Spraying Terpenes on Weed: Should You Do It?

Thinking of adding terpenes to your dried flowers and herbs? Terpenes are the cannabis plant’s aromatic compounds responsible for the strain’s skunky, woodsy, fruity, or sweet aroma.

Is it a good idea to be spraying terpenes on weed? If so, how should you spray the terps? We’ll cover the basics of giving your herb a boost in smell.

What Is Terpene Spray?

Terpene spray refers to sprays that contain a blend of botanically-derived terpenes that smell like a particular cannabis strain (i.e., Gelato, Gorilla Glue, Lemon Cookies). Terpene sprays allow you to spray the terpenes over your favorite flower, food, or extract. Terpene spray bottles consist of a bottle/can, spray nozzle, and an absorption tube.

What Are the Ingredients in Terpene Spray?

Terpene spray ingredients vary by product and brand. No cannabis strains have the same concentration of terpenes or even the same types of terpenes. There are over 400 types of terpenes found in cannabis, but only a tiny portion of them have been shown to have health benefits.

For instance, a terps spray that mimics Gelato’s natural terpene blend may have caryophyllene, linalool, limonene, beta-pinene, terpinolene, alpha-pinene, myrcene, and ocimene in its spray bottle. 

While a spray bottle may contain a specific volume of product, only a fraction of that amount is the terpenes. The rest of the spray may be filled with food nitrogen or another common propellant such as carbon dioxide.

How to Spray Terpenes on Cannabis

How do you correctly spray terpenes on cannabis flowers?

Here’s how:

1. Ensure the bud is evenly spread across a flat surface. A plate big enough to fit your buds can be an excellent surface to use.
2. Spray the terpenes onto the flower at about 12-16 inches away. This distance is recommended to evenly coat the top of your buds without spraying too much in one area. Avoid adding more than 4% terpenes of the total weight of your flower.
3. Spray the other side of the flowers. If possible, cover the plate with another plate and quickly flip it to be able to spray the other side.
4. Store the buds in an airtight container. 
5. Allow the buds to remain in the airtight container for about 24 hours for better homogenization of the terps in the herb. 

Generally, every second of spray is equivalent to around 0.4/0.8ml of aroma. The amount of pressure applied to the spray top will affect the amount sprayed onto the flower. For example, pressing the button too gently will not spray the product correctly, causing it to drip instead.

Spraying the can vertical can allow you to spray every last drop of the terpenes in the bottle compared to other methods. 

Inclined spraying can result in the spray stopping prematurely. If this happens, turn the can of spray holding the nozzle to prevent it from rotating. This enables you to get the absorption tube to reach the lowest part. Do not use the spray horizontally or upwards. It can be dangerous and waste the product. 

Is Spraying Terpenes on Cannabis Safe?

Unfortunately, the scientific studies on the inhalation of terpene additives are not conclusive. In preliminary studies, terpenes have found that heated terpenes may produce toxic chemicals. Adding too much of the terpenes can create a harsh smoking, vaping, or dabbing experience.

If you use terpenes spray, read the safe use instructions and warnings on the packaging before using the terp spray—no need to shake the spray before using it. Follow the directions to ensure you spray a quick and homogeneous pass over your buds without spraying a concentrated amount on a particular area.

When spraying terpenes, wear nitrile gloves, goggles, and a mask to protect your eyes, face, and hands from the spray. Spray droplets can travel for a few feet and end up in your eyes, mouth, or skin.

Cannabis terpenes sprays are not considered fragrances. They should not be applied to the skin as a fragrance or deodorant. Instead, try specially-designed cannabis topicals infused with cannabinoids before meant for specific skin requirements.

Are Terpenes Legal?

Terpenes from botanical sources are legal in the United States. Terpenes are commonly used in the fragrance and food industry. They can be safe to consume as long as the terpene levels do not exceed the recommended concentration since they may produce harmful side effects in high doses. 

How to Store Terpene Spray

Similar to other cannabis products, terpene spray should be stored in a dry, dark, and cold place. This environment preserves the freshness of the botanically-derived terpenes for longer. Prolonged exposure to heat, light, and air can speed the natural breakdown process of terpenes. 

Final Thoughts on Spraying Terpenes on Weed

Terpene sprays can be a great way to add extra flavor to your meals, bud, or extracts. However, the best way to get an incredible and natural terpene aroma is to grow or buy high-terpene cannabis There is no substitute for the naturally-derived cannabis terpenes.

Interested in learning more about the health benefits of terpenes and cannabinoids, and how to grow your own plant on a budget? Enroll in Cannabis Training University’s online cannabis courses today!