As the cannabis industry develops consumer expectations regarding flavor and authenticity are increasing. Consumers are not satisfied with items which “work”. They are seeking authentic experiences that reflect the plant, aromas that make them feel familiar and tastes that reflect the real cannabis. This growing demand has placed Cannabis derived terpenes at the center of serious product development conversations.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Terpenes comprise the primary elements of the cannabis identity
Terpenes is the substance that gives the distinctive aroma and taste of marijuana strains. They can influence the impression of a product for a long time before its effects are felt. Terpenes, when properly preserved convey the freshness of the product, its strain ancestry and overall quality. Even a product that is extremely potent could become fake or flat if handled improperly.
Cannabis flower is the main source of the real Cannabis Terpenes that capture the aroma of the plant. This is in stark contrast to botanical terpenes which are derived from other sources and try to imitate cannabis profiles. While botanical blends can be cost-effective but the flavor that consumers expect from true cannabis isn’t always available.
The extraction method influences the outcome
The final character of terpenes is largely determined by how they are extracted. Hydrocarbons are extracted from plant material that is either frozen or fresh, and this technique is able to capture the vivacious scents of live resin. These techniques preserve compounds that can be easily destroyed by high-temperature processing or drying.
The CO2 terpenes have a different advantage. CO2 extraction is highly precise and produces stable, clean terpene fractions. The aroma that results may be less intense compared to hydrocarbon extractions. However, CO2 derived profiles have a higher value for purity and consistency in formulations.
Neither method is inherently “better.” Each serves a different purpose and the informed producer chooses the best method based on their intended outcome rather than based on marketing trends.
Fresh Material makes a noticeable impact
At harvest the quality of cannabis-derived substances is determined. Terpenes, by their nature are flammable, which means they degrade quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat or time. The use of fresh frozen materials and well-preserved flowers help to preserve the original aroma profiles.
After degradation has occurred and extraction techniques have failed, no method will be able restore everything of the lost. The most experienced terpene producers are focused on sourcing and handling in a constant manner. The distinction between the fresh and the compromised material is immediately noticeable in smell clarity and in depth.
What should you look for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
It’s easy to overlook flashy claims and descriptions when looking at Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency however is more important. Buyers should know how the terpenes were extracted and processed.
Consistency is also a major factor. The scent of cannabis-derived items should be uniform from batch to. This is especially true when the varieties are different. Wide variations are often a sign of unstable sourcing or rushed production both red flags for brands that are focused on high-quality.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Approach
Some producers try to do all things at one time. Some choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes fits into the second category, since it focuses on terpenes exclusively instead of focusing attention on different types of products. This focus on terpene extraction allows for more control over aroma, processing, and final output.
By focusing on small-batch production as well as meticulous processing, Mass Terpenes emphasizes letting the flavor speak for itself. Instead of relying on hype, the quality is meant to be felt directly through scent and flavor that are distinct cannabis.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
The lab report is not replaced the moment a container is opened. Terpenes that are high-quality and derived from cannabis announce themselves instantly, with a sophistication and a familiarity that synthetic blends can’t meet. Aroma is the most reliable gauge of a successful blend.
Genuineness has been a crucial element in distinguishing the industry as it develops. It doesn’t matter if a product is produced using CO2 terpenes, which are refined or cold-cured, the ultimate aim is to keep the original flavor of the plant. If cannabis and terpenes are treated with intention and respect, they can do more that enhance products. They bring the cannabis culture forward in its most recognizable varieties.