As the cannabis market matures consumer expectations regarding flavor and authenticity are increasing. The customers aren’t content with products that “work” no longer. They want to experience aromas and flavors that truly represent the cannabis. This increasing demand has put Cannabis Terpenes that are derived from cannabis at the heart of important discussions on product development.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Terpenes comprise the primary components of cannabis identity
Terpenes are the source of the distinctive flavor and aroma of marijuana strains. They influence how a product will be perceived before any effects can be felt. If properly preserved Terpenes can convey freshness, strain heritage and quality. Even products with high potency that are treated improperly may make them appear artificial.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, capturing the natural aroma of the plant. This is fundamentally distinct from botanical blends of terpenes which try to mimic cannabis profiles by using compounds extracted not from cannabis plants. Although botanical blends are lower cost, they lack the sophistication that cannabis enthusiasts would like to see.
The Extraction Method Determines the Result
How the terpenes were extracted can have a significant influence on the final product. Hydrocarbon extraction using fresh or frozen plant material is usually preferred for its ability to capture vivid, live-resin-like aromas. These methods protect fragile substances, which are prone to be lost in high-heat or drying processes.
At the same time, CO2 terpenes offer a different advantage. CO2 extraction allows for precise control, and produces pure and stable Terpenes that are stable and clean. CO2 extractions can result in a milder smell than the live hydrocarbons, however they remain coveted for their the purity and consistency they provide, especially in formulations that value balance over intensity.
Both work equally well, however each method has its own reason for using it. A knowledgeable producer makes their decisions based on desired outcome, not on marketing trends.
Fresh Material makes a tangible Impact
The quality of Terpenes derived from cannabis begins when they are harvested. Terpenes by nature are unstable, meaning they will degrade rapidly when exposed to oxygen, heat or time. The original aroma is best preserved with fresh frozen flowers or other materials that have been properly preserved.
When degradation occurs and the process of extraction ceases, there is no way that can restore what was lost. This is why seasoned producers of terpenes are extremely focused on the sourcing process and handling. The difference in aroma clarity, depth and complexity between fresh and compromised material is immediately apparent.
What to be aware of when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
In evaluating Cannabis Terpenes on sale, flashy descriptions and exaggerated claims are easy to dismiss. What matters more is transparency. Buyers need to know how terpenes were extracted and processed.
Consistency is another important factor. It is important that cannabis-derived goods smell the same, regardless of the size of the batch. The presence of large variations is often an indication of brands that care about quality.
A Focused Approach to Terpene Craft
Others choose to focus. Others choose specialization. Mass Terpenes belongs to the second category, and concentrates only on terpenes instead of having a focus on multiple product kinds. This focus is more focused and allows for better control of aroma, processing and output.
Mass Terpenes puts an emphasis on letting the smell take the lead. The flavor should be felt in the moment, not through the hype.
Aroma: The Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report is not an equivalent to the first time that a cannabis bottle is opened. High-quality cannabis-derived terpenes announce themselves immediately, with sophistication and a familiarity that synthetic blends struggle to compete with. Aroma is the most reliable measure of success.
As the industry grows authenticity is the main factor. The objective is the same regardless of whether a producer uses CO2 Terpenes or cold-cured varieties. If terpenes are used with care and care, they are not just a means to enhance the product. They also assist in bringing cannabis’ tradition forward.