As the marijuana market matures and grows, so does consumer expectations. The customer is not content with products that “work”. They are seeking authentic experiences that reflect the plant, smells that are memorable and tastes that reflect the real cannabis. Terpenes derived from cannabis are at the forefront of product development discussions due to this growing demand.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
What are Terpenes and How Do They Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds that are responsible for the distinctive scent and taste of cannabis strains. They can affect perceptions of a product’s cannabis aroma before any effects take place. Terpenes, when properly preserved can convey the freshness of the product, its strain ancestry and overall quality. Even highly-potent products can be fake or spongy if not handled correctly.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, capturing the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. This is a distinct difference from botanical terpenes which are derived from non-cannabis sources and attempt to mimic cannabis profiles. While botanical blends come at a cheaper price, they don’t have the level of complexity that cannabis enthusiasts expect.
Extraction Method Influences the Outcome
How terpenes have been extracted has a big impact on the final product. Hydrocarbons are extracted from plant material that is either frozen or fresh and this method is able to capture the vivacious flavors of live resin. These methods preserve compounds that can easily be destroyed in high-temperature processes or drying.
CO2 terpenes offer another advantage. Carbon dioxide extraction permits exact control and creates pure and stable terpenes. The aroma that results may be less intense compared to hydrocarbon-based extractions. However, CO2 derived profiles are superior for consistency and purity in formulations.
Both are equally effective, but each serves a distinct reason for using it. Informed producers make their decisions based on desired result rather than marketing trends.
Fresh Material is Measurable
The quality of cannabis-derived terpenes is determined by the harvest. Terpenes break down quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat or time. The original scent is best preserved with fresh frozen flowers or other materials that have been properly preserved.
After degradation has occurred and the process of extraction ceases, there is no way that can restore what was lost. Experienced terpene manufacturers concentrate on sourcing and handling constantly. Fresh and contaminated material is instantly distinguishable by their aroma clarity and intensity.
What should you look for when purchasing cannabis Terpenes
You can easily ignore extravagant descriptions or exaggerated claims when looking at Cannabis products available for sale. Transparency is the most important thing. The buyer must be able to comprehend the source of the terpenes, their extraction, and their processing following extraction.
Consistency is a key aspect. It is essential that cannabis-derived goods smell identical, irrespective of batch size. Large variations are often an indicator for companies who are concerned about quality.
Terpene Craft: A Focused Approach
Some producers try to do everything all at once. Others choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes fits into the second category, since it focuses on terpenes exclusively rather than spread attention over different types of products. This focus is narrow and allows for more control over the flavor, output, and the processing.
Mass Terpenes’ small batch production and meticulous post-processing highlight the importance of letting aromas speak for themselves. Instead of heavily relying on the hype, Mass Terpenes will let the scent speak for it’s own voice.
Aroma: The Ultimate Quality Check
The lab report is not replaced the moment a container is opened. The highest-quality cannabis derived terpenes show themselves immediately, revealing an array of complexity and familiarity that synthetic blends cannot compete with. Aroma is the most reliable way to judge success.
As the industry is evolving authenticity is the key element. If a producer decides to use live-extracted profiles, cold-cured varieties or CO2 terpenes that are refined The goal remains the same: preserve the natural characteristics of the plant. When terpenes are treated with respect and care and care, they are able to do more than simply enhance the product. They also can help to carry forward cannabis culture in its most well-known format.
