Terpenes rule the cannabis industry, and are beginning to permeate the infused and functional beverage industries worldwide.
Terpenes, or “terps” as they’re sometimes called, are a critical part of the cannabis experience, with most cannabis experts quick to tell you that it’s not only cannabinoids like THC or CBD that create the effects of cannabis, but also the terpenes. A new multi-billion dollar global industry sector is emerging with terpene-infused beverages. These non-psychoactive compounds are brewed into sodas, spirits, syrups, beer, and all kinds of libations to enhance the consumer experience, without the THC high.
Terpenes, Broken Down
As the botanical compounds found in the essential oils of all plants, terpenes provide the aroma and taste of plants, while also eliciting various non-psychoactive effects.
Linalool, for instance, which is found in lavender, mint, coriander, and cinnamon, is often used for its calming effects. Humulene is the terpene most recognizable in the hops in beer and found in cloves and sage. Humulene is well-known in alternative medicine for suppressing appetite and relieving pain, which is one of the reasons drinking beer feels so good.
Ingesting cannabinoids and terpenes in beverage form offers a high bioavailability, meaning that the body can absorb these compounds quickly and effectively. Terpenes serve to enhance cannabinoids through a phenomenon known as The Entourage Effect, where the efficacy of each compound is boosted as it works in harmony with others.
The Rise in Terpene-Infused Beverages
The global cannabis beverages market is estimated to reach USD $8.5 billion by 2027. This figure represents beverages that have been enhanced with both cannabinoids and terpenes, as well as terpenes only. Some beverage companies that are standing out with terpene infusions include:
Good Herb Soda
Based in New Zealand, Good Herb Soda’s products are carefully blended with a selection of natural botanical terpenes, with each blend being inspired by cannabis strains and recreated using terpenes extracted from natural plants. Their beverage Unwind uses the same terpenes in the cannabis strain Blue Dream for relaxation, while InZone uses botanical terpenes to replicate the cannabis strain OG Kush to bring about focus.
El Hempe
Terpene-infused tequila is the name of the game for El Hempe, which has infused the terpenes of OG Kush and Durban Poison, two popular cannabis strains, into their tequila-based products. Their terpene-infused Mescal and tequila spirits give the aroma and taste of cannabis without the high.
Hemp Brands
Also hailing from New Zealand, Hemp Brands provides a balance of earthy and fruity into their gin-based products. The company has chosen to focus on the most abundant terpene myrcene to infuse into their products, also adding notes of bubblegum, lavender, pine forest, and sage.
Explore Terpene Infusions with True Terpenes
At True Terpenes, we empower people to feel precisely how they want to feel through terpenes. We are at the forefront of showcasing to partners how terpenes can be a dynamic factor in customizing and standardizing the aromas, flavors, and effects of its customer’s lifestyle products, including beverages of all kinds.
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