As the market for cannabis grows, and expectations increase for flavor and authenticity. Consumers are no longer looking for products that just “work”. They are looking for aromas from the plant that help them identify it and flavors which reflect authentic cannabis. This increasing demand has put Cannabis derived terpenes at the center of serious discussions about product development.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
What are Terpenes and How Do They Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes is an aromatic substance that gives the distinctive taste and scent of marijuana strains. They influence the way a product’s perceived quality is long before the effects are felt. If properly preserved, terpenes have the ability to convey freshness and also quality and strain lineage. If they are handled poorly even the most potent products may appear fake or flat.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, capturing the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. This is a distinct method from the botanical terpene blends that mimic cannabis profiles with compounds extracted from plants other than cannabis. Although botanical blends are cost-effective but the flavor that consumers expect from true cannabis isn’t always there.
The Extraction Method is the Key to the Final Results
The final character of terpenes is determined by the method from which they’re extracted. The extraction of hydrocarbons from fresh or freshly frozen plants is a preferred method to extract vivid, resinous aromas. These techniques preserve compounds that can easily be destroyed in high-temperature processes or drying.
CO2 Terpenes are also an option. CO2 extraction is highly precise and results in solid, clean terpene fractions. CO2 extractions may result in a milder scent than hydrocarbons that are live, but still have a place in the market for quality and consistency, particularly in formulations that emphasize the balance of intensity over intensity.
It’s impossible to decide between the two. Each has an objective that is distinct, and producers should decide based on their intended outcome instead of market trends.
Fresh Material makes a measurable difference
The high-quality terpenes of cannabis begin when the plants are harvested. Terpenes, as a matter of fact are volatile, which means they will degrade rapidly when exposed to heat, oxygen or time. Utilizing fresh frozen material or carefully preserved flowers helps keep the aroma in its original profile.
Once degradation has taken place the extraction method won’t be able to recover all of the lost. This is the reason that the most experienced terpene makers are extremely particular about their sources and handling. The distinction between fresh and compromised material is evident in the aroma clarity and depth.
What to be looking for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
Exaggerated descriptions and flashy words are easy to overlook when evaluating Cannabis terpenes. Transparency is more important. Buyers must understand the process of extraction of terpenes, where they come from and how they are processed.
Consistency also plays an important part. It is essential that the smell of cannabis-derived products is identical, irrespective of batch size. Large variations can indicate unstable source of production, or the rush to produce. These are both red flags when it comes to quality-focused brands.
A Focused Methodology for Terpene Craft
Some producers attempt to be all things at one time. Some producers choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes is in the second group. It is focused solely on terpenes extraction, instead of dividing attention among different types of products. Terpenes are the focus, which allows for more control of the end product, scent and processing.
Mass Terpenes prioritizes small-batch manufacturing and post-processing, letting the scent speak for itself. Instead of relying on hype quality, it is to be viewed through aromas and flavors that are unmistakably Cannabis.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
Lab reports are not an alternative to the first time a container of cannabis is opened. The highest-quality cannabis derived terpenes show their true nature immediately, with a complexity and familiarity which artificial blends can’t beat. Aroma is the most reliable measure of your success.
Authenticity has become a key aspect in separating the industry as it continues to evolve. It doesn’t matter if a producer chooses to use CO2 terpenes refined from CO2 or live extracted profiles of cannabis, the final goal remains the same: to preserve the original character of the plant. When terpenes are handled with care and consideration, they do more than make products better, they also bring the cannabis cultivation forward in the most recognizable shape.