Cannabis-Derived Terpenes vs. Regular Terpenes

By: Katelyn Manuel

PUBLISHED: January 3, 2025 UPDATED: January 6, 2025

An R&R Fresh Mint CBD tincture bottle and a packet are placed on a table

Terpenes are aromatic compounds in plants, including cannabis, that contribute to their unique fragrances and flavors. When combined with cannabinoids like THC and CBD, terpenes play a role in the therapeutic effects of cannabis, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.

While both cannabis-derived and botanical terpenes offer benefits, they have some differences that can impact your experience and the legal status of the products containing them.

Key Takeaways

Cannabis-derived terpenes provide the authentic aroma and flavor of cannabis strains, while botanical terpenes are extracted from non-cannabis plants and offer broader versatility.
Botanical terpenes are generally legal worldwide, whereas cannabis-derived terpenes may face legal restrictions depending on jurisdiction.
Botanical terpenes are more cost-effective and accessible as they are sourced from widely available plants.
Both types of terpenes exhibit therapeutic potential, with cannabis-derived terpenes enhancing the entourage effect through synergy with cannabinoids like THC and CBD.

What Are Cannabis-Derived Terpenes?

Cannabis-derived terpenes, also known as cannabis terpenes or marijuana terpenes, are terpenes that are extracted directly from cannabis plants. They are responsible for the distinctive aromas and flavors associated with different cannabis strains, like the citrusy scent of Lemon Haze or the piney aroma of Jack Herer.

One of the advantages of cannabis-derived terpenes is that they provide an authentic cannabis experience. When used in cannabis products, they replicate the taste and smell of specific strains, making the experience more enjoyable for consumers who love the natural flavors of cannabis.

Examples of Cannabis-Derived Terpenes

There are over 150 different terpenes that have been identified in cannabis plants, each with its unique aroma and potential therapeutic benefits. Some of the most common cannabis-derived terpenes include:

Myrcene: Myrcene is the most abundant cannabis terpene known for its musky, earthy aroma. It's shown to have sedative and relaxing effects, making it a popular choice for evening use.
Limonene: As the name suggests, limonene has a citrusy aroma that's similar to lemon or orange peel. It's known for its anti-anxiety effects and may also have pain-relieving and anti-inflammatory properties.
Pinene: Pinene has a pine-like aroma and is found in many coniferous trees and cannabis. It displays a wide array of pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and pain-killing effects.
Ocimene: Ocimene has a sweet, floral aroma and is found in many plants, including cannabis, basil, and mangoes. It exhibits anti-inflammatory and antiviral properties.
Terpinolene: Terpinolene has a complex aroma, often described as floral, herbaceous, and slightly citrusy. It's less common than other terpenes but is shown to be sedating.

What Are Botanical Terpenes?

Botanical terpenes, or plant-derived or naturally derived terpenes, are terpenes extracted from non-cannabis plant sources. These terpenes are chemically identical to their cannabis-derived counterparts but are derived from other plants, fruits, and herbs.

One advantage of botanical terpenes is their legal status. Since they are not derived from cannabis, they are legal in most countries and can be used in a wide range of products without the restrictions that apply to cannabis-derived terpenes.

Another advantage of botanical terpenes is their versatility. They can be used to create a wide range of flavors and aromas. This makes them practical for manufacturers looking to create unique and appealing products.

Examples of Botanical Terpenes

Pinene is a common botanical terpene also found in pine needles, rosemary, and basil.
Limonene is another prevalent botanical terpene found in the peels of citrus fruits like lemons, limes, and oranges.
Linalool is a floral terpene that is found in lavender, coriander, and birch bark. It has a calming, soothing aroma and is often used in aromatherapy to promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.
Caryophyllene is a spicy terpene in black pepper, cloves, and hops. It has a warm, woody aroma and exhibits anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.

Cannabis-Derived Terpenes vs Botanical Terpenes: Differences

Though their chemical composition may be similar if they are like-for-like, cannabis terpenes and botanical terpenes differ in several ways.

Legality

When it comes to the legality of terpenes, the source matters. Cannabis-derived terpenes may be illegal in some jurisdictions, as they are extracted from cannabis plants, which are still illegal in many parts of the world.

This can make it difficult for manufacturers to use cannabis-derived terpenes in their products, even if the terpenes themselves do not contain any THC or other controlled substances.

On the other hand, botanical terpenes are generally legal worldwide, as they are derived from non-cannabis plants that are not subject to the same legal restrictions. As such, they are more accessible to manufacturers looking to incorporate terpenes into their products.

Flavor and aroma

One of the selling points of cannabis-derived terpenes is that they offer a more authentic cannabis experience. These terpenes are extracted directly from cannabis plants and contain the same aromatic compounds that give different cannabis strains their distinctive flavors and aromas.

Talking of aroma, our Multifunctional CBD Tinctures are designed to wow you with a fresh mint and hemp flavor. This is because it contains a high concentration of CBD and other phytonutrients. But besides the enticing flavor, this Tincture can help bring balance to your body and mind so you can live without pain, stress, or sleeplessness.*

Botanical terpenes, while chemically identical to their cannabis-derived counterparts, can be used to create a much wider range of flavors and aromas. Because they are derived from various plants, fruits, and herbs, these terpenes can be mixed to create unique flavor profiles that may not be possible with cannabis-derived terpenes alone.

Cost

Cannabis-derived terpenes are generally more expensive to produce than botanical terpenes, as they require specialized extraction equipment and must be sourced from cannabis plants that can be difficult to obtain legally.

On the other hand, botanical terpenes are more cost-effective to produce, as they can be extracted from various readily available plant sources. This makes them more affordable for manufacturers looking to incorporate terpenes into their products without breaking the bank.

Benefits of Cannabis-Derived Terpenes

Here are some benefits of cannabis terpenes:

Enhanced Entourage Effect

Cannabis-derived terpenes work synergistically with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to enhance the overall therapeutic benefits of cannabis products. This suggests that the combination of terpenes and cannabinoids may be more effective than either compound alone.

When you consume cannabis products with a full spectrum of terpenes and cannabinoids, you may experience heightened effects compared to products that contain only isolated compounds. This may create more pronounced therapeutic benefits.

Just as well because our Multifunctional CBD Gummies are formulated to provide the entourage effect. Made with organic full-spectrum hemp extract bearing over 8 cannabinoids, including THC, these Gummies are designed to deliver multifunctional benefits to improve your life all-round.*

Authentic Cannabis Experience

Cannabis-derived terpenes create the taste and aroma of cannabis strains. When you consume products infused with these terpenes, you experience the authentic flavors and scents of cannabis. Now you understand your favorite strain’s aroma and flavor.

This authentic experience enhances your enjoyment and may contribute to the therapeutic effects. It is not surprising that terpenes are popularly used in aromatherapy.

Benefits of Botanical Terpenes

Yellow terpenes oil in a dropper held by a hand

Here are the benefits of botanical terpenes:

Cost-Effective

Botanical terpenes are generally more affordable than their cannabis-derived counterparts. That’s because they can be extracted from a wide variety of readily available plant sources.

Versatility

One of the advantages of botanical terpenes is their versatility. They can be mixed to create a diverse range of flavors and aromas that may not be possible with cannabis-derived terpenes alone.

Standardization

Botanical terpenes can be standardized and refined to ensure consistent quality and effects across batches. This is helpful for manufacturers who need to create products with predictable flavor, aroma, and therapeutic profiles. With botanical terpenes, you can expect a reliable and consistent experience every time you use a product.

That’s why you cannot go wrong with our CBD Sleep Gummies. Our industry-leading cannabinoid formulas, featuring adaptogens, botanicals, and potent CBD, are engineered to tackle pain, stress, and sleep problems.

More importantly, these Gummies give you an enjoyable experience thanks to their authentic blueberry natural flavor.*

Legal Compliance

Since cannabis remains illegal in many parts of the world, products containing cannabis-derived terpenes may face legal restrictions or be prohibited altogether. Manufacturers can ensure their products comply with local laws and regulations by opting for botanical terpenes.

Are Botanical Terpenes Safe to Consume in Tinctures and Gummies?

Botanical terpenes, while commonly used in some products, are not explicitly included in R&R CBD gummies. However, R&R CBD tinctures, made with full-spectrum hemp extract, naturally retain trace levels of terpenes present in the hemp plant. These terpenes contribute to the flavor, aroma, and potential therapeutic benefits of the tinctures, complementing the cannabinoids in the extract.

The Role of Botanical Terpenes in Similar Products

Botanical terpenes are natural compounds extracted from plants, known for their aromatic properties and potential therapeutic effects. While terpenes can enhance certain products by contributing to flavor and possible health benefits, their inclusion depends on the product's formulation. Products containing full-spectrum hemp extract, such as R&R CBD tinctures, may retain naturally occurring terpenes that enhance the overall experience and potential efficacy.

What Makes R&R CBD Products Special?

R&R CBD tinctures and gummies are crafted with a blend of natural ingredients, including:

Organic Hemp Extract: Carefully formulated to provide consistent levels of CBD and other cannabinoids to support balance and wellness. The full-spectrum tinctures also retain naturally occurring terpenes for added benefits.
Benefit Focused Products: For example our R&R pain blend features devil’s claw and boswellia extract, known for their anti-inflammatory and pain-relieving properties.
Natural Flavors: Enhanced with real fruit and plant-derived ingredients for a delicious and enjoyable experience.

These products are designed to deliver effective and reliable results. While tinctures benefit from the naturally occurring terpenes in full-spectrum hemp extract, gummies utilize carefully selected components to meet specific wellness needs, such as pain relief, relaxation, or improved sleep.

Transparency and Quality Assurance

All R&R CBD products undergo rigorous third-party lab testing to ensure purity, potency, and safety. These lab reports confirm the cannabinoid content, terpene retention in tinctures, and absence of contaminants, ensuring a high-quality product.

By focusing on high-quality hemp extracts and thoughtfully chosen natural ingredients, R&R CBD products provide a consistent and trustworthy experience tailored to consumer needs. Whether you’re seeking relief from discomfort or simply looking to support overall well-being, you can enjoy these products with confidence.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, understanding the differences between cannabis-derived and botanical terpenes helps you know the right products for your needs.

Cannabis-derived terpenes provide an authentic cannabis experience and may enhance the entourage effect by working synergistically with cannabinoids like THC and CBD. On the other hand, botanical terpenes offer versatility, cost-effectiveness, and legal compliance, making them an attractive option for manufacturers and consumers.

While both types of terpenes display therapeutic benefits, the choice between them often comes down to personal preference, desired effects, and legal considerations.

At R&R CBD, we are committed to providing high-quality CBD products that utilize the best of both worlds for a consistent, enjoyable, and effective user experience. Whether you prefer the authenticity of cannabis-derived terpenes or the flexibility of botanical terpenes, you can find products tailored to your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Difference Between Natural and Synthetic Terpenes?

Natural terpenes are extracted from plants, including cannabis or other botanical sources. On the other hand, synthetic terpenes are artificially created in a lab to mimic the chemical structure of natural terpenes.

Are Botanically Derived Terpenes Safe?

Botanically derived terpenes are generally trustworthy when used appropriately and sourced from reputable manufacturers. These terpenes are extracted from plants other than cannabis and are chemically identical to cannabis-derived terpenes.

What Does Naturally Derived Terpenes Mean?

Naturally derived terpenes refer to terpenes sourced from plants through natural extraction processes. Compared to synthetic alternatives, these terpenes offer a more authentic and often therapeutic experience.

Are Fake Terpenes Bad for You?

Fake terpenes, or low-quality synthetic terpenes, can be harmful if they are not produced under strict safety guidelines or contain contaminants. The added chemicals or additives could pose health risks when inhaled or ingested.