Product Name: RAW Terp Spray Review
Brand: RAW
Category: Smoking accessories
Star rating: ⭐️⭐️
Summary: A sprayable terpene isolate that’s more novelty than functional
About RAW Terp Sprays
I came across RAW Terp Sprays while at a cannabis conference in Las Vegas. I’d never seen sprayable terpene extracts, nor considered adding terpene isolates to my joints, so I figured I’d give it a try.
And while this product is novel and fun, I can’t vouch for its effectiveness. Frankly, it just seems gimmicky.
I got the Sour Apple terp spray and the SFV OG terp spray.
RAW Sour Apple Terp Spray
The sour apple terp spray contains caryophyllene. Caryophyllene is abundant in cannabis (and other plants) and is the only terpene that acts as a cannabinoid in your body. Caryophyllene interacts directly with the CB2 receptor and is known for its anti-inflammatory effects. It’s also found in black pepper, cinnamon, and basil. RAW’s packaging states that caryophyllene is loved by the founder for its uplifting effects, helping you come back from being “seriously zonked.”
RAW SFV OF Terp Spray
The SFV OG spray contains limonene and MAN does it smell like lemons. More specifically, it smells like two dozen lemons got together, juiced themselves, and left it to ferment for a week. I love limonene, and I seek out strains that are high in this terpene, but the spray just doesn’t hit the same.
What is terpene spray?
A terpene spray is a liquid form of a terpene chemical packaged in such a way that you can spray it.
The point of these sprays is to add terpenes back into your weed. Terpenes are one of the first chemical compounds to be burned off when you smoke, so these sprays (allegedly) help you get more of the benefits of specific terpenes.
But is it scientifically sound? It’s questionable.
Do sprayable terps work?
All of the compounds in cannabis are not shelf-stable and will degrade when exposed to light, heat, or over time. Terpenes are some of the first compounds lost in poorly aged, packaged, or stored weed. If your weed smells one-noted, you’re missing terpenes.
Terpenes have a relatively low boiling point and will be burned off quickly during any smoking session. The terpenes in the spray have the same boiling point as the terpenes in the flower (unless significantly chemically manipulated) and so would likely burn off at the same time. Having a higher concentration of terpenes does increase the amount that are actually bioavailable, but I didn’t see any changes in the effects of my cannabis with this.
What’s in RAW Terp Sprays?
Good question! I don’t know. 😊
I refer to these products as terpene isolates because, to the best of my knowledge, that’s what they are. However, these products don’t contain an ingredients list and I can only find them through third-party sellers online so I’m unable to verify what is actually in these. Additionally, RAW’s website has no information on these.
All in all, pretty suspect. (Especially with the recent RAW lawsuit.)
Effects of RAW Terp Sprays
The major thing you’ll notice with these sprays is the odor: it’s strong and it lingers. Now, terpenes are aromatic compounds, so of course isolates should smell strong. But these sprays are pungent and they linger. It’s not necessarily an unpleasant smell, but I cannot overstate how strong it is.
While spraying onto my joint, I got some of the sour apple spray on my hands, and it took multiple rounds of hand washing to get it out.
The sprays didn’t have an impact on the taste of my joint, nor, frankly, did I notice any changes in effects. Since I can’t find ingredients or processing information, I’m also concerned about what exactly I’m spraying on my weed. I don’t want chemicals sprayed on my weed at any point in the process, even added terpenes right before I’m about to smoke.
The packaging of these sprays is also weird. The text on the inside is multiple sizes and not proofread at all. As you can see from the photo, my sour apple package was printed backward, so the warnings and barcode are on the front.
Would I buy RAW Terp Spray?
No.
All in all, RAW’s terp sprays seem more gimmicky than scientifically valid, and I won’t be using them again.
I asked some of my pharmacist friends what they thought, and they said it seems like a more processed version of adding herbs to your cannabis flower. So if you want additional terpenes, reach for herbs and other natural sources, not processed spray with unknown ingredients.