As the cannabis market matures the expectations of consumers regarding authenticity and flavor are growing. Consumers no longer want products that simply “work”. They want aromas from the plant that can make them recognize the plant and its flavors that reflect authentic cannabis. This growing demand has placed Cannabis derived terpenes at the center of serious product development conversations.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Why Terpenes define Cannabis identity
Terpenes is the compound responsible for the distinct aroma and taste of marijuana strains. They influence the perception of a product from cannabis before effects even occur. When preserved properly terpenes have the ability to convey freshness, as well as quality and strain lineage. Even products with high potency that are mishandled can cause them to feel artificial.
Cannabis flower is the main source of real Cannabis Terpenes that capture the aroma of the plant. This is fundamentally distinct from the botanical blends of terpenes which attempt to imitate cannabis profiles by using compounds made from plants other than cannabis. While botanical blends have a lower price, they do not have the complexity that cannabis lovers expect.
The extraction method influences the outcome
How the terpenes were extracted will have a major influence on the end product. Hydrocarbon extraction is usually utilized to create vibrant, resin-like aromas. These methods protect fragile compounds, which can easily be lost in high-heat or drying processes.
CO2 terpenes are also advantages. CO2 extraction permits precise control and produces clean, stable terpene fractions. The resulting aroma may be less pronounced than live hydrocarbon extractions, but CO2 extracted profiles are appreciated for their consistency and purity particularly when it comes to formulations that require balance more than the intensity.
Both strategies work equally well, however each serves a distinct purpose. A knowledgeable producer makes their decisions based on intended outcome rather than on market trends.
The difference between the old and new materials can be measured
The quality of cannabis derived Terpenes are determined by the harvest. Terpenes are volatile by nature which means they break down quickly when exposed to heat, oxygen or prolonged time. Freshly frozen material or flowers that have been preserved with care helps to preserve the original aroma profile.
When degradation has occurred and extraction techniques fail, they cannot completely restore the amount of terpenes lost. The terpene industry is very focused on the sourcing of raw materials and their handling. The difference in the clarity of aroma, depth and complexity between fresh and compromised material is evident immediately.
What to look for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
It’s easy to overlook exaggerated claims and descriptions when evaluating Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency is the most important thing. Buyers must know where terpenes came from and the method of extraction, and how they are processed after extraction.
Consistency is a further element. True cannabis-derived products must smell the identical from batch to batch particularly if they’re specific to a particular strain. If there are significant differences this could be a sign of unsteady sourcing or rushed production. Both are red flags to brands that are concerned about the quality of their products.
Terpene Craft: A Focused Approach
Certain producers are multi-faceted. Others opt to focus on a specific area. Mass Terpenes belongs to the second type, and focuses only on terpenes instead of having a focus on multiple product kinds. The narrow focus allows for better control of the aroma, final output, and the processing.
Mass Terpenes’ small batch production and meticulous post-processing highlight the importance of letting the aromas speak for themselves. The quality should be experienced in the moment, not through hype.
Aroma is the Ultimate Quality Check
Lab reports are not an equivalent to the first time a cannabis container is opened. The complexity and familiarity of cannabis-derived Terpenes are evident immediately and cannot be matched by artificial blends. Aroma is the most reliable measure of success.
Genuineness is the new distinguishing factor in the market. Whatever the producer decides to use CO2 terpenes refined from CO2 or live extracted profiles of cannabis, the ultimate goal remains the same: to preserve the original character 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 help to carry forward cannabis culture in its most recognizable format.