The Science of Terpenes with Dr. Shawna Vreeke
What are cannabis terpenes, how do they influence aroma and consumer experiences, and what do we know about their safety? On this episode of the Bioactive Podcast, Dr. Riley Kirk sits down with Dr. Shawna Vreeke, PhD, DABT, Head of Toxicology at True Terpenes, to explore the science of cannabis terpenes, terpene chemistry, cannabinoid interactions, and consumer safety. With a PhD in Chemistry focused on toxin formation in vape device aerosols and expertise in toxicology risk assessment, Shawna shares insights into what current research tells us about terpenes and where important questions remain unanswered.
They discuss the differences between cannabis-derived and botanically derived terpenes, how terpene profiles may influence cannabis effects, and why THC percentage alone doesn't tell the whole story. The conversation also examines terpene concentrations in vape cartridges, the effects of overheating and chemical degradation, vaping hardware standards, potentially harmful diluents, and the importance of science-based safety regulations. Shawna also explains how terpenes are studied in edibles, why consumer experiences matter, and how aroma, sensory testing, and quality control can help us better understand these complex compounds.
From the relationship between terpenes and the entourage effect to stereoisomers, cannabis aroma chemistry, and the limits of current research, this episode offers a deeper look at what we know about terpenes and what scientists are still working to understand.
Chapters
00:00 Meet Shauna Vrieki
02:27 Vape Crisis Lessons
03:55 Terpenes 101 Basics
05:06 Cannabis Aroma Diversity
08:16 Do Terpenes Affect You
13:02 Research Criticism Reality
14:31 Botanical vs Cannabis Terps
20:15 Terp Percent in Vape Carts
23:13 Hardware and Regulation Gaps
26:47 Overheating and Degradation
30:17 Edibles and Oral Metabolism
34:04 Safe Viscosity and Thinners
34:52 Safer Diluents Guide
35:36 PEG MCT PG Risks
36:53 Recalls And GMP Tracking
39:48 Terpene Myths And Shopping
42:03 Vape Habits And Safety
43:59 Indica Sativa By Aroma
46:45 Terpene Percent Ceiling
50:28 Isomers And Sensory QC
55:04 Loud Flavors Breakthrough
56:38 Favorite Terpenes Wrap
Connect with Dr. Shawna Vreeke
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/svreeke
Learn More About True Terpenes
Website: https://trueterpenes.com/
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