Chris Campagna, CIO and Founder of True Terpenes – Interview Series

The science behind terpenes and their chemical compositions and effects is fascinating and very consequential. Terpenes can impact the aroma, flavor, and even various associated feelings of not only cannabis flowers but many other agricultural produce foods as well. While terpinolene and limonene could give the cannabis flower a more orange/citrus smell and taste, caryophyllene could exhibit more of a peppery smell and taste. For a better understanding of the billion-dollar terpene business and its possibilities in many different regular consumable products, mycannabis.com had the pleasure of speaking with Chris Campagna, CIO and Founder of True Terpenes.

What subjects did you study at the University of Oregon, and how did those subjects and lessons prepare you for entrepreneurship and creating True Terpenes?

At the University of Oregon, I pursued a dual concentration in international business and entrepreneurship. That academic foundation played a pivotal role in shaping my approach to launching and leading True Terpenes.

The international business component was particularly valuable in helping me understand how to navigate diverse cultural and regulatory environments—a skill that has become increasingly relevant in the ever-evolving global cannabis landscape. I had a focused interest in Japan, and I was deeply inspired by its ability to marry operational efficiency with exceptional quality. That influence continues to inform our practices at True Terpenes today, where we place a premium on consistency, precision, and lean operations.

Entrepreneurship studies, on the other hand, provided me with the mindset and strategic tools to identify market gaps, build resilient business models, and innovate in a highly regulated, complex industry. Together, these disciplines cultivated both the vision and the operational discipline necessary to create a values-driven, quality-centric company like True Terpenes.

What first caught your attention about working in not just cannabis but the laboratory/scientific side of cannabis and cannabis terpenes?

What initially caught my attention about the laboratory and scientific side of cannabis was witnessing the therapeutic power of the plant while also recognizing how early the industry still was in terms of development. There were clear gaps in consistency, quality, and scalability, which made me curious and ultimately compelled me to dig deeper.

My fascination quickly turned to terpenes once I understood how significantly they influenced the effects and overall experience of cannabis. At first, my scientific interest was centered around understanding why specific cultivars worked for certain patients and conditions. That inquiry kept pointing back to terpenes as a central factor.

Once I saw the scope of their impact, I became fully committed to making the best terpene products possible. To achieve that, I had to gain deep knowledge across the entire spectrum of the supply chain, including cannabis itself, cultivation methods, extraction science, formulation, and sensory analysis. That all-encompassing approach became the backbone of True Terpenes and still guides our innovation today.

What was the Oregon cannabis industry like prior to recreational cannabis sales and operations? What were some commonplace issues back then?

The Oregon cannabis industry prior to recreational sales was, in many ways, unstructured and unpredictable. There were no licensed dispensaries at the time, so the only way to access medical cannabis was by growing it yourself or forming a direct relationship with a grower. For many patients, that often meant using Craigslist to find someone willing to provide a small monthly allocation of flower. It was a system built more on necessity than reliability.

Product options were extremely limited. Occasionally, patients could obtain canna butter or basic extracts like Rick Simpson Oil, but those were not widely available. As time went on, extracts started to become more common, yet the industry continued to operate without meaningful regulatory oversight or testing protocols.

There were no formal requirements to test cannabis, and even if someone wanted to ensure product safety, very few laboratories existed that would conduct the analysis. The result was an environment filled with inconsistency and risk at nearly every stage of the supply chain. That reality highlighted the urgent need for professional standards, scientific rigor, and quality control, which ultimately inspired the creation of solutions like those we offer through True Terpenes.

What was the experience of creating and operating the OMMC like? What were the most powerful ways in which your clinic patients found relief through cannabis?

Creating and operating the Oregon Medical Marijuana Clinic (OMMC) was both one of the most challenging and one of the most meaningful experiences of my professional life. At that time, there were very few physicians willing to work in cannabis for the right reasons. The stigma was intense, and there was significant scrutiny from the medical board. Finding a doctor who not only understood the risks but also truly believed in the healing potential of cannabis required persistence and a deep belief in the mission. After many interviews, I found someone who genuinely cared and was committed to changing the status quo.

One of the most powerful outcomes of our work was helping patients rediscover a sense of hope. Many of them had spent years navigating the pharmaceutical system, only to find themselves trapped in cycles that often created as many issues as they solved. Medical cannabis offered a different path.

In those early days, product availability was extremely limited. Most patients had access only to flower, and eventually to basic extracts like Rick Simpson Oil. While flower could offer symptom relief, it often fell short in addressing deeper or more complex conditions. That began to shift when full-spectrum cannabis extracts became more accessible. These allowed for higher dosing and alternative delivery methods, which significantly improved therapeutic outcomes. Seeing patients regain quality of life and a renewed sense of possibility was the clearest validation of why we started OMMC in the first place.

What gaps in the industry or professional experiences inspired you to create True Terpenes?

What pushed me to create True Terpenes was the clear gap I saw between advancing extraction technologies and the industry’s lack of focus on terpene preservation. Many of the early methods were efficient in extracting cannabinoids, but they often failed to capture the plant’s terpene profile, which plays a critical role in shaping the overall experience. That disconnect stood out. When I read Dr. Ethan Russo’s paper Taming THC, it validated what I had already started to believe—that terpenes and minor cannabinoids were essential, not secondary, to the therapeutic value of cannabis.

From the outset, our mission was as much about education as it was about formulation. The first couple of years at True Terpenes were spent introducing people to the concept of terpenes, explaining what they are, how they work, and why they matter. There was a real lack of awareness, even among seasoned professionals. We had to build the foundation for a new standard of product development, one where the full spectrum of the plant’s chemistry was honored, not overlooked. That commitment still drives everything we do.

What are some examples of continuing research and development that True Terpenes does into terpene science and chemistry? What have been some of the most interesting breakthroughs or experiments that researchers at True Terpenes have discovered?

At True Terpenes, our research and development efforts have consistently focused on the intersection of product innovation and consumer safety. While cannabis science presents endless opportunities for exploration, we’ve concentrated our resources on toxicology and the safety of ingredients, particularly in vape formulations. Early on, we recognized the need for a structured scientific approach in this space, which led us to bring on Dr. Shawna Vreeke, a PhD toxicologist with a background in inhalation toxicology and the study of vape ingredients. That decision laid the foundation for what would become the most advanced toxicology program in the cannabis industry.

Over the past five years, that work has resulted in a number of significant breakthroughs. One of the most meaningful milestones was the development of a comprehensive methodology for assessing the safety of vape ingredients. This methodology was recently voted on and approved as the global standard by ASTM International, a leading authority on voluntary consensus standards. That recognition not only validates the depth of our research but also helps shape safer practices industry-wide. We remain committed to pushing the boundaries of terpene science, but always through the lens of responsibility, transparency, and long-term consumer trust.

Because terpene chemistry and profile are so important in cannabis science, how are True Terpenes products utilized in the cannabis industry?

At True Terpenes, we believe terpene chemistry is not only central to cannabis science but also critical to the evolution of consistent, high-quality products. Our terpene blends are widely used in vape cartridges and pre-rolls, which remain the most common applications in the current market. However, we are just beginning to explore their potential in other formats like edibles and beverages. Terpenes offer more than just flavor and aroma—they influence effects, onset times, and even how the body absorbs cannabinoids. As the industry matures, we expect these insights to shape a broader range of product innovations.

One of the most important roles our products play is in creating consistency across fragmented markets. Until federal legalization becomes a reality, cannabis brands are forced to manufacture in-state, which means operating with entirely different facilities, teams, and supply chains in each market. That introduces tremendous variability. Our terpene profiles allow brands to standardize the sensory and experiential aspects of their products, regardless of where they are produced. It’s a bit like expecting a can of Coca-Cola to taste the same whether you’re in Oregon or Florida. In cannabis, that level of reliability has been elusive, and it is exactly what we help our partners achieve.

We also keep a close eye on evolving consumer preferences. Many people are looking for the benefits of cannabis without the traditional cannabis taste or aroma. There is growing demand for more familiar, mainstream flavor profiles that align with lifestyle and wellness products. Our team continuously studies market trends, conducts sensory research, and works with clients to develop terpene formulations that reflect current tastes. Whether it’s mimicking the bright, juicy notes of tropical fruit or crafting something with the clean, crisp finish of a sparkling beverage, we are always innovating to meet the next wave of consumer expectations.

What other industries utilize True Terpenes’ products, and what are some of the most common ways that they utilize those products?

Beyond cannabis, True Terpenes’ products are used across a wide range of industries that prioritize both function and sensory precision. Terpenes are incredibly versatile compounds with hundreds of documented applications, and our meticulously crafted blends allow businesses to create consistent, safe, and tailored experiences across categories.

In the consumer packaged goods sector, terpenes are frequently used to enhance flavor and aroma in sparkling waters, wellness beverages, and functional edibles. Personal care companies incorporate them into shampoos, lotions, and topicals, not only for their scent but also for their role in crafting specific user experiences, such as relaxation or invigoration. Household product manufacturers use terpenes in natural cleaners, air fresheners, and aromatherapy tools, relying on our high standards and toxicological data to ensure safety and performance.

One particularly exciting and growing area is craft beer. Brewers are using terpenes to replicate or enhance hop profiles, especially in IPAs and other aromatic styles. With supply chain limitations and seasonal constraints on traditional hops, terpenes offer a reliable way to deliver bold, consistent flavors year-round. They also open the door to creative new profiles that would be difficult or cost-prohibitive to achieve with conventional ingredients. Whether it’s accentuating citrusy notes, adding pine-forward complexity, or engineering an entirely novel aroma, our terpene solutions give brewers a new level of control and flexibility.

How could terpenes as a whole change and/or modify certain popular foods? Could it improve the quality and flavor of those foods?

Terpenes have the potential to enhance the sensory experience of food by adding depth to both aroma and flavor. They are especially effective in products where smell plays a major role, such as beverages, confections, or culinary oils. When used thoughtfully, terpenes can create unique profiles that help brands stand out and appeal to consumers seeking more natural, plant-derived ingredients. In the right applications, they can elevate familiar foods by introducing complexity and reinforcing emotional or functional effects.

However, their usefulness depends on the specific product. While terpenes are often grouped with flavor compounds, they are just one part of a larger picture. For instance, the fruity notes found in many popular foods are typically created by esters, not terpenes. Terpenes tend to contribute more herbal, citrus, pine, or floral elements, which work best when layered with other flavor components. In the right formulation, they can improve quality and flavor, but not every food product is a natural fit.

How could both terpene science and the usage of terpene blends advance in the future? How do you think a federal rescheduling of cannabis would change the operations of True Terpenes?

As terpene science advances, the possibilities for innovation and therapeutic application continue to expand. One of the most compelling areas of recent development is in pain management research. Dr. John M. Streicher, PhD, a professor in the Department of Pharmacology at the University of Arizona College of Medicine – Tucson, has been at the forefront of this work. As a member of the Comprehensive Center for Pain & Addiction, his research focuses on exploring non-opioid solutions for chronic and post-operative pain. His most recent study, published in Pharmacological Reports on March 11, 2025, found that select terpenes from Cannabis sativa—specifically geraniol, linalool, beta-caryophyllene, and alpha-humulene—produce significant pain relief in preclinical mouse models of post-operative and fibromyalgia pain. Notably, these effects appear to act through the adenosine A2a receptor, opening the door to terpene-based therapeutics that are both non-opioid and non-cannabinoid.

This kind of research underscores the broader future we see for terpenes at True Terpenes. While our roots are in precision flavor and aroma design, we’ve long recognized that terpenes offer functional benefits that extend far beyond taste. The continued progress in academic research complements our own investments in toxicology, formulation, and application development. We’ve been preparing for federal rescheduling for years, and we expect that national legalization will bring stricter regulatory standards. Manufacturers will likely be required to meet certifications like GMP, ISO, and FSSC 22000 and provide detailed safety and toxicology data. With our advanced toxicology program and years of quality systems already in place, we’re well-positioned to lead in this next chapter, helping our clients navigate complexity while advancing the science of safe, effective terpene-based solutions.

Thank you for joining us, Chris! For more information on True Terpenes, please visit its website.