MAY 2025 | 9 THE OKLAHOMA BAR JOURNAL Statements or opinions expressed in the Oklahoma Bar Journal are those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the Oklahoma Bar Association, its officers, Board of Governors, Board of Editors or staff. Terpene and Cannabinoid Profiling Terpenes play a significant role in consumer choice and product differentiation, yet OMMA has not established a clear definition or any requirements for their reporting. Oklahoma mandates potency testing but does not require consistent terpene labeling or profile classifications. According to Oklahoma law, “terpenoids” are defined as isoprenes that are the aromatic compounds found in cannabis, including but not limited to limonene, myrcene, pinene, linalool, eucalyptol, delta-terpinene, beta-caryophyllene, caryophyllene oxide, nerolidol and phytol.23 These naturally occurring hydrocarbons contribute not only to the sensory experience of cannabis but also to its therapeutic effects through a phenomenon known as the entourage effect, where they interact with cannabinoids like THC24 and CBD25 to enhance or modify their effects.26 However, state regulations do not currently mandate terpene-specific testing or labeling, leaving gaps in consumer transparency and standardization. As research into cannabis terpenes expands, their role in therapeutic applications, strain differentiation and product formulation continues to gain industry attention. Cannabinoid profiling refers to the analysis of a cannabis product’s chemical composition, specifically identifying and quantifying cannabinoids such as THC, CBD and CBG.27 28 This profiling helps differentiate between full-spectrum, broad-spectrum and isolate products. Full-spectrum extracts retain a wide range of cannabinoids and terpenes, including trace amounts of THC, promoting the entourage effect, where compounds work synergistically for enhanced therapeutic benefits.29 Broad-spectrum extracts also contain multiple cannabinoids and terpenes but undergo further processing to remove THC, making them a preferred choice for consumers seeking cannabis benefits without psychoactive effects.30 Isolates, on the other hand, contain a single purified cannabinoid, such as CBD isolate, eliminating all other plant compounds.31 Defining acceptable terpene profiles and cannabinoid classification standards would improve transparency and regulatory enforcement. Isomerization Isomerization is a chemical process that alters the molecular structure of cannabinoids, often converting CBD into delta-8 THC32 or other minor cannabinoids. No clear standards exist for cannabinoids derived through isomerization, creating significant compliance challenges and uncertainty in product classification, labeling and marketing. Due to the lack of explicit regulatory guidance, processors face uncertainty regarding legality, testing requirements and permissible concentration limits, leading to inconsistencies in enforcement. This regulatory gap also complicates marketing claims as businesses struggle to determine how these cannabinoids should be labeled and whether they fall under the same compliance standards as naturally occurring THC variants. Without clear legal definitions and standardized testing protocols, the industry remains vulnerable to shifting interpretations, inconsistent enforcement and potential legal risks for processors and retailers. Postprocessing Techniques Techniques such as winterization (removing fats/lipids), decarboxylation (activating THC/CBD through heat) and nanoemulsification (creating water-soluble THC for edibles) are common industry practices but are not addressed in OMMA’s guidelines. The absence of regulatory oversight for these processes leaves a gap in compliance standards, potentially resulting in inconsistent product quality and safety concerns. A regulatory framework outlining acceptable postprocessing methods and safety protocols is necessary to ensure consumer and business protection. Defining acceptable terpene profiles and cannabinoid classification standards would improve transparency and regulatory enforcement.
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