Cannabis-Derived Terpenes (CDTs) from Cannabis:
Origin: Extracted directly from the cannabis plant.
Flavor and Aroma: Provide an authentic and strain-specific flavor profile.
Benefits: May enhance flavors, potentially boost effects through the entourage effect, and offer a more nuanced experience.
Extraction Methods: Various methods like steam distillation, CO2 extraction, and other solvent-based techniques can be used, but CO2 extraction is often favored for terpene preservation.
Steam Extraction:
Method: Involves heating plant material with water to produce steam, which carries volatile oils, including terpenes, to the top of a distillation tank.
Terpene Retention: May degrade some terpenes due to the heat involved in the process.
Applications: Historically used for essential oil extraction, but may not be as efficient or precise as other methods for terpene extraction.
CO2 Extraction:
Method:
Utilizes carbon dioxide in a supercritical state as a solvent to extract oils, including terpenes, from plant material.
Terpene Retention:
Offers a cleaner and more controlled method that protects terpene profiles, resulting in pure, solvent-free oils.
Benefits:
CO2 extraction is a cold separation process that minimizes terpene degradation, making it a preferred method for preserving the natural terpene profile of cannabis.
Key Differences:
Source:
CDTs are derived directly from the cannabis plant, while steam extraction and CO2 extraction are methods used to extract terpenes from various plant materials, including cannabis.
Terpene Preservation:
CO2 extraction is generally preferred for better terpene preservation due to its lower temperature and pressure compared to steam extraction.
Flavor and Aroma:
CDTs from cannabis offer a more authentic and strain-specific flavor profile, while steam extraction may result in some terpene degradation and a less nuanced flavor.