or roots as well. Yet others are highly concentrated in seeds or fruits or rather in the peel of the fruits. All this being wholly dependant on the type of function they have in the plant.

These varying factors are often the reason that a natural product can have an unpredictable effect, which means it can be more to your liking from one time to the next. By isolating terpenes with specific characteristics and then adding them in accurate dosages to other concentrates, like THC- or CBD oil, a stable or specific result can be achieved.

Terpene Applications

Most of the time by far multiple active ingredients are present in healing plants. Often one of these ingredients is the main component and certain other ingredients create a specific effect by means of mutual cooperation. This can be seen well when the main ingredient is isolated from the other plant components. Because the interaction and thereby also the supportive role of the other ingredients is lost, the main ingredient more often than not provides a completely different result, besides which negative side effects might also occur.

In order to increase this interaction between plant components terpene isolates and terpene profiles can be added in small dosages to concentrates, like dabs, THC- and CBD oil, to foods, to care products like salves, creams, lotions and such. This means the terpenes are not used undiluted, but are mixed in with the product to which it is added.

In most cases the amount should not be more than 1 - 3% of the total (of the volume it is added to). For a mix of terpenes you can go with 1 – 5% as a general guideline. According to some researchers the adding of terpenes to cannabinoid-containing products promotes the so-called entourage effect. The cooperation of the components according to these researchers can hereby provide better results. Do realise however that this so-called entourage effect has not yet been scientifically proven.

Natural flavour enhancer

Terpenes can also be applied as natural flavouring. With some extraction methods terpenes can be lost during the processing, which means the adding of terpenes reconstitutes the terpene profile afterwards and often also heightens the flavour. With the ingestion of concentrates, like for instance CBD oil, terpenes can offer a solution for improving the flavour as well.

Since the terpenes besides a distinctive smell and taste also all possess unique properties, you can create a completely personal composition, which totally meet the proper demands. Just like cannabinoids most terpenes are hydrophobe. This means that by nature they do not dissolve well in water. Terpenes do however dissolve well in fatty substances, vegetable glycerin, propylene glycol (PG) and polyethylene glycol (PEG). They will also dissolve well in other plant extracts.

Which terpene oil to buy?

In contrast to the undiluted terpene isolates and terpene profiles, you can buy diluted ready-to-use single terpene oil, terpene oil and CBD terpene oil in our assortment as well. The differences between the three terpene-containing oils are shown in a chart below. The word terps, that you frequently encounter on our website, is just an abbreviation for terpenes and does not mark a difference.

Single Terpene Oil

• Contains one type of terpene

• Total single terpene percentage of 2.5 %

• Derived from various plants

• Contains no CBD-extract

• Contains olive oil

• Mild

• Ideal for trying out the effects

• Ideal for beginners

Terpene Oil

• Contains a full terpene profile

• Total terpene percentage of 2.5 %

• Derived from cannabis plants

• Contains no CBD-extract

• Contains olive oil

• Mild

• Ideal for trying out the effects

• Ideal for beginners

CBD Terpene Oil

• Contains several types of terpene

• Total terpene percentage of 5 %

• Derived from cannabis and various plants

• Contains a CBD-extract with 5% cannabidiol

• Contains hempseed oil

• Potent

• Purposeful effect

• Ideal for advanced users)

All Cibiday terpenes are supplied in violet glass

Because terpenes are extra sensitive to oxygen and light all Cibiday terpenes are supplied in bottles of violet glass specifically designed for the purpose. This special glass is almost black in colour. After extensive tests it has been established that violet glass offers the most optimal protection against the detrimental effects of light, ensuring that the preservability and quality are maintained as best as possible.

Violet glass is able to block all visible light, with the exception of violet light, partial ultraviolet light and infrared light. This unique combination provides the best possible protection of the contents.

Danger! Beware!

Terpenes are volatile substances which are flammable. Terpenes are found in certain percentages in plants and can be of great benefit to both the plants as to humans. In our products however the terpenes are present in concentrated form, which means irritation or danger can occur with an overly high and/or undiluted dosage.

Terpenes are to be diluted before usage. In undiluted form skin irritations or an allergic skin reaction can occur. Rinse the skin with water when irritated. Can be dangerous in undiluted form when the concentrated substance finds its way into the airways while swallowing it. When swallowed notify a doctor immediately. Do not induce vomiting! The single terpene oil (isolates) and the terpene oil (profiles) are already diluted with olive oil and can be used straight out of the bottle.

Use of terpenes during pregnancy should at all times be done under supervision of a physician. The terpene pulegone is known to be abortifacient in high dosages! Terpenes are to be kept out of reach of children and pets!

The usage or storage of large amounts involves higher risks than for instance an amount of 10 ml. does. Statutory provisions however do not take into account the amount, meaning small amounts need to be accompanied by the same warnings as large amounts. Despite that terpenes are flammable and open flames need to be avoided, you can easily place a drop of the terpenes on an aroma diffuser or tea light, without this causing danger. Do make sure you drip beside the flame.

Danger of terpenes with pets!

Despite that animals possess a cannabinoid system just like humans, they are still very different from humans and dosing with products like for instance THC oil needs to be done with care. Terpenes are a different story however and especially for cats these aromatic substances can be very hazardous.

Because cats do not have the liver enzyme glucuronyl transferase, the liver of a cat is hardly able to break down certain terpenes. This means the terpenes stay in the bloodstream for much longer and that with too frequent or overly high dosages accumulations in the body can even occur, through which unwanted or even dangerous situations can develop. The damage which is done to the liver, is a lenghty process however which occurs without outward visible symptoms.

Inhalation with cats

Also when terpenes are used in a fragrance burner or aroma diffuser, this danger can occur. When using the aroma therapy terp candles good ventilation is essential. Besides that it is important that the cat is able to leave the room at all times.

From toxicological studies it has been determined that feline livers usually need 48 hours to be able to process terpenes. Therefore avoid repeated or prolonged exposure though inhalation and always make sure to wait for at least 48 hours before terpenes can be inhaled again. Besides cats missing this important enzyme many animals, including dogs, have a much more acute sense of smell than humans. This also means the effects can be stronger.

Birds, ferrets and other pets

A cat is not the only pet which misses the liver enzyme glucuronyl transferase, this important metabolic enzyme is missing in ferrets as well, which means with an overly high or too frequent exposure symptoms of poisoning can occur. Besides cats and ferrets other animals, like for instance birds or chickens, can also have a low glucuronyl transferase activity, which means with the usage of terpene aroma therapy in the presence of pets extra care and attention is required.