What are terpenes in cannabis concentrates?

Terpenes are natural compounds that create most of the smell and flavor in cannabis. They are found in the plant’s resin, which is why they are strong in concentrates.

Do terpenes affect the effects of cannabis?

Some research suggests terpenes may play a role in how cannabis feels by interacting with cannabinoids, but more clinical studies in humans are needed.

Are terpenes the only thing that causes cannabis flavor?

No. Recent studies show that small volatile compounds, including sulfur compounds, also shape aroma and flavor, especially skunky or gassy scents.

Why do solventless concentrates taste stronger?

Solventless methods use low heat and no chemicals, which helps preserve fragile terpenes and other flavor compounds that can be lost with high heat or solvents.

What is the entourage effect or synergy?

Synergy refers to cannabinoids, terpenes, and other plant compounds working together. Lab evidence supports this idea, but human evidence is still developing.

What is live hash rosin?

Live hash rosin is a solventless concentrate made from fresh frozen cannabis. It is pressed at low heat and is known for strong flavor and aroma because it preserves delicate compounds.

Do high terpene percentages always mean better flavor?

Not always. Flavor also depends on minor compounds like volatile sulfur molecules. A concentrate can have high terpene levels and still taste flat if these are lost.

Terpenes, Flavors & Synergies in Concentrates

By Rachel Hantula

Quick Answer

Terpenes influence the smell and taste of cannabis concentrates, but flavor and effects come from synergy between terpenes, cannabinoids, and other aroma compounds. Solventless processes tend to preserve more of these compounds, resulting in richer flavor and a more balanced experience.

(Study: https://doi.org/10.1021/acsomega.4c03225)

What Are Terpenes?

Terpenes are natural compounds in cannabis and other plants that give them their unique smell and taste. Cannabis contains over 140 different terpenes, each adding to the plant’s aroma and flavor profile.
(Source: MDPI)

They come from the same plant parts that make THC and CBD.

Common examples:

Limonene: citrus smell
Myrcene: earthy or herbal smell
Pinene: pine smell
Linalool: floral smell
Caryophyllene: spicy or pepper smell

Some lab studies show terpenes may also affect how THC works in the body.
(Source: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0006295223001399)

Flavor Is More Than Terpenes

For a long time, people believed terpenes were the only reason cannabis smells different.

But recent research shows that:

volatile sulfur compounds
and other tiny smell molecules

also cause strong scents—especially “skunky,” “gassy,” or “tropical” smells.
(Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/37901519)

These compounds are very powerful, even in small amounts.

Why These Tiny Flavor Compounds Matter

These compounds are:

easy to damage with heat or oxygen
lost during harsh processing

When they stay in the product, concentrates taste:

stronger
richer
closer to the real plant

When they are lost, concentrates can taste flat, even if terpene numbers are high.

Synergy (The Entourage Effect)

Synergy means plant compounds working together.

This includes:

cannabinoids
terpenes
flavonoids
minor smell compounds

Studies suggest these compounds can change:

how strong effects feel
how long they last
how fast they start

There is lab evidence of this, but human research is still limited.
(Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39598452)

Solventless Extraction Preserves Flavor and Aroma

How a product is made changes how much smell and flavor survives.

Solventless extraction:

uses low heat
avoids chemical solvents
keeps more terpenes and minor compounds in tact

Fresh-frozen rosin (live hash rosin) keeps more of the plant’s original smell and taste.

(Source: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34576967)

Bottom Line

Terpenes matter for smell and flavor.
Non-terpene compounds also play a big role.
Solventless concentrates protect these better.
Synergy happens when plant compounds work together.

Product Feature: Brrd Rosin

Brought to you by the makers of Cormorant Infused Sorbet!

Their lineup includes:

Single-source, live hash rosin

Their low-heat, solventless process helps retain terpenes and fragile flavor compounds, supporting better flavor and full-spectrum synergy.

For consumers who care about flavor, aroma, and balanced effects, solventless concentrates offer one of the most complete cannabis experiences available.

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