As the cannabis market grows, expectations of consumers regarding flavor and authentic are on the rise. The customers aren’t content with products which “work” no longer. They want scents and flavors that are a reflection of cannabis. Cannabis derived Terpenes are now a key focus of product development due to the rising demand.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Why Terpenes define Cannabis identity
Terpenes are the source of the distinctive flavor and aroma of cannabis strains. They influence the perception of a product’s quality before any effects are felt. When properly preserved, terpenes convey the freshness of the product, its strain ancestry, and overall product quality. If handled improperly even a product with a high potency may be a bit spongy or synthetic.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, capturing the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. This is distinct from the botanical blends of terpenes which try to mimic cannabis’s characteristics by using substances that are not derived from cannabis plants. While botanical blends come at a lower cost, they lack the level of complexity that cannabis enthusiasts expect.
The extraction method affects the result
The way terpenes are extracted is vital to their final characteristics. Hydrocarbons are extracted from plant matter that is either fresh or frozen, and this method is able to capture the vivacious scents of live resin. These methods preserve delicate compounds that can be easily lost during drying or heat processing.
CO2 terpenes, however, provide another benefit. Carbon dioxide extraction provides precise control and creates clean, stable terpene fractions. The aroma produced may be less pronounced than hydrocarbon-based extractions. However, CO2 derived profiles have a higher value for consistency and purity formulations.
Both strategies work equally well, however each serves a distinct purpose. Informed producers make their decisions based on desired outcome, not on marketing trends.
Fresh Material Can Make a Measureable Difference
The quality of cannabis-derived Terpenes are determined by the harvest. Terpenes degrade quickly if exposed to oxygen, heat or prolonged time. The use of fresh frozen materials and well-preserved flowers help to lock in the original aroma profiles.
When degradation occurs, no extraction technique will be able restore everything of the lost. This is why experienced producers of terpenes are obsessed with finding and processing. The distinction between a fresh and compromised product is evident in the smell clarity and in depth.
What to look for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
It’s easy to overlook flashy claims and descriptions when evaluating Cannabis Terpenes. The most important thing is transparency. Buyers need to know the method of extraction and where they originate from and how they are processed.
Consistency is yet another important element. True cannabis-derived products must smell the identical from batch to batch, especially when they’re a specific strain. The fact that there are large differences indicates that the company is concerned about the quality of its products.
A Specified Methodology for Terpene Craft
Certain producers are multi-faceted. Some prefer specialization. Mass Terpenes belongs to the second class, and concentrates only on terpenes instead of having a focus on multiple product kinds. This focus is more focused and allows for better control over the aroma processing, output and extraction.
Mass Terpenes places a high priority on small batch production, as well as a meticulous post-processing. This enables the flavor to speak for itself. Instead of relying upon advertising the quality should be experienced through scents and flavors that are distinct Cannabis-like.
Aroma: The Ultimate Quality Check
When you open an bottle, there is no lab report that can replace it. The variety and familiarity of cannabis-derived terpenes are readily apparent and can’t be matched by artificial blends. Aroma is the most reliable measure of quality and success.
As the cannabis industry develops in the future, authenticity is the main differentiator. Whether a producer chooses live-extracted profile, cold-cured varieties or CO2 terpenes that are refined, the goal stays the same: to preserve the natural characteristics of the plant. If terpenes are handled with care and respect they will do more than simply enhance the quality of the product. They can also assist in bringing cannabis culture in its most well-known format.