Education has certainly improved public view of cannabis as of late. While the cannabis plant has been criminalised for decades and people thought of it as a societal ill, the public is now coming around to the truth.
Marijuana remains illegal in the United Kingdom, due to its recreational use thanks to a psychoactive compound called THC. Now, however, people are aware that there is more to cannabis than just THC and marijuana. Hemp – a member of the cannabis family – is growing in popularity as both an environmentally friendly alternative to many resources, and as a food source. Furthermore, other compounds from the cannabis plant are being researched for their medical potential.
Cannabidiol, also known as CBD, is definitely the darling of the supplement industry right now. This cousin of THC is completely non-intoxicating, but may offer several benefits to the human body. As such, a growing number of people have been supporting their healthy lifestyle by using CBD supplements.
As a swelling number of CBD products hit the market, there is a large debate around what products are the best to use. Some, such as vaping, have obvious pros and cons. No matter the consumption method, there is always one question on the consumer’s mind: Does my CBD have any THC in it?
It’s true that many CBD products contain THC. However, the legal limit in the UK is 0.3% THC; this negligible amount is nowhere near enough to get you high, nor will it negatively affect you in any way. Nevertheless, some users would prefer to cut out the THC altogether.
The solution? CBD isolate. But those who believe in the power of the entourage effect may be concerned that their CBD isolate isn’t powerful enough. Now, there is a new CBD product that aims to solve both the THC problem and the isolate problem, and this product is terpsolate. In this article, we will be looking into CBD terpsolate and whether it is the right product for you.
The Pros and Cons of CBD Isolates
Every CBD product has its pros and cons. Finding the right one for you is a matter of personal preference.
For some people who want to take CBD, the possibility of THC in the product is a real issue. This may be due to mistrust regarding THC levels in an unregulated CBD industry, or maybe you are simply uncomfortable with the idea of putting any THC whatsoever into your body. Some individuals may have to go through drug testing at their place of work, and having even trace amounts of THC in their CBD product can pose a risk.
CBD isolates are the perfect product for those who do not want to ingest THC. Essentially, isolates are products that have gone through more processing in order to isolate the CBD, removing all other compounds found in the plant. Usually, they come in the form of a powder, wax or shatter, but they may also be found in oil form.
Since the isolate is usually a powder or wax, it is normally taken through dabbing. This means using a dab rig to heat the substance into a vapour, which is then inhaled. Some people may not enjoy the act of dabbing or may worry about inhaling foreign substances; in this case, opt for another form of isolate.
So far, isolates seem great, but what are the drawbacks? Well, it has been suggested that they are not as effective as full-spectrum CBD products. This is because a collection of different cannabinoids and terpenes are said to cause an “entourage effect” in which they work better together. In other words, a product containing CBD plus other cannabinoids and terpenes is more powerful than CBD alone.
Terpenes, in particular, are said to be beneficial, as they have several health benefits of their own. It is for this reason that terpenes are used in medical practices such as aromatherapy. In case you didn’t know, terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in plants; they give lemons their citrusy flavour and smell, lavender it’s sleep-inducing effects, and flowers their beautiful scent.
Is taking beneficial terpenes out of CBD products really the way to go? The solution that manufacturers have come up with is terpsolate, a CBD isolate with all the THC and cannabinoids removed, but with beneficial terpenes added back in.
Terpsolate: New and Improved CBD Isolate?
Terpsolate is only slowly encroaching on the CBD scene. As of yet, there are only a few manufacturers actually producing the stuff. As a result, it is actually quite hard to find a CBD terpsolate that works best for you.
Dabbers and vapers are in luck, because the CBD terpsolates sold currently are usually in wax or crystal form. These can be easily dabbed.
However, some CBD isolate users intentionally buy a tasteless powder that they can add to cooking – this is much easier and healthier than vaping the CBD. It makes it more accessible to everyone. Nevertheless, some crystal isolates can be used in cooking, too, so be sure to check the label.
If you are someone who is keen to access all the benefits of the entourage effect but is worried about THC, then terpsolate is definitely the way to go.
Terpenes to Look Out For
When buying CBD terpsolate, it is important to be aware that different terpenes create different effects. Depending on what you are looking for, you should be looking for a terpsolate containing specific terpenes. Remember also that terpenes provide smell and taste as well as effects; if you are a fan of a citrusy taste, for example, opt for limonene.
- Limonene: This terpene is found in citrus fruits and is known for its citrusy smell and taste. Using limonene can lift your mood, energise you, and relax you. As a result, this is a terpene best used when you need a boost.
- Linalool: Found in lavender, this floral terpene is an anxiety-reliever. If you’re stressed out and struggling to sleep, linalool will help you unwind and catch those Z’s.
- Myrcene: This earthy terpene is found in cloves. Like linalool, it is sedating and relaxing. For a terpsolate that sends you off to sleep, look for a combination of these terpenes.
- Pinene: There are two forms of pinene: Alpha and beta. Both are found in pine needles, and have a very pine-y aroma. This terpene will have you feeling energetic and alert – don’t use it before bed!
- Caryophyllene: Found in pepper, this terpene has a woody and spicy scent and taste. It has a number of medical applications such as acting as an anti-inflammatory and an anti-septic.
As you can see, the terpenes in your terpsolate are important. Be sure to check for third-party lab reports of the terpsolate you are looking to buy, and do a quick search to find out the effects of the terpenes found within it. If you are looking to buy a CBD product for sleep, avoid a terpsolate packed with pinene and limonene!
How to Use CBD Terpsolate
As we have mentioned, terpsolate is usually consumed through dabbing. This requires a little bit of learning, as well as the initial costs of buying a dab rig.
Since terpsolate is so concentrated and packed full of CBD, you only need to use a very tiny amount. Most tubs contain 1g of terpsolate in total – you only need a fraction of this each time you dab.
Simply heat up the nail on the dab rig; when it is hot, drop some of the terpsolate onto it and watch as it vaporises. Inhale this vapour as it arises.
The technique is very easy once you get the hang of it, but it is definitely not for everyone. If you are not comfortable with the idea of dabbing or vaping in general, then try going for a crystal or powder terpsolate. These can be added to meals and cooking – just like cooking any CBD edible.
Remember, however, that the terpenes may affect the taste slightly if you use too much.
Final Thoughts on Terpsolate
Terpsolate is a wonderful addition to the CBD industry. It is a great way to take THC-free CBD without losing out on the benefits of terpenes.
Unfortunately, not a lot of CBD manufacturers sell terpsolate right now. There is an option from CBDistillery which seems to be popular, so head over to their site to check it out.
Remember, CBD is a unique experience for everybody. Terpsolate may not be the ideal product for you; be sure to do your research and find a CBD product that works for you. Since terpsolate is guaranteed to contain zero THC, you can give it a try without worrying about it. If you find that terpsolate is not for you, then not to worry! Instead, why not try another product, such as sublingual oils, regular CBD isolate, or even isolate capsules?
Have you already tried CBD terpsolate? What did you think? Share your experience with our other readers in the comments – is terpsolate worth a pretty penny?
