Terpene Profiles in CT Vapes

Similar to flower profiles, vape profiles can be even more complex, including a larger variety of terpenes and higher concentrations. The final vape profile depends on two things:

1. The initial yield of the product to be extracted

2. The extraction method used

Vape products in CT first began being tested for 10 main terpenes. In 2021, producers began to expand their testing for more terpenes. Over the years, we have also seen an increase in the types of vape oils filled into cartridges. What first began with traditional CO2 extraction, has now evolved into a market with a variety of oils;

• CO2 Oil (CO)

• Terpene Distillate (TD)

• Live Resin (LR, RE)

• Rosin (RO)

• Fresh Go Oil

• Full Spectrum (FS)

These oils are created by various extraction methods, which can be explored in the Concentrate Guide.

As always, the final variable is how you vaporize and consume the product, which can be explored in the Vape Guide.

Order of Average Concentration (All-time AVG / All-time Prevalence)

1. Caryophyllene (1.06% / 98.9%)

2. Limonene (0.68% / 96.3%)

3. Trans-nerolidol (0.66% / 42.2%)

4. Myrcene (0.62% / 92.6%)

5. Linalool (0.54% / 86.5%)

6. Humulene (0.35% / 94%)

7. Terpinolene (0.28% / 50.4%)

8. Geraniol (0.29% / 5.1%)

9. Ocimene (0.25% / 42.5%)

10. Alpha-pinene (0.23% / 78.3%)

11. cis-nerolidol (0.21% / 44.6%)

12. Alpha-bisabolol (0.19% / 26.3%)

13. Beta-pinene (0.19% / 77.8%)

14. Guaiol (0.16% / 30.6%)

15. Isopulegol (0.15% / 12.5%)

16. p-cymene (0.13% / 5.7%)

17. Gamma-terpinene (0.05% / 23.7%)

18. Alpha-Terpinene (0.05% / 12.4%)

19. 3-carene (0.06% / 19.6%)

20. Camphene (0.04% / 39.8%)

Analysis of Terpene Concentration Trends (2018-2024)

The table provided shows the average concentration of various terpenes in vape products from 2018 to 2024 as part of the Connecticut Marijuana Program. Below is a detailed analysis of the trends observed for each terpene over these years.

1. Total Terpene Concentration

• Trend: The average total terpene concentration in vape products starts extremely high in 2018 at 11.222% and then significantly drops to 3.301% by 2023. A slight increase is noted in 2024 (4.286%).

• Observation: The sharp decline from 2018 to 2023 indicates a possible shift in product formulation, where lower total terpene concentrations are preferred. The increase in 2024 suggests a potential renewed interest in terpene-rich formulations.

2. Caryophyllene

• Trend: Caryophyllene concentration starts high at 3.784% in 2018, drops significantly by 2020 (1.184%), and continues to decrease through 2024 (1.042%).

• Observation: The decreasing trend in Caryophyllene suggests a shift away from heavy Caryophyllene-dominant vape products, possibly to diversify terpene profiles or to moderate its effects.

3. Beta-pinene

• Trend: Beta-pinene shows a significant decline from 0.2025% in 2018 to 0.1703% in 2024, with a consistent downward trend observed throughout the years.

• Observation: The consistent reduction in Beta-pinene may indicate a decreased emphasis on its inclusion in vape products, possibly due to changes in consumer preferences or desired product effects.

4. Alpha-pinene

• Trend: Alpha-pinene concentration starts at 0.7550% in 2018 and declines to 0.2084% by 2024, with fluctuations in between.

• Observation: Like Beta-pinene, Alpha-pinene's reduced concentration reflects a shift in terpene focus, perhaps to highlight other terpenes or reduce the pine-like aroma and effects.

5. Limonene

• Trend: Limonene starts at a very high concentration of 2.5850% in 2018, then decreases steadily to 0.5774% in 2024.

• Observation: The significant drop suggests that the initial formulations in 2018 were heavily Limonene-dominant, but newer formulations have reduced its concentration, possibly to balance flavor profiles or modulate its effects.

6. Humulene

• Trend: Humulene shows a declining trend, starting at 1.3011% in 2018 and dropping to 0.3114% by 2024.

• Observation: The consistent decrease in Humulene may indicate a shift away from its bitter, earthy notes in favor of other terpenes.

7. Linalool

• Trend: Linalool concentration fluctuates slightly, starting at 1.3729% in 2018, peaking in 2020 (1.3759%), and then decreasing to 0.3913% in 2024.

• Observation: The initial higher concentrations may reflect the popularity of Linalool for its calming effects, but the decrease suggests a moderation in its use over time.

8. Myrcene

• Trend: Myrcene concentration drops from 0.8267% in 2018 to 0.7543% in 2024, showing relatively stable but slightly declining levels.

• Observation: Myrcene remains a key component but is used more sparingly in newer vape formulations, possibly due to its sedative effects.

9. Ocimene

• Trend: Ocimene concentration is fairly low throughout the years, starting at 0.2500% in 2018 and declining to 0.2089% in 2024.

• Observation: Ocimene’s consistent but low presence suggests it plays a minor role in the overall terpene profile of vape products, possibly valued for its specific aromatic properties.

10. Terpinolene

• Trend: Terpinolene shows fluctuations, with a concentration of 1.3850% in 2018, peaking in 2021 (0.7888%), and then decreasing to 0.3394% in 2024.

• Observation: Terpinolene's initial high concentration indicates its importance in earlier vape formulations, but the subsequent decrease suggests a shift towards a more balanced or diverse terpene profile.

11. Alpha-bisabolol

• Trend: Alpha-bisabolol starts at 2.2050% in 2018, then sharply decreases to 0.0805% in 2024, showing one of the most significant declines.

• Observation: The dramatic reduction suggests that Alpha-bisabolol was initially heavily featured but has been greatly reduced, possibly due to its intense effects or to diversify the terpene profile.

12. Trans-nerolidol

• Trend: Trans-nerolidol shows relatively low concentrations throughout, starting at 0.2976% in 2019 and ending at 0.0815% in 2024, with minor fluctuations.

• Observation: The stable yet low presence of Trans-nerolidol indicates it is included in vape products for specific effects, but not as a dominant terpene.

13. Cis-nerolidol

• Trend: Cis-nerolidol maintains low concentrations, with a small peak in 2020 (0.5843%) and a drop to 0.1880% in 2024.

• Observation: Like Trans-nerolidol, Cis-nerolidol is used selectively, with its presence decreasing over time.

14. Camphene

• Trend: Camphene is consistently low, starting at 0.2400% in 2019 and ending at 0.0197% in 2024.

• Observation: The low and decreasing concentration of Camphene suggests it plays a minor role in vape formulations, likely due to its sharp, pungent aroma.

15. Alpha-terpinene

• Trend: Alpha-terpinene remains extremely low throughout the years, with a slight decrease from 0.1580% in 2018 to 0.0152% in 2024.

• Observation: Its consistently low presence indicates it is not a significant component in most vape products.

16. Gamma-terpinene

• Trend: Gamma-terpinene shows low and stable concentrations, from 0.4820% in 2018 to 0.0440% in 2024.

• Observation: The low concentration reflects its limited role in vape products, potentially used in small amounts for specific flavor or effect profiles.

17. 3-Carene

• Trend: 3-Carene concentration is low, with a peak in 2019 (1.1110%) but generally remains around 0.0141% in 2024.

• Observation: Its minimal presence suggests it is not a key focus in vape formulations.

18. Geraniol

• Trend: Geraniol shows a steady decline from 0.5350% in 2019 to 0.2891% in 2024.

• Observation: This decline suggests Geraniol was initially more prominent in vape products but has since become less favored.

19. P-cymene

• Trend: P-cymene maintains very low concentrations, starting at 0.0700% in 2018 and ending at 0.1266% in 2024, with no significant trend.

• Observation: P-cymene’s minimal presence suggests it is used sparingly, likely for its specific aromatic qualities.

20. Isopulegol

• Trend: Isopulegol has a low and stable concentration, fluctuating slightly from 0.0368% in 2018 to 0.0388% in 2024.

• Observation: Its consistent but low presence indicates it is a minor component in vape formulations.

21. Guaiol

• Trend: Guaiol shows a slight decrease in concentration from 0.4820% in 2018 to 0.1611% in 2024.

• Observation: The decline suggests that while Guaiol was initially more common, its use in vape products has decreased over time.

Analysis of Terpene Prevalence Trends (2018-2024)

1. Caryophyllene

• Prevalence: Caryophyllene shows consistently high prevalence, starting at 100% in 2018 and remaining above 98% throughout the years, with 99.8% in 2022.

• Trend: This high and stable prevalence suggests that Caryophyllene is a key terpene in vape formulations, likely due to its widespread appeal and potential therapeutic benefits.

2. Beta-pinene

• Prevalence: The prevalence of Beta-pinene starts at 44.4% in 2018 and increases to 78.9% in 2022, indicating a growing presence in vape products.

• Trend: The increasing trend reflects a rising interest in Beta-pinene, possibly for its refreshing, pine-like aroma and potential health benefits.

3. Alpha-pinene

• Prevalence: Alpha-pinene follows a similar trend to Beta-pinene, starting at 44.4% in 2018 and increasing to 75.7% in 2022.

• Trend: The rising prevalence of Alpha-pinene suggests it is becoming more favored in vape products, likely for its complementary effects alongside Beta-pinene.

4. Limonene

• Prevalence: Limonene’s prevalence increases from 44.4% in 2018 to 98.3% in 2022, showing that it has become a dominant terpene in vape formulations.

• Trend: The sharp increase in Limonene prevalence indicates a strong consumer preference for its citrusy flavor and potential mood-enhancing effects.

5. Humulene

• Prevalence: Humulene starts at 100% in 2018 and slightly decreases to 97.8% in 2022, remaining one of the most prevalent terpenes.

• Trend: The consistently high prevalence suggests that Humulene's earthy, woody profile is highly valued in vape products.

6. Linalool

• Prevalence: Linalool shows an increase from 77.8% in 2018 to 91.2% in 2022, indicating a growing presence in vape products.

• Trend: The increasing prevalence suggests that Linalool’s calming and floral properties are increasingly sought after in vape formulations.

7. Myrcene

• Prevalence: Myrcene's prevalence increases from 66.7% in 2018 to 94.3% in 2022, making it one of the most common terpenes in vape products.

• Trend: The strong upward trend indicates that Myrcene’s sedative and relaxing effects are highly favored in vape formulations.

8. Ocimene

• Prevalence: Ocimene shows a significant increase in prevalence, starting at 11.1% in 2018 and rising to 29.2% in 2022.

• Trend: The increasing presence of Ocimene suggests it is being included more frequently for its sweet, herbal aroma and potential anti-inflammatory properties.

9. Terpinolene

• Prevalence: Terpinolene starts at 22.2% in 2018 and rises to 33.2% in 2022, indicating a moderate but growing presence in vape products.

• Trend: The gradual increase suggests that Terpinolene’s fresh, piney scent is becoming more appreciated in vape formulations.

10. Alpha-bisabolol

• Prevalence: Alpha-bisabolol shows a fluctuating trend, starting at 44.4% in 2018, peaking at 77.9% in 2022, indicating a varied but growing inclusion in vape products.

• Trend: The increase suggests that Alpha-bisabolol's anti-inflammatory and soothing properties are becoming more desirable in vape formulations.

11. Trans-nerolidol

• Prevalence: Trans-nerolidol follows a similar pattern to Alpha-bisabolol, with its prevalence increasing from 44.4% in 2018 to 77.9% in 2022.

• Trend: The growing inclusion reflects an interest in its relaxing, sedative effects, often paired with other terpenes.

12. Cis-nerolidol

• Prevalence: Cis-nerolidol's prevalence increases from 22.2% in 2018 to 69.3% in 2022.

• Trend: The increase suggests that it is being used more frequently for its therapeutic effects, similar to trans-nerolidol.

13. Camphene

• Prevalence: Camphene shows varied prevalence, starting at 55.6% in 2018, dropping to 38.6% in 2022.

• Trend: The fluctuations indicate that Camphene is selectively used, possibly for its unique properties but not as a primary terpene in most formulations.

14. Alpha-terpinene

• Prevalence: Alpha-terpinene's prevalence shows a sharp increase from 11.1% in 2018 to 82.1% in 2022.

• Trend: The significant increase indicates a growing interest in its potential antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

15. Gamma-terpinene

• Prevalence: Gamma-terpinene shows minimal presence, with a slight increase from 11.1% in 2018 to 82.1% in 2022.

• Trend: The increase in 2022 suggests a new or renewed interest in its effects, though it remains less common overall.

16. 3-Carene

• Prevalence: 3-Carene starts low at 33.3% in 2018 and gradually increases to 7.9% in 2022.

• Trend: The low and inconsistent presence suggests it plays a minor role in most vape products.

17. Geraniol

• Prevalence: Geraniol shows a gradual increase from 11.1% in 2018 to 19.4% in 2022.

• Trend: The increase reflects a growing inclusion of Geraniol for its floral scent and potential therapeutic benefits, though it remains a minor component.

18. P-cymene

• Prevalence: P-cymene’s prevalence is low but increasing, starting at 22.2% in 2018 and reaching 19.4% in 2022.

• Trend: The slight increase suggests some interest in P-cymene for its potential effects, though it remains a minor terpene.

19. Isopulegol

• Prevalence: Isopulegol shows a minor presence, increasing slightly from 11.1% in 2018 to 14.5% in 2022.

• Trend: The small increase suggests a growing, but still limited, interest in Isopulegol for its potential benefits.

20. Guaiol

• Prevalence: Guaiol shows a fluctuating trend, starting at 55.6% in 2018 and peaking at 93% in 2020, before dropping to 43% in 2022.

• Trend: The fluctuations suggest that Guaiol is selectively used in vape products, possibly for its specific therapeutic properties.

Overall Observations:

• Increased Prevalence in 2022: Across many terpenes, there is a notable increase in prevalence by 2022, indicating a trend towards more terpene-rich vape formulations.

• Fluctuating Minor Terpenes: Terpenes like Camphene, Geraniol, and P-cymene show fluctuating but generally low prevalence, indicating they are included in niche products or for specific purposes.

• Dominant Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Myrcene, and Limonene are consistently prevalent, highlighting their dominance in vape product formulations.

Updated as of 8/16/24.