Terpenes vs E-Liquids | Weighing the Pros and Cons of Each
Terpenes and e-liquids can both be vaped, but they’re quite different from each other. E-liquids usually contain nicotine, and they’re often used as an alternative to cigarettes to help smokers quit. They’re typically made from propylene glycol and/or vegetable glycerin with artificial flavorings added.
Terpenes, on the other hand, are organic compounds that occur naturally in many plants, including cannabis. Terpenes give cannabis, and other plants, their unique aromas as well as their distinct effects. Some people enjoy vaping terpene e-liquids with their cannabis concentrates or CBD because it gives them more control over the effects.
Both traditional e-liquids and terpenes offer their own unique benefits. Make sure you know the differences before purchasing one or the other.
1. Terpenes Produce the Entourage Effect
The entourage effect is a synergistic phenomenon that occurs when you combine terpenes together or use them alongside THC or CBD. For example, if you want to make an indica concentrate more uplifting and energetic, you could add pinene. Experimenting with various terpenes combinations (with or without other cannabinoids) is a great way to hone in on your desired effects.
2. E-Liquids Are a Cigarette Alternative
If your goal is to stop smoking, traditional e-liquids or nic salts are the best solution. While these e-liquids don’t produce therapeutic or recreational effects, they do satisfy nicotine cravings. E-liquids are available in many different flavors, including candies, fruits, desserts, and tobacco. While terpenes can also be flavored, many of them have a more natural taste and scent similar to essential oils.
3. Terpenes Can Be Used as a Base for Vaping Concentrates
While plenty of people enjoy vaping terpenes on their own, they’re also quite popular as a base for making THC concentrates vapable. Concentrates can’t be vaped alone, so blending them with terpenes is a great way to make it easy to dab with minimal effort. Some people even add terpenes directly to cannabis flower to alter the taste and effects.
4. Terpenes Offer Versatile Effects
The great thing about terpenes is that there’s one for pretty much anything. Looking for stress relief? Limonene is known for soothing anxiety. Want to unwind after a long day? Myrcene and linalool are both known for their sedative effects. You can enjoy one of them on their own or combine them to increase the relaxing effects.
Consider Your Goals
Terpenes work great when combined with other cannabis products. For example, after hitting your THC inhaler or water pipe, you could take a few hits of caryophyllene terpenes to add pain relief. On the other hand, traditional nicotine e-liquids really do just one thing—satisfy nicotine cravings.
To sum it up, terpene e-liquids offer more noticeable effects both alone and with other cannabinoids, and they taste more natural. Traditional e-liquids contain nicotine, and they’re flavored artificially. While the two products are used in similar ways, they both have their own unique uses. Once you understand the differences between them, choosing the right one should be a breeze.
Author Bio: Katie Tejada is a writer, editor, and former HR professional. She often covers developments in HR, business communication, recruiting, real estate and finance, but also enjoys writing about the latest developments in cannabis law and research.
