Working With Terpenes: How to Mix and Add to Buds, Distillate and Shatter

While you may think nothing can really compete with the fresh, rich smell of cannabis, adding terpenes to buds can add a whole new layer to your smoking experience. Did you know that the terpenes in marijuana are responsible for its wide range of aromas? These scents can range from skunky or sour to fruity. These oils synergistically interact with cannabinoids in order to produce different therapeutic effects. By adding your own terpenes to your favorite strains of cannabis, you can totally change the profile of a marijuana strain, especially if it’s marijuana that’s lost its strong aroma. In fact, terpenes are commonly used in aromatherapy in order to elicit positive moods. Some even work as a powerful supplement for certain medical conditions. Terpene companies specialize in extracting these types of terpenes for cannabis use.

Adding terpenes to buds can offer a whole new high. Fortunately, it’s a simple process and one that allows for some experimentation, based on your mood, personal preference, and the type of high you’re trying to achieve. Adding terpenes to your cannabis can be as easy as applying 0.2 millimeters to your pipe’s bowl, or two drops of the oil per gram of cannabis. But adding terpenes to cannabis isn’t only done to enhance a high. It can also breathe new life into your pot, especially if it tastes stale or the weed has dried out. When adding terpenes, it’s important that you use the included dropper that comes with the terpene bottle. One or two drops may not seem like much, but terpenes are very potent. Those who don’t have experience with terpene use can easily ruin cannabis by adding too much terpene product because the smell and taste can overpower the scent and taste of the weed. Always use terpenes in moderation.

Now that you know how to add terpenes to weed, read on to find out other ways you can use terpenes to enhance your high, the many benefits that are associated with terpene use, and why terpenes are currently such a major trend in the cannabis community.

How Terpenes Can Add to Your Smoking or Vaping Experience

When a person smokes a marijuana concentrate, they usually expect it to taste just like the strain it’s named after. But often, during the refining process, the different types of terpenes that contribute to a strain’s effects, potency, and taste, are removed. Which is where terpene isolates and profiles come in. Using terpenes can not only enhance the effects of the strain it can also improve the aroma and the flavor.

Unfortunately, not all terpenes are created equal, which is why it’s so important that you purchase your terpenes with care and choose only fresh isolates or profiles from brands that have a reputation for producing potent and pure products. Fresh, organic terpenes compared to synthetic terpenes, will have a more powerful impact on your high and can deliver the types of results you’re looking for.

Terpenes can be added to:

• Buds
• Distillate
• Shatter
• Oils
• Drinks
• And more

But if you’re new to terpene use, or even cannabis use, then our following guide will discuss how to create your own terpene and cannabis concoction, using a variety of techniques that can help to improve the potency of your oil, shatter, or buds.

Many of these processes are fairly simple, however, you must use extra care when adding the terpene to the mixture, depending on what type of terpene you’re using. Using too much terpene can negatively impact the aroma and taste of your cannabis and can easily overpower the flavor.

Much-Needed Moisture

When you come across weed that’s been sitting in a drawer for a month and find that it has dried out, you don’t have to throw it out. In fact, there’s a surefire way you can totally revitalize your weed, with the right type of terpene and a little experimentation.

Many cannabis users incorporate terpenes when they vape or smoke. Adding terpenes to your buds can help to bring life back to dry weed. At times, weed that’s not very aromatic may need a boost in order to compensate for a lack of aroma or taste. Terpenes can also be a great addition if the marijuana you have is a little too harsh. To use, all you need to do is add one to two drops of your favorite terpenes, such as Limoncello Profile by Terpene Profile. While your dried out cannabis may never go back to its original potency,  adding more terpenes to it can add much-needed moisture and give your weed a nice kick.

Serious Flavor

Even if your cannabis is strong, it can still possess a harsh taste that can be overwhelming. So, if you still want to enjoy your favorite strain, try adding some of the following terpene flavors:

Many of the best terpenes are available in a wide range of flavors whether they have more of a citrusy taste, minty flavor, or a peppery kick. Peppermint terpenes can promote a smoother hit while reducing the harshness of the smoke. Another option is coating the bowl of your pipe with your favorite terpene blend. But remember, only use terpenes in moderation. Adding too much will totally ruin the taste of your weed and can leave an unpleasant aftertaste in your mouth.

Terpene Extraction Power

The terpene extraction process involves a variety of methods used to isolate specific types of terpenes from marijuana. You can purchase these terpenes individually or you can purchase a terpene profile, which contains a variety of powerful terpenes. You can add each type to your cannabis to create a unique flavor or aroma. These are the terpenes that play a major role when it comes to enhancing the effects of cannabinoids in the body. But before you decide to start adding terpenes to your weed, keep in mind that these are available in concentrated forms of natural plant oils. In the beginning, you’ll want to begin with a very small amount and avoid adding more than two or three drops to your marijuana. Always buy fresh, organic, high-quality terpenes. Integrating terpenes into your cannabis vaping or smoking experience can add a whole new level of flavor, enhancing the effects.

Out of over the hundred terpenes found in cannabis, the following are the most widely profiled:

Enhancing Your High

Terpenes play a major role in how the effects of marijuana are felt. While terpenes are not classified as cannabinoids, they do control the body’s uptake of cannabinoids. However, beta-caryophyllene may be the exception. This peppery terpene is the only terpene that researchers have proven is able to directly activate the CB2 receptors in the brain.

But because terpene research is still new, researchers have only just begun to scratch the surface in terms of understanding the potential power behind terpenes and how they affect the cannabinoid system. However, what is known is that many terpenes do have a unique therapeutic effect, including the ability to increase and even stimulate the production of dopamine. Some terpenes can also act as serotonin intake inhibitors.

Terpenes are used in a variety of applications. Some users will infuse dried flowers before a vape, while others will dip their dabs in terpenes for a more powerful smoke. Terpenes can also be used in aromatherapy diffusers, added to edibles, or they can even be added to your favorite beverage.

Adding terpenes directly to cannabis is one of the most common practices. Considering with each use you will only need to use a drop or two of the oil, even one small three-millimeter bottle of terpenes can last for several months.

Remember, in the beginning, when you’re experimenting with adding different types of terpenes to your weed, go slow, especially when it comes to mixing different isolated terpenes. Before you do so, it’s important that you do a little research and learn what type of effects each kind of terpene can offer. To learn more about how terpenes work and what kind of effects you can expect from terpenes that are commonly added to cannabis, click here to read my terpene buyer’s guide, where you’ll also find out more in regard to what conditions isolated terpenes are used to treat and what you can expect in terms of effects, and results.

Adding Terpenes to Distillate

The high potency of isolated cannabinoids is referred to as cannabis distillates. Basically, distillates have a ninety-five percent potency rating or higher of THC. The popularity of adding terpenes to distillates has grown significantly over the past couple of years. But why?

When creating cannabinoid distillates using basic methods, terpenes are usually boiled off during the process. This is because CO2 can be a difficult solvent to use when extracting the compounds and resins of marijuana, however, it doesn’t mean that it’s impossible.

Some pros have figured out the best way to isolate cannabinoids. They’ve perfected the process in order to prevent the loss of important terpene content, keeping the content high during the extraction process. However, while these methods are making their way into the mainstream, some extraction professionals still prefer to rebuild their extracts. This has resulted in a rise of designer cannabis products.

Vape cartridges are currently the most popular way that pro extractors are creating distillates that have been reconstituted with terpenes. However, there are many ways this can be accomplished. Some manufacturers prefer to use the terpenes boiled off during the extraction process, which is accomplished by using specialized equipment. Others analyze the terpene content via testing in order to recreate the terpene content. Fortunately, there are ways you can use these methods at home to add the perfect type and amount of terpenes to your distillate.

The whole idea behind adding terpenes is to create a better, well-rounded effect while also improving both the aroma and flavor of the distillate.

The Future of Cannabis

This latest trend utilizes highly pure compounds in order to produce a vast variety of new applications for marijuana for both recreational and medical purposes. Using distillation, you can isolate certain compounds such as CBN, the best CBD oils, and THC, in addition to important terpenes such as alpha-pinene, limonene, and myrcene. By breaking down the components that makeup cannabis oils, essentially, you’ll be able to reformulate these compounds into a custom blend.

As I mentioned earlier, you don’t have to purchase a special designer blend of cannabis distillate with added terpenes. In fact, you can easily do this on your own, with the right terpene profile or isolated terpenes, depending on preference.

Creating Your Own Formula

• Begin by placing the distillate in a jar. A glass jar is the best option for mixing terpenes and distillate because it’s non-reactive and can be heated.
• Next, add the isolated terpene or terpene profile that you’d like to try.
• When you’re adding the terpenes, always use a ratio of one to two drops per grams of oil. Using a dabber will work well for mixing, however, you can also use a magnetic stirrer. For the best results, make sure the formula is well mixed.
• Leave the glass jar sealed overnight and allow the terpenes to better infuse themselves with the concentrate.

Adding Terpenes to Shatter

For weed smokers who are looking for a stronger high, shatter, a cannabis concentrate is the way to go. Shatter features an eighty percent cannabinoid content, which is pretty impressive, however, it’s five percent short of the cannabinoid content that distillate boasts. This smooth, glassy substance is just one form of dabs, which is the catch-all term used for marijuana concentrates that are created by extracting certain cannabinoids such as CBD and THC. Other forms that are well-known include budder. Budder has a consistency that’s similar to wax, while the oils are honey-like and slightly creamy. When it comes to dabs in general, the extraction process often involves using a solvent such as propane, carbon dioxide, or butane. These solvents are used to draw out the cannabinoids.

Shatter is a term that was derived from that fact that the leftover resin looks like glass. Its appearance is similar to that of boiled caramel during the hardening process. Out of the many different types of concentrates, aside from distillate, shatter is one of the most potent. It actually goes through an additional filtration process in order to get rid of naturally occurring waxes and fats, which is why it’s able to remain so impressively potent. This added step definitely helps to optimize the purity of shatter, but unfortunately, it also filters out terpenes.

So, how can you re-add these essential terpenes to shatter, or can you?  The process is fairly simple. Keep in mind, terpene concentrates are very strong. When measuring how much terpene to add to shatter as it dries, you’ll need to use a formula that consists of just two percent terpene, based on the weight of shatter. As an example, if you have one gram of shatter, you’ll add 0.02 grams of your preferred isolated terpene or terpene profile.

If you’re new to making shatter, then adding the right amount of terpenes to your formula can be tricky, since it must be added before shatter fully dries. Another option is to use a dropper and add terpenes to a piece of shatter before you vape, however, getting the dosage right can be very tricky.

Mixing Terpenes with Oils

Mixing terpenes with oils is much easier than adding terpenes to shatter or distillates. You’ll also enjoy the experimental process of using your favorite terpenes to totally change the effects of the oil. Since a little terpene goes a long way, this can also be a more cost effective way to create a more effective THC or CBD oil.

CBD

CBD oil is commonly used for is relaxing effects, however, it can also help to provide pain relief, reduce inflammation, and reduce stress and anxiety. Adding the right terpene can further enhance the effects of CBD oil. Some users prefer to add a percentage of terpenes to a bottle of CBD oil, while those who like to experiment with different types of terpenes and their effects, prefer to add a small amount of terpene isolate with each CBD dosage.

THC

Mixing terpenes with THC is slightly more complicated and can be completed in a couple of steps. First, either purchase or create a potent marijuana concentrate. The second step is dispersing the concentrate into a liquid.

If you’re making your own THC oil as opposed to buying it, then the first step is to grind up the marijuana into very fine pieces, then place the ground cannabis on a baking rack that’s covered in parchment paper. The next step is to decarboxylate the cannabis. This is an important step and one that’s crucial in order to convert the THC-A in marijuana to THC. This is a process that will usually happen via vaporization or combustion. Once the buds have been decarboxylated via baking in the oven for a period of forty minutes until the marijuana has turned into a night light brown, you’ll need to place the cannabis into a mason jar, then add high proof alcohol, submerging the content with an extra inch of alcohol covering the top. Once every twelve hours, you will need to lightly shake the jar in order to encourage extraction by mixing up the active ingredients.

Once this step is completed you will need to wait for two days to pass. When the time is up, remove the jar and grab a coffee filter, a couple of syringes and another mason jar.

A More Effective Filtration Process

This next step will increase filtration. Take one of the syringes, removing the plunger and place half a coffee filter inside. Next, begin sucking up the liquid from the full jar and squirt the contents into the syringe which contains the coffee filter. Replace the plunger.  Squeeze the filtered liquid into the empty jar and repeat this slow process until you’ve removed all of the concoction from the full jar. The second jar should be sealed tightly and placed in the freezer for a period of forty-eight hours. This process will increase the purity of the THC while allowing any unwanted contents to fall to the bottom of the jar.

After the forty-eight hours is up you will then remove the jar from the freezer and use the same syringe and coffee filter process that you used before.

Allow the mixture to slowly reach room temperature before moving on to the next step.

Use a large pot and fill it with enough water to cover approximately half the jar. Take the lid off the jar and place the jar in the pot on the stove. Before proceeding, make sure you turn your stove’s vent all the way up. The water should be heated under a boil. Closely monitoring the jar during this process is crucial. You will need to keep a close eye on the jar until the alcohol boils off. After this occurs, then a thick oil will remain at the bottom of the jar.

Mixing Terpenes

With this next step, you’ll fil the pot halfway again, with the jar containing the oil inside.

Take a syringe and use approximately 0.2 millimeters of terpene for every gram of the concentrate that’s inside the jar. Now is the time you can truly get creative with dosing and the different types of terpenes you want to add to the mix. Once you’ve added all of the terpenes, bring the water to a boil in order to allow the oil to dissolve into the mixture.

The final step here is using a syringe to transfer the oil into the storage bottle. The finished product should be stored in a cool, dark place. Remember, exposure to light can result in the loss of cannabinoids. If stored in a cool dark place, this mixture can potentially last for a period of one to two years.

Mixing Terpenes with BHO

Butane hash oil involves the process of extracting oil from plant matter using butane. While BHO is a simple process that allows for a wider range of consistencies, during the process, many of natural terpenes are lost. Terpene profiles and isolates can be a great way to reintroduce the terpenes that were lost during the process, while also helping to improve the effect, smell, and taste of a concentrate.

Depending on your concentrate, you may need to tweak the mixing process slightly. When you’re mixing oils it may require more drops compared to shatters which tend to absorb terpenes more easily. For pulls and snaps, it will be easier to mix the terpenes in by folding the mixture as opposed to stirring it. Again, you’ll need to adjust the mixing process based on the needs of the concentrate and its consistency.

The first step is placing the BHO on a silicone mat or in a glass jar. Begin by placing a couple of drops of terpenes into the concentrate. Stir or fold the mixture using a glass or metal rod until the terpenes are blended well throughout the concentrate. Continue slowly adding two drops of terpenes at a time and folding or stirring until the desired smell or taste is achieved. You can also dilute the terpenes or add a liquefier to the mixture in order to decrease the potency.

The next step is to cover the mixture using plastic wrap or a lid and allow it to sit for twenty-four hours. The longer the mixture rests the more time the terpenes will have to infuse with the butane hash oil. If it doesn’t have a uniform consistency then you will need to mix up the concentrate again.

Related Questions

How Do Terpenes Affect the Body

Powerful, aromatic oils, terpenes can have a strong effect on the body. Terpenes can affect the neurotransmitters and receptors in the brain and can even mimic some of the same effects as certain antidepressants. More research is still needed in order to determine how each different type of terpene works and effects the body, in addition to how different combinations of terpenes interact with each other. Unfortunately, there’s no guarantee that each terpene isolate or profile will provide the desired effects you’re after. When choosing terpenes, do your research in terms of the different types of terpenes to choose from and how each type can affect the body. You don’t want to try a terpene that can cause sedation if you’re about to head out to work. Just like you wouldn’t want to use a terpene that can promote energy, right before bedtime.

There’s no guarantee that a certain strain will work with your body.  When choosing cannabis products, find something that intrigues you. Look for a strain with an irresistible smell and an attractive terpene profile.

How Do You Choose the Right Terpenes?

Choosing terpenes to add to your concentrate, oil, or shatter will depend on your personal preference and specific needs. The terpenes should provide the desired effects you’re looking for, whether it’s pain relief, sedation, elevated mood, or even a boost in energy. If you’re not familiar with what terpenes are, or how they work, then click here to read my article on can terpenes get you high?

Can Terpenes Affect Your High?

Terpenes can be found in all types of plants and they’re responsible for the synergistic relationship between organic compounds found in cannabis and cannabinoids. As an example, terpenes are essential in aromatherapy because they contain their own special medicinal value. The specific scent and flavor of a cannabis strain are determined by the terpenes it contains. According to some studies, a terpene and cannabinoid relationship can produce synergy with respect for the treatment of anxiety, depression, inflammation, and pain. Each type of terpene has its own properties that can impact your high. Some can increase potency while others can hinder it. While there are some types of terpenes that will not have a direct impact on the psychotropic aspects of marijuana, they still play a large role in terms of how the weed will make you feel. Additionally, the therapeutic benefits of terpene use are truly impressive. When combined with your favorite cannabis strain, you can enjoy a whole new experience. To learn more about terpenes, click here to read my article on how many terpenes are there?

Final Thoughts

Adding terpenes to buds can work to revive old weed, or it can be used to enhance a high, based on personal preference and the type of effects you’re hoping to achieve. To do, you’ll need to purchase a terpene isolate or terpene profile. This should be based on what type of effects you’re looking for, whether you’re struggling with anxiety, increased stress, pain, or you’re having trouble sleeping at night. Different terpenes will have different effects. Once you’ve purchased the terpenes, you’ll use the included dropper and follow the dosing instructions located on the label. In most cases, you will add just a drop or two per gram of cannabis. However, this can vary from brand to brand and will depend on the purity and potency of the terpenes.