There really is nothing quite like landing a perfect strain that pairs perfectly with your favorite cannabinoids. Thanks to modern vaping technology, it has never been easier to savor the perfect cannabinoid and terpene combo. With vapes – especially disposable vapes – providing a simple way to get in that cannabis fix on the go. And, with minimal setup or maintenance required. Speaking of vaping, everyone who’s vaped has enjoyed the delicious taste of terpenes. But if you haven’t tried iced terpenes, you don’t know whatcha missing. That’s why we will be covering cannabis-derived iced terpenes. This terpene type supplies a unique experience that you cannot find from most vapes that’re on the hemp marketplace at the moment.
For Any Newbies Out There: What are Terpenes Exactly?
Terpenes are a large and diverse class of organic compounds produced by a variety of plants, particularly conifers, and by some insects. They often have strong odors and are responsible for the distinctive aromas of many herbs, fruits, and flowers. Terpenes are the primary constituents of essential oils—natural products extracted from plants through processes like distillation or cold pressing.
Chemically, terpenes are hydrocarbons, meaning they are composed only of carbon and hydrogen atoms, arranged in isoprene (C5H8) units. This isoprene rule is a common structural motif among terpenes, allowing them to be classified based on the number of isoprene units present in their structure. Depending on their structure, terpenes can be categorized into monoterpenes (two isoprene units), sesquiterpenes (three isoprene units), diterpenes (four isoprene units), and so on.
Beyond their role in giving plants their unique smells and flavors, terpenes have various biological functions. They can act as deterrents against herbivores and pests, attract pollinators, or play a part in the plant’s stress response. In humans, terpenes have been researched for their potential therapeutic effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-anxiety, analgesic, and antimicrobial properties, among others. This has led to their use in traditional herbal medicine and aromatherapy. Plus, as a natural additive in cosmetics, food, and cleaning products.
In recent years, the interest in terpenes has also extended to the cannabis industry, where they’re studied for their role in influencing the plant’s fragrance, flavor, and potentially the effects of different cannabis strains on the body, contributing to what’s known as the “entourage effect”. This is the hypothesis that the various compounds in cannabis, including cannabinoids and terpenes, can work together synergistically to produce more pronounced or varied effects than any single compound alone.
Cannabis-Derived vs. Botanically-Derived Terpenes
First off, before getting into the “iced” aspect, let’s talk about the difference between cannabis-derived and botanically-derived terpenes. You may not realize how much of a divide there is between manufacturers. Especially, when it comes to which one they use.
Source:
- Cannabis-Derived Terpenes: These terpenes are extracted directly from cannabis plants. Cannabis contains a wide range of terpenes that contribute to its unique smells and flavors. These terpenes can vary significantly between different strains of cannabis, leading to a diverse array of aromatic and flavor profiles.
- Botanically-Derived Terpenes: These are terpenes extracted from plants other than cannabis, such as fruits, herbs, and trees. Many plants produce terpenes as part of their essential oils. It’s these compounds which’re responsible for the plants’ fragrances, flavors, and even some medicinal properties.
Composition:
- Cannabis-Derived Terpenes: The composition of these terpenes is specific to the cannabis plant from which they are extracted. This means they can include a unique combination of terpenes that might not be found together in any other plant. The exact profile can vary widely depending on the strain, growing conditions, and extraction methods.
- Botanically-Derived Terpenes: These terpenes have a composition that mirrors the plant of origin. While many of the same types of terpenes can be found in both cannabis and other plants (like limonene from citrus fruits or pinene from pine trees), the specific blends and concentrations will differ.
Authenticity and Experience:
- Cannabis-Derived Terpenes: Many enthusiasts argue that cannabis-derived terpenes offer a more authentic experience, especially when used in cannabis products. This is because they preserve the exact aromatic and flavor profile of the cannabis strain from which they are derived. Potentially, including the entourage effect—where the combination of cannabinoids and terpenes work together to enhance the overall effects.
- Botanically-Derived Terpenes: While botanically-derived terpenes can mimic many of the aromatic and flavor profiles found in cannabis, they might not replicate the exact experience. They are, however, more versatile and accessible for use in a wider range of products, including those where legal restrictions prevent the use of cannabis-derived compounds.
Cost and Accessibility:
- Cannabis-Derived Terpenes: These are often more expensive and harder to source than botanically-derived terpenes due to the legal status of cannabis in many regions, as well as the more specialized extraction processes required.
- Botanically-Derived Terpenes: Generally, these terpenes are less expensive and more widely available. They can be sourced from a broad variety of plants, many of which are already grown at a scale for other uses.
Applications:
- Cannabis-Derived Terpenes: are particularly valued in the cannabis industry for use in products like vape cartridges, edibles, and concentrates, where they can enhance the product’s natural cannabis profile. You see, the thing is that cannabis-derived terpenes, paired with cannabinoids, offer an experience that’s more like how nature intended. By not messing with the natural composition of the hemp plant, we get something that may be more conducive to the entourage effect.
- Botanically-Derived Terpenes: offer a more flexible solution for industries that require specific flavor or aroma profiles without the legal complications or costs associated with cannabis-derived substances..
What are Iced Terpenes?
Now, let’s get to the main attraction: iced terpenes. You may have never heard of this concept before. We mean, after all, you won’t find a lot of companies doing it.
Basically, iced terpenes are simply terpene extracts with menthol thrown in. Menthol is a compound naturally found in the mint plant. It’s responsible for the cooling sensation that mint can provide. Menthol, when isolated, has no flavor or aroma profile, nor any color. In its purest form, it takes on a crystalline appearance, much like cannabinoids.
Menthol doesn’t change the taste of your vapes. Why? Well, because it doesn’t have any flavor to speak of, as we just said. What it does do is offer a cooling effect when you inhale and exhale your clouds of vapor. This doesn’t necessarily enhance any benefits of the product. However, it does offer a really enjoyable, refreshing sensation that just adds to the enjoyment of vaping. And, it can cool down your throat while you’re inhaling particularly strong hits that could otherwise have the potential to irritate the throat and lead to coughing.
Menthol vs. Mint Cooling Agents
A lot of people often confuse menthol with mint. So, they avoid menthol-infused products due to not wanting to taste mint when they vape. Fortunately, iced terpenes, again, don’t impact the taste of your terpenes. That means that if you’re vaping a flavorful strain like, say, Gelato, you will be able to savor those creamy, fruity notes without the taste being altered by the menthol in any way.
Now, keep in mind that many strains naturally have notes of mint from the terpenes in them. This means that if you taste mint when vaping, it’s very well then the terpene profile and not the menthol. At the same time, it’s easy for your brain to be tricked into tasting mint, when you combine the herbaceous “green” notes of cannabis with the cooling effects of menthol.
Domewrecker Iced Terpene Vapes are Where It’s At!
If you’re interested in exploring cannabis-derived iced terpenes, Domewrecker has you covered with 3 fantastic 5-gram disposable vapes. Currently, a few of our disposables feature “iced” terpenes:
- Blueberry OG Ice (Ice Terpenes): An 80% indica-dominant hybrid that tastes like its namesake, with super euphoric effects that get more calming as time goes on.
- Hulkberry Ice (Ice Terpenes): A sativa-leaning hybrid with notes of berries, citrus, and diesel, providing an uplifting, creativity-enhancing effect.
- Watermelon Runts Ice (Ice Terpenes): A 75/25 indica hybrid with notes of watermelon candy, and a euphoric yet deeply relaxing high that can make you feel sleepy.
Overall, iced terpenes offer a vaping experience unlike any other, enhancing the way that each hit feels as you inhale – sort of like what a bubbler does, only with pure menthol instead of a water filtration system. Domewrecker has got you covered with some of the finest, lab-tested vape oils infused with pure menthol to offer up that cooling sensation that you so crave. Check out these awesome strains, and see how menthol will enhance your cannabis vapes.