It wasn’t until recent years that extracted terpenes and essential oils became more and more popular, but they have been around for as long as plants have. When it comes to terpenes, many are beginning to take notice of terpenes for sale with the growing cannabis industry in Canada. In this blog post, you’ll learn about the difference between terpenes and essential oils. 

What are Terpenes?

Many confuse terpenes with terpenoids. Though they are similar, they are not the same. Terpenes are the organic oils in plants with a very strong smell and taste. They are derived from isoprene, which comes in a wide array of variations such as diterpenes, monoterpenes, and polyterpenes. The most common source of terpenes is some insects and a variety of plants. Plants develop terpenes in order to protect themselves by herbivores by attracting their predators and parasites. 

Terpenes are considered to be the building blocks for the common tastes and smell we are familiar with in everyday life. Did you know you also consume terpenes when you consume cannabis? Cannabis is rich in terpenes so you should be familiar with the taste and feel of the terpene within it. One of the most common places you’ll come across terpenes is the kitchen. For example, the terpene limonene is what gives your lemon and lime its distinct and citrusy scent. 

What are Essential Oils?

Essential oils are concentrated, hydrophobic, aromatic oils and compounds acquired by processing natural products like plants and fruits. They can be acquired in many ways, but the most common methods are distillation and cold pressing. Each type of essential oil has a different chemical disposition: hydrocarbons and oxygenated compounds, which affect how it smells, how it’s absorbed, and how it’s used by the body. 

Essential oils are usually named after the plant they are acquired from. For example, tea tree oil comes from tea tree leaves. Then, they are called essential oils because they contain the “essence” of a plant. The use of essential oils has gained popularity for their health benefits, but they have been a trend since ancient times. Many are using essential oil diffusers in their homes in order to create a stress-free and comfortable atmosphere. 

What’s the Difference between Terpenes and Essential Oils?

There’s a fairly big difference between terpenes and essential oils. So, what’s the difference between the two? 

Terpenes come from plants and cause the scents. Therefore, they are pure compared to essential oils. Terpenes have been around for years, so you can trust that it’s a natural resource. 

Essential oils are combinations of different types of chemicals. They require a lot of raw materials. Did you know, in order to produce 1 pound of lavender essential oil, approximately 250 pounds of raw lavender is required? Essential oils are meant to represent the essence of the flavor of a particular plant. So, if you choose essential oils, you’ll be consuming various chemicals and ingredients.