Although you may have heard about HTFSE or HCFSE, you might not know what they are, what the differences are between them, or what effects they’ll have on you. After all, they’re pretty big acronyms that look almost identical— save a single letter.
So, first things first, let’s answer the big question:
What do ‘HTFSE’ and ‘HCFSE’ stand for?
HTFSE stands for “High Terpene Full Spectrum Extract,” while HCFSE stands for “High Cannabinoid Full Spectrum Extract”.
So basically, HTFSEs and HCFSEs are both Full-Spectrum Extracts, but HTFSEs are focused on maximizing the taste by retaining the terpenes, while HCFSEs concentrate on maximizing the potency through the cannabinoids.
What are Full Spectrum Extracts??
Full-spectrum (or ‘whole plant’) extracts aim to collect and concentrate the wide range of compounds found in the cannabis plant. Essentially, these extracts take the “good” parts of cannabis (the terpenes, cannabinoids, flavonoids, and other compounds) and separate them from the unnecessary bits like the plant material, waxes, lipids, and fats.
For anyone new to extracts, or cannabis in general, here are some basic terms you should be familiar with before diving into full-spectrum cannabis extracts.
- Terpenes – Terpenes are aromatic compounds produced in the trichomes, and while the trichomes also produce THC and CBD, it’s important to note that terpenes are NOT cannabinoids, and they aren’t unique to cannabis, either. Terpenes can be found in many other plants, flowers, and herbs, and they are responsible for a variety of distinct smells and flavours such as mint, lavender, orange peel, and pine. Regardless of what your favourite cannabis strain smells like, you can thank the terpenes for that.
- Full Spectrum – “full-spectrum” refers to extracting the full range of compounds produced within the trichome glands of the cannabis plant without unwanted substances such as fats and waxes.
- HTFSE – Sometimes called “sauce” or “terp sauce”, HTFSE products commonly contain about 50% THCA (tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, a precursor to THC) and between 13 to 40% of Terpenes. HTFSE’s pack a lot of flavour, but the high isn’t as strong due to the lower THCA levels.
- HCFSE – HCFSE means ‘High Cannabinoid Full Spectrum Extract’, and it’s a potent cannabis product with a high concentration of cannabinoids such as THC. HCFSE’s generally contain about 90% THCA, making them very strong, but you might find them lacking in the flavour department.
What do HCFSE and HTFSE Extracts Look Like?
You can easily tell the difference between HCFSE and HTFSE if you know what you’re looking for. HCFSEs look like crystalline structures, and they’re often called “diamonds” because of that.
High Terpene Full Spectrum Extracts, on the other hand, look more like a viscous, saucy liquid, hence the names “HTFSE Terp Sauce”, “terp sauce”, or simply, “sauce”.
You’ll often find diamonds spontaneously forming in a jar of terp sauce as THCA naturally crystallizes, which separates the THCA from the saucier terpenes. So, if your terp sauce looks like it has little granules in it, don’t worry! That’s THCA diamonds, and it’s very potent.
What are Diamonds?
Basically, diamonds are pure, crystalline structures of THCA, a precursor to THC. Sometimes called “THC acid”, THCA is officially known as “tetrahydrocannabinolic acid”.
Now, you’re probably wondering:
What’s the difference between THC and THCA?
THC (or tetrahydrocannabinol) is the most famous cannabinoid because it’s the one that gets you stoned.
THCA, on the other hand, is a precursor to THC, a younger version of THC that hasn’t unlocked its psychoactive potential yet.
Macro shot of THCA diamonds.
Decarboxylation: Converting THCA into THC is easier than you might think
To convert THCA into THC, we just need to remove the acid. The process of removing that acid is called decarboxylation, and while it sounds complicated, it’s actually quite simple.
The most common method of decarboxylating cannabis is by burning it.
Yes, the whole reason why we smoke weed is to decarboxylate it, which removes the acid, thereby ‘activating’ the THC so it can get us stoned when we breathe in the smoke!
What’s interesting is that the cannabis plant doesn’t actually contain any THC itself— it’s all in the form of the non-psychoactive THCA.
How to Use Full Spectrum Extracts
Extracts are becoming a popular way to enjoy cannabis and get the most out of your experience. Here are a few ways to consume HCFSE:
- Dabbing – Dabbing is a method of consuming high-spectrum extracts and concentrates such as shatter, sauce, and crumble. Using what’s known as a dab rig, you scoop a bit of the extract onto a heated nail that vaporizes the concentrate, and you inhale the vapour.
- Added to a Joint – Concentrates can easily be added to a joint for added effects. Also known as “topping,” concentrates are often added to a bowl for a little extra flavour. Keep in mind that burning extracts in a joint isn’t as efficient as vapourizing it, and the effects may be lessened because of it.
- Vaping – Vaping is an easily portable option for consuming concentrates and extracts. Nowadays, there are many vape pens on the market that specialize in concentrates, and some even come already loaded with the concentrate to make things that much easier!
A dab rig is often used to consume extracts like HTFSE and HCFSE.
Do HTFSE and HCFSE Get You High?
Now that you know their back story and what they are, you’re probably wondering about the effects. So, will full-spectrum extracts get you high? Well, yes and no! It depends on what kind of extract it is and the strain it was extracted from.
HCFSEs
As you know, High Cannabinoid Full Spectrum Extracts are all about the cannabinoids. HCFSEs like THCA Diamonds contain up to 90% THCA with a terpene content usually around 20%.
They will definitely get you high, and powerfully so. But there are potential trade-offs involved as some people find HCFSEs on their own to be too one-dimensional in effects and lacking nuance, defining characteristics, and attractive flavour.
HTFSEs
HTFSEs, on the other hand, are terpene heavy and contain lower levels of cannabinoids than HCFSEs. In general, HTFSEs have terpene levels between 13-40% and approximately 50% THCA.
Although HTFSE may not get you as high (and seasoned stoners may feel no effects at all), fans of HTFSEs say they’re helpful to treat pain, anxiety, inflammation, insomnia, and other ailments.
It’s important to remember that the THC, CBD, and terpene levels of extracts will vary since it varies from strain to strain.
The Benefits of HTFSE and HCFSE
Full-spectrum extracts have gained popularity among cannabis users because they can preserve the desired elements of the cannabis plant, isolate effects, and preserve the complex range of chemical compounds found in the plant. Science!
Here are a few of the many benefits of using HTFSE and HCFSE
- Isolate THC or CBD effects
- Heightened flavours and aromas
- Preserved terpene and cannabinoid profile unique to each strain
- Potential medicinal and therapeutic effects
- Benefit from the entourage effect— more on this later!
- Can be added to your favourite method of consuming cannabis
- No extra waxes, fats, or unnecessary substance
Every strain of cannabis has a unique cannabinoid and terpene profile, and the extraction process for full-spectrum extracts can preserve it without any of the unwanted bits.
The isolated use of cannabinoids and terpenes can offer users more precise effects such as the desired THC high or restorative and therapeutic benefits of CBD.
What is the Entourage Effect?
The Entourage Effect is a proposed mechanism where the compounds in cannabis work together synergistically to enhance the benefits to a greater degree than if taken on their own.
Basically, it’s the idea of ‘the whole being greater than the sum of its parts’ applied to cannabis.
For more information on the Entourage Effect, check out our article on it here!
A nice batch of HTFSE terp sauce, although if you look closely you can see the granules of THCA diamonds as well.
Final Thoughts on HTFSE and HCFSE
Full-spectrum extracts are quickly finding their place as one of the cannabis products of the future. Now that you know a bit more about HTFSE and HCFSE, you can confidently expand your cannabis experience into the wonderful world of full-spectrum extracts.
How do you know which extract type you’ll like better? It comes down to your personal preference and how you’re affected by cannabis and marijuana products. HCFSE will contain higher THCA, and HTFSE will contain higher amounts of terpenes that can create a broader range of flavours and scents.
Want to know more about concentrates, extracts, and how to use them? Check out the Budmail Blog on Cannabis Concentrates.
Sources:
Weed Maps: What is High Terpene Full Spectrum Extract.
Cannabis.Wiki: A Simple Explanation of What HCFSE is and How to Use It.
Leafly: What are Cannabis Terpenes.
Leafly: What are Full Spectrum Cannabis Extracts.
Cannabis Tech: How is High Terpene Full Spectrum Extract Made.
