As the market for cannabis matures, and expectations increase for flavor and authenticity. Customers no longer seek out products that just “work”. They are looking for scents that make them recognize it and flavors which reflect real cannabis. Cannabis Terpenes that are derived from cannabis have become the main area of research and development due to the growing demand.
Why Terpenes Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes is the aromatic compound responsible for the distinct taste and scent of cannabis strains. They impact how a particular product will be perceived before any effects can be felt. When stored properly Terpenes signal the freshness of a product and also strain lineage. They also signal general quality. Even high-potency products that are mishandled can cause them to feel artificial.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Real Cannabis Terpenes come directly from cannabis flower, which captures the aroma of the plant’s. It is a fundamentally different product than botanical terpenes mixes that attempt to mimic the cannabis profile using compounds extracted non-cannabis plant. Although botanical blends are cost-effective, they rarely deliver the level of depth and depth customers associate with genuine cannabis.
The extraction method determines the final result
The way terpenes are extracted can have a significant impact on the end product. Hydrocarbons are extracted from plant matter that is either frozen or fresh, and this process is able to capture the vivacious flavors of live resin. These techniques are employed to keep the delicate substances which would otherwise be destroyed by drying or high heat processing.
In addition CO2 terpenes have an additional benefit. Carbon dioxide extraction allows for precise control and produces solid, clean terpene fractions. The flavor of the profile might be less intense when compared to live hydrocarbon extractions. But CO2 profiles offer the sameness and purity, especially when formulas are based on balance more than intensity.
It’s impossible to decide between the two. Each has a different purpose, and producers should make a decision based upon their desired outcome, not marketing trends.
Fresh Material Could Make a measurable difference
The quality of Cannabis-derived terpenes begins at harvest. Terpenes break down quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat or prolonged time. When you use fresh flowers, frozen or a material that has been carefully preserved, you can lock in your original aroma.
After degradation has occurred the extraction method won’t be able to restore all of the lost. This is why it is that experienced terpene makers are obsessive about sourcing and handling. The clarity and intensity of the aroma are instantly different between fresh and damaged material.
What should you look for when buying cannabis Terpenes
When looking at Cannabis Terpenes, it is easy to overlook flashy descriptions. Transparency however is more important. Buyers must be aware of the process of extraction of terpenes and from where they are sourced and how they will be processed.
Consistency is also a crucial role. Cannabis-derived products, especially specific strains, must have the same smell from batch-to-batch. The presence of large variations indicates that the company cares about the quality of its products.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Methodology
Others choose to specialize. Others opt for specialization. Mass Terpenes falls into the second group, which focuses exclusively on the extraction of terpenes rather than expanding their focus to other product types. That narrow focus allows for more control over aroma, processing, and the final product.
Mass Terpenes places a high importance on small batch production and careful post-processing. This allows the aroma to speak for the product. Instead of relying upon advertising, the quality must be felt through the smells and tastes that are distinctively Cannabis.
Aroma: The Ultimate Quality Check
The lab report will never be able to replace the moment an open container has been opened. The variety and acquaintance with cannabis-derived terpenes are immediately apparent and can’t be duplicated by artificial blends. Aroma is still the best measure of success.
As the cannabis industry expands and expand, authenticity has become the main distinguishing factor. It doesn’t matter if a product is produced using CO2 terpenes which have been refined or cold-cured, the final goal is to maintain the original characteristics of the plant. Terpenes, when handled with respect and intention are more than just improving the quality of products. They also carry the cannabis culture forward.
