Terpenes are the aromatic compounds found in plants that give them their distinct smells and flavors. They are commonly found in cannabis and are believed to have therapeutic benefits.
However, terpenes can be delicate and challenging to extract and store. That’s where carrier oils come in. MCT oil, coconut oil, olive oil, jojoba oil, and hemp oil are all popular carrier oils used to dissolve and distribute terpenes evenly within a solution.
But do terpenes mix well with MCT oil?
In this article, we’ll explore the relationship between terpenes and MCT oil and how they can be used together to create potent and effective products.
Do Terpenes Mix With MCT Oil?
MCT oil is a popular carrier oil used in the extraction and preservation of terpenes. MCTs, or medium-chain triglycerides, are a type of fatty acid that is easily digested and absorbed by the body. This makes MCT oil an ideal carrier for terpenes, as it helps our cells absorb these compounds more efficiently.
When it comes to mixing terpenes with MCT oil, the answer is yes – they do mix well together. In fact, MCT oil is one of the most effective carrier oils for terpenes due to its stability and ability to produce more terpenes than other carrier oils like olive oil.
However, it’s important to note that the ratio of terpenes to MCT oil should be carefully considered. Industry insiders recommend a dilution of 99% when combining terpenes with MCT oil. This means that the terpenes should make up only 1% of the overall solution.
It’s also important to consider the specific terpene profile that may already be present in the extract before adding any more. Adding too many terpenes can alter the flavor and aroma of the product and potentially reduce its effectiveness.
Understanding Terpenes And MCT Oil
Terpenes are delicate compounds that are found in many plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the unique aroma and flavor of different strains of cannabis, and they also have potential therapeutic benefits. However, their extraction and storage can be challenging due to their delicate nature.
When it comes to extracting and preserving terpenes, both olive oil and MCT oil are commonly used as carrier oils. While olive oil is a popular choice, MCT oil has been found to produce more terpenes and provide more stability than olive oil.
It’s important to understand the difference between a carrier and a diluent when working with terpenes. A diluent is added to a potent substance or mixture to thin it out, while a carrier is the larger portion of a solution that is used to reduce the strength of a concentrated substance. While both diluents and carriers will dilute a substance, they have different characteristics that make them suitable for certain products.
When adding terpenes to an extract or oil, they act as a diluent and should be less than 10% of the solution. Terpenes reduce the viscosity of the base and its potency while imparting a distinct aroma and flavor. Viscosity Extract Modifier is a popular diluent made from odorless terpenes that can liquefy thick winterized THC extracts.
MCT oil is an ideal carrier for terpenes due to its stability and ability to produce more terpenes than other carrier oils like olive oil. When combining terpenes with MCT oil, it’s recommended to dilute them at 99% MCT oil and 1% terpenes. This ensures that the terpenes do not overpower the product’s flavor or aroma while still providing their therapeutic benefits.
The Benefits Of Using MCT Oil As A Carrier For Terpenes
There are several benefits to using MCT oil as a carrier for terpenes. Firstly, MCT oil has a neutral flavor, making it an ideal choice for those who don’t want their terpenes to be overpowered by the taste of the carrier oil. Additionally, MCT oil is thinner than most oils, making it easy to dispense and measure. This makes it easier to create accurate dosages of terpenes.
MCT oil also has several health benefits that make it an ideal carrier for terpenes. It is a natural antifungal, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial, which can help improve overall health. Furthermore, MCT oil contains medium-chain triglycerides, which are small fat molecules that are easily absorbed by the body. This means that terpenes mixed with MCT oil are more easily absorbed by our cells, leading to a more efficient delivery of these compounds.
Finally, MCT oil is more stable than other carrier oils like olive oil. This means that terpenes mixed with MCT oil have a longer shelf life and are less likely to degrade over time. This makes MCT oil an ideal choice for those who want to preserve the potency and effectiveness of their terpenes for longer periods of time.
Challenges In Mixing Terpenes With MCT Oil
While mixing terpenes with MCT oil is generally a straightforward process, there are some challenges that may arise. One of the main challenges is ensuring that the terpenes are properly extracted and preserved during the mixing process. Terpenes are volatile compounds that can easily evaporate or degrade under certain conditions, such as exposure to heat or UV light.
To overcome this challenge, it’s important to use a standardized and optimized extraction method that minimizes the loss of terpenes. One such method is the CERFIT method, which involves storing the plant material at a low temperature (-20°C) before extracting it with MCT oil using a probe sonicator. This method helps to preserve the phytocomplex and minimize the loss of volatile compounds.
Another challenge is achieving the right balance between decarboxylation and terpene preservation. Decarboxylation is a process that converts THCA (a non-psychoactive cannabinoid) into THC (a psychoactive cannabinoid), which is more readily absorbed by the body. However, decarboxylation can also lead to the degradation of terpenes.
To address this challenge, it’s important to use a decarboxylation temperature and time that minimizes terpene degradation while still achieving the desired level of THC conversion. For example, the CERFIT method uses a lower decarboxylation temperature (100°C) for a shorter time (10 min) than other methods to minimize terpene degradation.
Finally, it’s important to ensure that the resulting mixture has a consistent and homogenous composition. This can be achieved by using a reliable mixing technique and storing the final product in an appropriate container at the right temperature and humidity level.
Tips For Mixing Terpenes With MCT Oil
If you’re planning to mix terpenes with MCT oil, here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Choose high-quality terpenes: Always purchase terpenes from reputable sources to ensure their purity and quality.
2. Determine the desired effect: Before selecting a terpene, consider the effect you want to achieve. For example, if you’re looking for a calming effect, you may want to choose a terpene like linalool.
3. Use a precise measuring tool: When mixing terpenes with MCT oil, it’s important to use a precise measuring tool like a graduated cylinder or pipette to ensure accurate measurements.
4. Dilute the terpenes: As mentioned earlier, it’s recommended to dilute terpenes with MCT oil at a ratio of 99:1. This means that for every 99 ml of MCT oil, you should add 1 ml of terpenes.
5. Mix thoroughly: After adding the terpenes, mix the solution thoroughly to ensure that they are evenly distributed throughout the MCT oil.
6. Store properly: Store the final product in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat sources to maintain its potency and freshness.
By following these tips, you can successfully mix terpenes with MCT oil and create a high-quality product with enhanced aroma and flavor profiles.
Best Practices For Using Terpenes And MCT Oil In Products
When using terpenes and MCT oil in products, it’s important to follow best practices to ensure the highest quality and effectiveness of the final product. Here are some tips to keep in mind:
1. Choose high-quality terpenes: It’s crucial to use terpenes that are pure and free from any contaminants. Look for terpenes that are derived from natural sources and have been tested for purity.
2. Dilute properly: As mentioned earlier, it’s recommended to dilute terpenes with MCT oil at a ratio of 99% to 1%. This ensures that the terpenes are present in the product but not overpowering.
3. Consider the specific terpene profile: Before adding any additional terpenes, consider the terpene profile that may already be present in the extract. Adding too many terpenes can alter the flavor and aroma of the product and potentially reduce its effectiveness.
4. Store properly: Terpenes can be volatile and may evaporate over time if not stored properly. Store products containing terpenes and MCT oil in a cool, dark place to preserve their potency.
By following these best practices, producers can create high-quality products that effectively deliver the benefits of terpenes and MCT oil to consumers.
Conclusion: The Potential Of Terpenes And MCT Oil Combination
The combination of terpenes and MCT oil has shown great potential in the extraction and preservation of these valuable compounds. Research studies have indicated that MCT oil is more effective in extracting terpenes than other carrier oils like olive oil. Additionally, MCT oil has been found to be more stable for terpene extraction and preservation, with terpenes remaining stable for up to 90 days in MCT oil.
The combination of terpenes and MCT oil can be used in a variety of industries, including pharmaceutical, medical, and food industries. Terpenes have been found to possess a wide range of biological activities, including anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiallergic properties. These bioactive compounds can be extracted from plants and used in the production of essential oils.
MCT oil is an ideal carrier for terpenes due to its stability and ability to produce more terpenes than other carrier oils. However, it’s important to carefully consider the ratio of terpenes to MCT oil and the specific terpene profile before adding any more. By using a standardized and optimized method for extracting terpenes and combining them with MCT oil, producers can create high-value medical cannabis oils with a consistent and stable amount of bioactive compounds. Overall, the combination of terpenes and MCT oil holds great potential for a variety of industries and applications.
