HTE vs Cannabis Derived Terpenes: What Is the Difference?
Marcos Gabriel MoralesHTE, or high terpene extract, is a cannabis concentrate: the terpene rich sauce left after THCA crystals settle out of a hydrocarbon extract, and industry guides put it at about 45 to 65 percent cannabinoids. Cannabis derived terpenes like Lágrimas del Sol are the aroma alone, captured without solvents and tested at 0.0% cannabinoids.
What is HTE?
HTE stands for high terpene extract. You will also see it called terp sauce or HTFSE, high terpene full spectrum extract. It is one of two parts that form when a full spectrum extract is made: a crystal fraction that is mostly THCA, and a terpene rich liquid that is HTE (sources: Weedmaps, GreenState, 2025).
There is no single standard definition. Some early products were made by adding terpenes back to THCA diamonds, which some extractors do not consider true HTE.
How is HTE made?
HTE usually starts with fresh frozen cannabis washed with a light hydrocarbon solvent such as butane, propane or a blend. As the extract sits, THCA crystals known as diamonds settle out, and the terpene rich liquid left above them becomes the sauce (source: Weedmaps, 2026). The result has a gritty, semi viscous texture.
How much cannabinoid is in HTE?
A lot. One industry guide puts HTE at 45 to 65 percent total cannabinoids by weight, with at least 15 percent terpenes (GreenState, 2025). Another describes roughly 50% THCA with 13 to 40% terpenes (Weedmaps). So every gram of HTE you add to a batch adds cannabinoids as well as flavor, and your cannabinoid math changes with it.
How are Lágrimas del Sol terpenes different?
We make them a different way. We capture the aroma of Cannabis sativa L. inflorescences grown in the terpene belt of Sonoma County, California, with cryogenic aroma capture, 100% solventless. Every batch tests at 0.0% cannabinoids on a full panel certificate of analysis. We publish our SC Labs results on our lab results page.
Each strain comes in two formats: Live, from fresh flower straight from the field (never frozen), and Cured, from dried, cured flower. We have worked with strain specific cannabis terpenes since 2016.
HTE vs cannabis derived terpenes at a glance
| HTE (high terpene extract) | Lágrimas del Sol cannabis derived terpenes | |
|---|---|---|
| Made with | A light hydrocarbon solvent such as butane or propane | Cryogenic aroma capture, 100% solventless |
| Cannabinoids | About 45 to 65% (industry guides) | 0.0% on a full panel COA |
| Terpenes | About 13 to 40% (industry guides) | Strain terpenes only, nothing added (SC Labs results published) |
| Texture | Gritty, semi viscous sauce | Pourable liquid |
| Typical use | Sauce, adding back to diamonds, carts built for thick extracts | Flavoring distillate, vape carts, pre rolls, concentrates and beverages |
| Category | A cannabis concentrate | Terpenes, online from 3 mL |
When should you use each?
Choose HTE when you want flavor and cannabinoids in the same ingredient, for example a sauce product. Choose cannabis derived terpenes when you want to set flavor and cannabinoid content separately: you can add strain aroma to distillate at a precise percentage without adding more cannabinoids.
Most vape cart formulas use 4 to 8% terpenes by weight; these are industry starting points, not guarantees. Our guide on how much terpene to add to distillate and the terpene calculator cover the math. Shop terpenes for concentrates or terpenes for distillate. Cured profiles start at $51 and Live at $57 for 3 mL.
Want to compare? The Discovery Trio lets you pick any three 3 mL profiles for $139, and US orders of $150 and up ship free.
Frequently asked questions
Is HTE the same as cannabis derived terpenes?
No. HTE is a cannabis concentrate that industry guides put at about 45 to 65 percent cannabinoids. Cannabis derived terpenes like Lágrimas del Sol are the aroma alone and test at 0.0% cannabinoids.
What does HTE stand for?
High terpene extract. It is also called terp sauce or HTFSE, high terpene full spectrum extract.
How is HTE made?
Usually by washing fresh frozen cannabis with a light hydrocarbon solvent such as butane or propane. THCA crystals settle out and the terpene rich liquid left above them becomes HTE.
Are Lágrimas del Sol terpenes an HTE?
No. They are captured with solventless cryogenic aroma capture and test at 0.0% cannabinoids on a full panel COA, so they add strain aroma without adding cannabinoids.
Keep reading: Cannabis derived vs botanical terpenes and Live vs cured terpenes.