As the cannabis industry develops the expectations of consumers regarding flavor and authenticity are increasing. As the market for cannabis develops, consumers are less satisfied with products that just “work”. Instead they seek authentic flavors and smells of genuine cannabis. Cannabis-derived terpenes are now in the forefront of product development due to the growing demand.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Terpenes comprise the primary ingredients of cannabis’s identity.
Terpenes is an aromatic substance that gives the distinctive taste and scent of marijuana strains. They influence the perception of a product from cannabis before the effects begin to manifest. When preserved properly terpenes have the ability to convey freshness, as well as strain lineage and overall quality. Even high-potency products that are mishandled can cause them to appear artificial.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from the cannabis flower, and capture the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. This is a distinct method from the botanical terpene blends, which mimic cannabis profiles with compounds extracted from plants other than cannabis. The botanical blends are economical, but they don’t offer the same depth as true cannabis.
The Extraction Method Determines the End-Result
The method of extraction of terpenes is essential to their final character. Hydrocarbon extraction of fresh or frozen plants is a preferred method to extract the vivid, resinous aromas. These methods preserve compounds that can easily be destroyed by high-temperature processing or drying.
At the same time, CO2 terpenes offer a different advantage. Carbon dioxide extraction provides exact control and results in pure, stable terpene fragments. While the smell is less strong than the aroma of live hydrocarbons CO2 profiles are appreciated for their consistency and purity. This is especially true in formulations where balance is more important than intensity.
It is not possible to decide between the two. Each method serves a purpose that is different, and producers should make a decision based upon their intended outcome instead of the latest trends in marketing.
Fresh Material makes a tangible Impact
The quality of the cannabis-derived terpenes begin when they are harvested. Terpenes by nature, are flammable, which means they will degrade rapidly when exposed to heat, oxygen or over a period of time. The original aroma is best preserved with fresh frozen materials or flowers that have been properly preserved.
When degradation occurs and the process of extraction ceases, there is no way that will be able to restore what has been lost. This is why it is that experienced terpene makers are extremely particular about their sources and handling. The clarity and intensity of the aroma are instantly different between fresh material and compromised material.
What to Look out for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
It’s easy to overlook flashy claims and descriptions when looking at Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency matters more. Buyers must be aware of the method of extraction and from where they are sourced and how they are processed.
Consistency is a further element. Truly cannabis-derived product should smell the exact same from batch-to batch regardless of whether it’s specific to a particular strain. The presence of large variations can indicate instability sources or production that is rushed, and are a red flag for companies focused on high-quality.
A Focused Methodology for Terpene Craft
Others choose to specialize. Others choose specialization. Mass Terpenes is in the second category. It concentrates solely on terpenes extraction, rather than dispersing attention between different types of products. This narrow focus permits greater control over the flavor, output, and the processing.
Mass Terpenes’ small batch production and meticulous post-processing emphasizes the importance of letting the aromas be the main focus. Instead of heavily relying on hype, Massterpenes will let the scent speak for itself.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
No lab report can ever substitute the moment when a container is open. Terpenes that are high-quality and derived from cannabis announce themselves instantly, with a the complexity and familiarity that even artificial blends are unable to match. Aroma is still the best indicator of success.
The cannabis industry grows, authenticity has emerged as the key distinguishing factor. The objective is the same regardless of regardless of whether the producer is using CO2 terpenes, or cold-cured varieties. If terpenes are used with care and care, they are not just a means to improve the quality of products. Instead, they help carry cannabis’ culture forward.