As the marijuana industry matures and grows and expands, so do consumer expectations. As the cannabis market matures consumers are less satisfied with products that simply “work”. Instead they are looking for authentic tastes and smells of genuine cannabis. Terpenes derived from cannabis are at the forefront of discussions on product development because of the increasing demand.
Why Terpenes Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are responsible for the distinctive scent and flavor of marijuana strains. They impact how a particular product will be perceived before any effects can be felt. When stored properly Terpenes communicate the freshness of a product and also strain lineage. They also convey overall quality. If they are handled badly, even a high-potency product may be a bit spongy or synthetic.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Cannabis flower terpenes are a way to capture the natural aromatic fingerprint of the plant. This is fundamentally different from botanical terpene blends which attempt to imitate cannabis profiles using compounds extracted from non-cannabis plants. While botanical blends are more affordable, they do not offer the same depth as cannabis experts consider to be part of it.
The Extraction Method Determines the End-Result
The method of extraction used to extract Terpenes plays a huge role on their final characteristics. Hydrocarbon extraction of fresh or fresh-frozen plants is preferred for capturing vivid, resinous aromas. These methods preserve compounds that can easily be destroyed in high-temperature processes or drying.
CO2 Terpenes can also be an option. CO2 extraction is highly precise and produces solid, clean terpene fractions. The aroma that results may be less intense compared to hydrocarbon-based extractions. However, CO2 derived profiles are superior for consistency and purity in formulations.
It’s impossible to pick between these two. Each has a purpose that is different and the producers must make a decision based upon the outcome they want to achieve, not the latest trends in marketing.
Fresh Material can make a Measureable Difference
The quality of Terpenes derived from cannabis begins with the harvest. Terpenes break down quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat or time. Utilizing fresh frozen material and well-preserved flowers help to keep the original aroma profiles.
When degradation has occurred and extraction techniques fail, they cannot completely restore what was lost. Experienced terpene manufacturers are focused on sourcing and handling constantly. The smell and the clarity of the material will instantly tell you if it’s fresh or damaged.
What to Look out for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
When evaluating Cannabis terpenes for sale, flashy descriptions and exaggerated claims are easy to ignore. Transparency is the most important thing. Buyers must know how terpenes were extracted, processed and reprocessed.
Consistency is another important element. Cannabis-derived products, particularly strain-specific ones, should have the same scent from batch to batch. Large variations often indicate unstable sourcing or rushed production both red flags for brands focused on quality.
A Specific Approach to Terpene Craft
Some producers try to be all things to all people. Some producers choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes, which focuses exclusively on terpenes instead of dealing with various categories of products, falls into the second category. That narrow focus allows for more control over aroma, processing, and the final product.
Mass Terpenes puts an emphasis on letting the smell take the lead. Instead of relying on hype the product’s quality is intended to be felt through scent and flavor that are unmistakably cannabis-like.
Aroma is the Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report is not an alternative to the first time a container of cannabis is opened. The variety and familiarity of cannabis-derived Terpenes are readily apparent and cannot be replicated by synthetic blends. Aroma is the most reliable indicator of your success.
Authenticity has become a key aspect in separating the market as it continues to evolve. The aim is the same regardless of regardless of whether the producer is using CO2 terpenes, or cold-cured varieties. When terpenes are utilized with intent and care, they’re more than just a means to improve the quality of the quality of products. They actually aid in carrying cannabis’s tradition forward.