HTFSE vs. HCFSE – How Are They Different?

HTFSE – These days cannabis extracts come in all shapes and sizes. We can easily forget that there are so many different types out there as they more or less blend in as one and the same. Today, there’s a specific type of extract that has caught our eye, and that is the Full-Spectrum Cannabis Extract.

This type of extract comes in two main forms: The High Terpene Full-Spectrum Extract version  (HTFSE) and the Cannabinoid Full-Spectrum Extract version (HCFSE). These professionally extracted cannabis products are that needle in the haystack, offering the complete package instead of just a few isolated compounds. 

As their names suggest, the two variants come in a terpene-rich version as well as a cannabinoid-rich version. Made with only the highest quality ingredients and specialized equipment, these extracts are taking over the dabbing market by storm!

Want to know what makes High Terpene Full-Extracts so great? Stick around and we’ll show you why!

More About HTFSE and HCFSE

First and foremost, a Full-Spectrum Extract is an innovative new style of refined cannabis, utilizing low-temperature extraction methods that are able to fully preserve the complete range of compounds in the cannabis plant. That said, Full-Spectrum Extracts come in two parts: High Terpene Full-Spectrum Extracts (HTFSE) and High Cannabinoid Full-Spectrum Extracts.

These extracts are well known for their high-quality refinement and density of cannabinoids and terpenes. In fact, many of these extracts carry the full range of cannabinoids and terpenes that the natural plant normally would, except without any of the excess waxes, fats, and lipids.

As the name suggests, High Terpene Full-Spectrum Extracts (HTFSE) are known to be high in terpene content while also boasting a hefty cannabinoid profile as well. 

Alternatively, High Cannabinoid Full-Spectrum Extracts (HCFSE) are loaded with cannabinoids like THCA, with less room to spare for extra terpenes. To give you an idea of what their contents are, HTFSEs usually have a 50% concentration of THCA with a 13-25 percent terpene concentration, while HCFSEs have an incredible 90% THCA content.

In the past, most cannabis extracts typically isolated cannabinoids like CBD and THC from the trichomes of the cannabis plant, largely ignoring the rest of the minor compounds. 

Unlike Full-Spectrum Extracts, old school methods utilized high-temperature extraction methods that were only suitable for preserving CBD and THC. As a result, many of those extracts were able to produce amazing effects at great capacities, but lacked that special essence that cannabis was known for.

Be on the lookout for “strain-specific” products. Though they may seem to be full-spectrum extracts at first glance, they are actually commonly cannabis distillates also known as Live Resin or Rosin.  While these products do have their value and purpose in the cannabis world, they are not full-spectrum extracts.

Trichomes

When it comes to cannabis refinement and extraction, the main goal is to secure the valuable parts of the plant (the trichomes) and separate them from the rest of the plant matter. 

In removing the plant matter from the equation, you create a more enjoyable experience by eliminating the harsh taste when the extracts are consumed, as the plant matter itself is responsible for most of the harsh flavor that comes with cannabis.

Some of the highest quality extracts available are lighter in color due to the purity of the trichomes and lack of plant material in the mix.

HTFSE vs HCFSE

One of the most obvious differences between the two would be the strength of each product. It goes without saying that a 90 percent concentration of THCA is much stronger than 50 percent, as the value is nearly doubled. 

High Cannabinoid Full-Spectrum Extracts tend to be less intense in terms of flavor and the therapeutic benefits compared to that of the High Terpene Full-Spectrum Extracts, but make up for it with their sheer force of power. And on the other hand, High Terpene Full-Spectrum Extracts give users a top tier natural cannabis experience that encompasses all that the plant has to offer.

The Entourage Effect

To give you a brief overview, terpenes are common compounds found in all sorts of plants throughout nature. They’re what gives each and every plant their distinct flavor and aroma and possess some therapeutic properties as well. 

The addition of terpenes in an extract can add some color to your favorite extracts. The presence of terpenes is known to inject flavor and aroma to the experience. 

Since terpenes are also known to produce therapeutic effects, the Entourage Effect also works its magic in the presence of terpenes, with each terpene offering unique advantages and disadvantages to the experience.

Making HTFSE

Full-Spectrum Extracts are made using specialized extraction tools, utilizing sub-zero temperatures, expert extraction techniques, and a hydrocarbon solvent.

If you’re thinking of trying to make some HTFSE at home, you may need to rethink your options. Unlike regular cannabis extracts that offer much more room for error, full-spectrum extracts require access to specialized equipment, high-quality ingredients, and know-how in extractioneering.

Typically HTFSEs are made with a solid foundation of top quality ingredients. Producers will make use of the highest quality cured or flash-frozen cannabis at hand, ensuring that they have a wide range of terpenes available for extraction. 

HTFSEs also utilize sub-zero temperatures in their extraction as many terpenes have much lower boiling points than cannabinoids such as THC or CBD. This low-temperature approach allows for the preservation of the full essence of the cannabis plant.

Final Thoughts

Looking for something potent and fresh-tasting? You can’t go wrong with a few grams of HCFSE. Alternatively, if you opt for high cannabinoid full-spectrum extracts, HTFSE terp sauce from High Voltage Extracts would be a great introduction into the world of terpene-packed concentrates.

For the best results, we recommend consuming your HTFSE or HCFSE through dabbing as it allows you to fully control the temperature and avoid burning off any valuable terpenes.

As always, enjoy your Full Spectrum Extract with responsibility, and if in doubt, start low and go slow.