FAQs – Helpful Answers to Your Terpene Questions

Ah, the great debate.

Ask a purist, and they’ll tell you that cannabis-derived terpenes are the only way to go—no substitutes, no compromises. Meanwhile, botanically-derived terpenes have taken a few hits over the years, often unfairly. Blame it on shady companies cutting corners or a general lack of education in the market.

But here’s the truth: we’re not here to say one is better than the other—because they are different. And understanding those differences matters.

Let’s start with the basics:
A molecule is a molecule. Whether you extract linalool from an OG Kush plant or a lavender blossom, it’s chemically the same compound. The real difference lies in how those molecules are extracted, purified, and assembled into a final product.

There are many ways to pull terpenes from plant material—and not all methods are created equal. Some preserve those delicate flavor and aroma compounds beautifully. Others? Not so much. In fact, many cannabis-derived extracts come with extra baggage: lipids, waxes, chlorophyll, and other plant matter that can muddy the flavor. It’s not necessarily bad—some folks love that “raw, planty” vibe—but it’s subjective.

Botanically-derived terpenes, on the other hand, have often been overlooked due to bland or artificial-tasting products. Why? Because most terpene companies don’t do the homework. They mimic lab reports without understanding the soul of the plant. They chase numbers—not nuance.

We’re different.
We’re the only terpene company with a licensed Type-7 lab, giving us the unique ability to study cannabis in-house and reverse-engineer what makes each cultivar special. We don’t just replicate—we recreate with respect.

Our R&D team spends countless hours decoding the language of cannabis to understand its complexity and authenticity. And in 2021, we had a breakthrough: We discovered what actually makes cannabis smell like cannabis—that signature skunky, gassy, unmistakably “real” aroma no one could previously replicate. Not a university. Not a third-party lab. It was Elite.

And that discovery became our secret sauce.

Thanks to our peer-reviewed research, we can now infuse our botanically-derived terpene blends with those same gassy, dank compounds found only in cannabis. The result? Products that taste and smell just like the real thing—because they are.

At Elite Terpenes, we’re fully committed to botanically-derived products that honor the plant they emulate. But we also proudly offer world-class cannabis-derived terpenes for those who want the full-spectrum experience.

Whether you’re after precision, authenticity, or that unforgettable cannabis aroma—we’ve got you covered.

Generally, yes! However there are some restrictions on certain countries. Please contact us before placing an order.

You’ve actually known terpenes your whole life—whether you realized it or not. That fresh burst when you peel an orange, the soothing scent of lavender, or the piney aroma of a Christmas tree? That’s terpenes at work.

Terpenes are natural compounds found in plants that give them their unique aromas, flavors, and even some of their effects. And yes, cannabis is a plant too—so it’s full of them.

Why does that matter? Because terpenes do more than just smell nice.

If you’ve ever browsed Leafly or tried different cannabis strains, you know some give you energy and focus, while others make you feel relaxed or sleepy. While THC (the compound that gets you high) plays a role, it’s the terpenes that really steer the experience.

Think of it like this: THC is the gas pedal—it powers the ride. Terpenes are the steering wheel—they shape the direction. Whether you’re going to chill mode or creativity central depends on the terpene profile.

And since terpenes are found in almost every plant—not just cannabis—we can extract them from things like mangoes, lemongrass, or even basil. These plant-derived terpenes can be blended to mimic the flavor, aroma, and effects of cannabis, all without touching the plant itself.

On their own, terpenes can have subtle effects. But when they team up with cannabinoids like THC or CBD, they unlock what’s called the Entourage Effect—a kind of synergistic magic where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts.

Imagine riding in an elevator. If you were to consume pure THC all by itself, it’s kind of like taking that elevator straight up. Sure, you get high—but you don’t really go anywhere. No scenery. No story. Just a vertical ride that eventually comes back down in the same spot. Not exactly an adventure.

Now, add terpenes to the mix.

Suddenly, it’s not just an elevator—it’s a plane. You still go up, but now you’re flying. You’re cruising over Paris, landing in Rome, maybe even touching down on the moon. It’s not just a high—it’s a journey.

That’s the Entourage Effect.

Cannabis naturally contains both cannabinoids (like THC and CBD) and terpenes. When these compounds work together, they enhance and influence each other’s effects in a phenomenon scientists call synergy. It’s the difference between black-and-white and full color. Between a solo act and a symphony.

When you combine cannabinoids with terpenes—as nature intended—you unlock the full potential of the plant. A more nuanced experience. A more effective product.

That’s why if you’re creating cannabinoid-based products, you don’t just want terpenes—you need them.