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The title of this episode is terpenes, the real stars of cannabis. Hello, humans, and welcome to the Planet 13 podcast. I am your host, Lady Lex, and today I want to talk about something that's become a huge topic in the cannabis world over the last few years. And that is terpenes. If you have spent any time in a dispensary lately, you've probably heard someone ask, what terpenes are in this?

Or maybe you've noticed products advertising live terpenes right on the packaging. But what are terpenes really? And why has everyone suddenly become so interested in them? Well, let's get into it. So, first things first, let's talk about what terpenes are. Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds that give plants their smell and flavor. So, in the simplest terms, terpenes are essential oils and they're found everywhere in nature. Think about peeling an orange or walking through a pine forest, smelling fresh lavender, or even cracking some black pepper, right?

All of those smells, all of those essential oils being released into the world, those are terpenes. And those distinct aromas are that. They come from terpenes. And cannabis is no different. The reason one strain smells fruity while another one smells earthy or gassy or citrusy or even sweet is because of its unique terpene profile. So THC percentage has been a main focal point in cannabis shopping for years now.

And while THE definitely matters, we've learned that there's a lot more to the plant than just one singular cannabinoid. So, what do terpenes actually do? Well, since they are essential oils, they are responsible for the flavor and aroma of the product. And that's the easiest part to understand. But researchers are also looking at how terpenes interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to create the overall cannabis experience.

And you might have heard this called the entourage effect. And the entourage effect is the idea that cannabis isn't just one ingredient doing all of the work, but it's multiple compounds working together. And so now it's important to remember that research is still evolving. And we can't say that one specific terpene is guaranteed to produce a certain effect for everyone, because as we all know, everyone's body responds a little differently to everything we put inside.

But what we can say is that terpenes are becoming an important piece of understanding the cannabis plant as a whole. So, why are terpenes getting so much attention now? Well, honestly, cannabis consumers have become a lot more educated over the last few years. Because a few years ago, most people walked into a dispensary asking, what's your highest THC flour? And don't get me wrong, that question is still out there and is still abundant.

But now it's much more common to hear questions like, what's the dominant terpene in this profile? Or does this product have live terpenes? Or how does this product compare to another strain? Right. Because people are becoming more interested in the overall experience instead of just chasing the biggest THC number because they care more about the, they there's more intention behind the experience than just chasing that highest number.

And manufacturers have begun to notice that too. So that's why you're seeing more products made with live terpenes or even emphasizing strain-specific terpene profiles. Because the goal is to create products that better preserve that natural aroma and flavor of the original plants, of that original strain and the taste and the flavor that everyone gravitates towards. So, how can consumers actually use terpene information? Well, honestly, one of the biggest things you can do is just start paying attention, right?

The same way you read ingredients on a label at the grocery store is the same way that you can read the terpene profile on your product. If you try a product that you absolutely love, take a look at that profile. Take a look at that terpene profile and see if it's available. Then the next time you're shopping, see if another product has a similar terpene profile. And then over time, you might start noticing patterns.

Maybe you lean a little bit more citrus or maybe you're a little bit more gassy. You know, maybe you're leaning into those piny earthy tones, right? Maybe that's more your thing. Everyone's endocannabinoid system is unique to them. So there really isn't a one-size-fits-all answer to what terpenes are meant for you. And so instead of asking what's the strongest product, a better question might be what kind of experience am I looking for?

And that's where the terpene information can be really helpful. So to wrap things up, terpenes are the compounds that are responsible for the smell and flavor of cannabis. Remember the essential oils, right? But they're also becoming one of the most exciting areas of cannabis research because consumers are starting to look beyond that THC percentage and pay more attention to the complete profile of a product. And while we still have plenty to learn, understanding terpenes gives us another tool to help people find products that they genuinely enjoy.

And at the end of the day, cannabis isn't just about potency, it's about the entire experience. And terpenes are a big part of what makes each experience unique. So I want to thank you so much for listening, and I'll catch you on the next episode. Until then, stay curious, stay intentional, and keep asking better questions.

The title of this episode is The Entourage Effect Science or Just Great Marketing. Hello, humans, and welcome to the Planet 13 podcast. I am your host, Lady Lux, and today we are diving into one of the most talked-about and honestly one of probably the most debatable topics in cannabis, which is the entourage effect. You've probably heard someone say, hey, full spectrum products work better because of the entourage effect.

Or maybe you've seen it mentioned on product packaging, or even overheard a bud tender bring it up during a consultation. But what does it actually mean? Is it backed by science or is it just a catchy marketing phrase? Let's talk about it. So, first, what is the entourage effect? And at its core, the entourage effect is the idea that cannabis compounds may work differently when they are together than when they are isolated.

So think about it in terms of a band, right? Sure, a guitar sounds great all by itself, right? And so does the piano and so do the drums. But when you put the whole band together, each instrument contributes something unique, and the end result is a completely different experience, right? That's kind of the idea behind the entourage effect is that instead of looking at just THT or just CBD or just terpenes or all of the other naturally occurring compounds as separate ingredients, the entourage effect is the theory that suggests that they may work together to shape the overall experience.

So it's less about one compound doing all of the heavy lifting and more about how they interact as a team. So is it actually proven? Well, it's a yes and a no. There is research that does support the idea that multiple cannabis compounds can interact in interesting ways. And there are some studies that suggest that combinations of cannabinoids and terpenes may influence the overall effects people report from cannabis products.

However, at the same time, researchers are quick to point out that there's still a lot of things that we don't know. And cannabis research is growing every year. But because of legal restrictions over the past several decades, we're still playing ketchup compared to research on many other plants and medications. And so while the entourage effect is widely discussed theory and it is supported by some evidence, it isn't considered a settled scientific fact.

And that's okay because as we all know, science continues to evolve. And as more research becomes available, our understanding of cannabis and all of its compounds continues to grow. So why does everyone talk about it? Well, because many consumers feel that products with a broader range of cannabinoids and terpenes offer a different experience than products made with THC alone. So, for example, you might hear someone say that they prefer a full spectrum vape over a distlit cartridge, or that they enjoy a live rosin product because it feels more representative of the original plant.

Those are all personal experiences, and they're exactly that personal. Everyone's body responds differently, which is why cannabis recommendations should never be a one size fits all recommendation. So, how does this affect product recommendations? Well, honestly, it changes the conversation quite a bit. Instead of focusing only on THC percentages, we get to start asking better questions. We get to ask things like, what products have you enjoyed in the past?

Or what aromas or flavors do you like to taste whenever you're consuming your products? Or are you looking for flour, a vape, an edible, or something else? These kinds of conversations help paint a much clearer picture than simply asking, how much DHC do you want? Right. So if someone is interested in products that preserve more of the plant's original compounds, you might introduce options like full spectrum extracts or products that are made with live terpenes.

But it's important to avoid promising that one product will definitely create an experience. Instead, think of the entourage effect as another piece of information that can help guide the conversation. Ensure that it's not a guarantee because, like we said, everyone has a different understanding or a different body composition that will interact with each of those compounds. So to wrap it up, the entourage effect is the theory that cannabinoids, terpenes, and other compounds found in cannabis may work together to influence the overall experience.

There is research that supports aspects of this idea, but there's also plenty left to learn. So it's important to present it as an evolving area of cannabis science rather than a proven fact. And for consumers, it can be a helpful way to think beyond THC percentages and explore products based on their complete cannabinoid and terpene profiles instead of just THC percentages alone. And for those of us educating others, it's a little reminder that cannabis is a complex plant.

The more we learn, the better conversations we have, and the better we can help people find products that fit their preferences. Thank you all for hanging out with me today. I'll see you next time as we continue exploring the fascinating world of cannabis one conversation at a time. And until then, stay curious, stay intentional, and keep asking better questions.

The title of this podcast is solvent versus solventless. Does one actually mean better? Hello, humans, and welcome to the Planet 13 podcast. I am your host, Lady Lex, and today we're settling a cannabis debate. Or maybe we're making it slightly more complicated. I don't know. We'll see. Because if you have spent any time around concentrates, you've probably heard terms like solvent base or solventless or B2 or Rosin.

And somewhere along the way, you might have gotten the impression that one of those categories is automatically better. What is it? I don't know. Is solventless automatically a higher quality? Or does using a solvent make a concentrate less desirable? Or are we actually comparing two different ways of accomplishing a similar goal? Let's talk about it. Before we compare anything, there's one phrase I want you to remember.

All extracts are concentrates, but not all concentrates are extracts. Let me say that again with a little bit more clarity. All extracts are concentrates, but not all concentrates are extracts. And you're probably scratching your head wondering, what do you mean, Lady Lux? Why? And because concentrate is the bigger category. We're concentrating desirable components of the cannabis plant into a smaller, more concentrated form. But the way we accomplish that can be different.

An extract sim, an extract specifically involves using a solvent to separate desired compounds from the plant material. And the most famous example of that is BHO. But there are concentrates that don't rely on chemical solvents during processing. This is your traditional hash or rosin for those examples. So extracts live underneath the larger concentrate umbrella, and that's a port, that's an important distinction. Now let's talk about the two approaches.

First, you have a solvent-based extract. So we've had our conversation about what BHO is, and we talked about butane being used as a solvent. The solvent helps separate the desired compounds, including the cannabinoids and the terpenes, from that cannabis plant material. And the solvent is part of the manufacturing process. After extraction, the concentrate goes through additional processing to remove those residual solvents to the required limits, followed by testing before regulated products can reach consumers.

Butane is not the only solvent that can be used or is used in cannabis processing. Depending on the type of product and manufacturing method, it will be depend upon what solvent is used. And the important idea is this a solvent is being used as a tool for separation. So I'm also going to say that again. The solvent is being used as a tool for separation. It's not an ingredient.

Up next, we're going to move on to the other side, which is our solventless concentrates. So this is a concentrate that is being made without a solvent, which means instead of using a chemical solvent to separate those desired plant materials, you're using a solventless method that relies on things like a mechanical separation or pressure or temperature, water, or a combination of all of those techniques together. Rosin is probably one of the best known examples.

And with rosin, you have heat and pressure are used to squeeze that resin from the cannabis material or from a previously separated trichomb product such as hash. But there's no butane, there's no hydrocarbon. It's just a different tool that is getting us to the similar goal. And concentrate is the desired parts of the plant. And that is where the debate begins. Because somewhere along the way, someone debated that solvent list already becoming synonymous with better.

But those two words don't necessarily mean the same thing. Solvent list describes how something was processed. Period. It doesn't automatically tell you whether you'll enjoy the final product more. And a solvent-based doesn't automatically mean lower quality. Again, we're talking about different tools that were used in the processing of this product. So let's think about it in a different way. Let's think about cooking, right? You can cook vegetables on a grill, or you can roast them in the oven, or you can steam them, or you can saute them, or you can air fry them, but it's all the same starting ingredient, right?

We've just used different techniques to get the end result that we're looking for. And every technique comes with its advantages and its trade-offs. You wouldn't necessarily say that grilled is scientifically better than roasted, right? You probably ask yourself, what are we trying to make? And that's a much more useful question whenever it comes to asking yourself in the same capacity about how cannabis concentrates would work for you.

So let's compare BHO and rosin. BHO extraction can be very efficient in separating cannabinoids and aromatic compounds from the cannabis material. It can also provide manufacturers with significant control over the final product. That's part of the reason BHO can appear in so many different consistencies, like we've talked about the batter, the sugar, the crumble, the sauce, the shatter, the diamonds. And processors can manipulate finishing conditions to create very different final products from the same extracted material.

Rosin takes a little bit of a different approach. Rosin is often valued because of its solventless processing and its ability to showcase the characteristics of the starting material. But producing high-quality rosin can require excellent starting material and considerable processing skill. And not every cannabis plant is going to produce the same amount of usable rosin, and you're putting in a great amount, and the yield is going to be very different.

And so that brings us to the yield conversation. Imagine starting with the same amount of cannabis material. Different extraction methods aren't necessarily going to return the same amount of finished concentrate. Some processes may recover desirable compounds more efficiently than others. And that's matter, and that matters because yield affects production, and then production affects availability, and then availability affects price. That's one reason solventless concentrates like high-quality rosin can sometimes carry a higher price.

You're not simply paying for the word solventless. You may also be paying for the starting material, the labor, the yield, the processing, and the craftsmanship required to create that final product. But here's the important part: more expensive doesn't automatically mean that you're going to like it more. I want to follow that up with talking about flavor. This is one area where people love declaring a winner. Rosin is often celebrated for its rich expression of the starting material, but well-made hydrocarbon extracts can also preserve a wide range of those aromatic compounds and deliver incredibly flavorful products.

So again, we're back to preference. What flavor profile do you enjoy? What texture do you prefer? What experience are you looking for? What fits your budget? Those questions may be more useful than asking which extraction method is the best. Right? With all of that, we also want to say that consistency matters too. You know, a solvent-based extraction can give manufacturers, manufactors considerable control over processing and forming and formulation, which can help create consistent products at scale.

Solventless products can showcase the natural variation of the starting material where skilled processors still work carefully to produce consistent quality. And neither approach automatically wins. They're solving slightly different problems. And I think that's the bigger lesson here. But sometimes best isn't the wrong question. Maybe the better question is best for what? Best for flavor, best for budget, best for consistency, best for showcasing, best for texture. Those answers might lead you to a completely different set of products.

So when you see solvent lists on a can on a cannabis product, don't automatically translate that word into better. Translate it into that was made differently. And when you see be a BHO product, don't automatically translate that into lower quality. Instead, understand the process, look at the product, consider the manufacturer, think about what you're actually looking for. You, you want to be looking for this because you're consuming it.

And because extraction method is only one part of the story, not the entire story. So let's bring everything back to where we started. All extracts are concentrates, but not all concentrates are extracts. Make sure you write that down, take that home with you, you know. BHO and rosin can both be concentrates, but they're created using different approaches. One uses a solvent as a part of the process, the other can use mechanical separation, heat, and pressure without any chemical solvent.

Different processes, different advantages, different trade-offs, and potentially two really great products. So I'll leave you with this. Imagine you have two concentrates in front of you. They're made differently, they're priced differently, they may even look completely different. But you genuinely enjoy both. If two concentrates deliver an experience you love, does the extraction method change how you value those products? And that's something we're thinking about. So thank you for joining me today.

And until next time, stay curious, stay intentional, and keep asking better questions.