As the cannabis market matures, expectations around flavor and authenticity are rising. Consumers aren’t satisfied with products that “work” no longer. They want to experience aromas and flavors that truly represent cannabis. Cannabis-derived terpenes are now in the forefront of product development due to the increasing demand.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
The Terpenes that Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes, the aromatic compounds which give cannabis its distinctive aroma and flavor are the main reason for this. They impact how a particular product will be perceived before any effects are felt. When properly stored, terpenes are able to communicate freshness, as well as quality and strain lineage. If handled improperly, even a high-potency product may feel stale or fake.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, capturing the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. This is a distinct difference from botanical terpenes, which are made from other sources and try to imitate cannabis profiles. While botanical blends are cheaper, they do not offer the same depth as cannabis experts consider to be part of it.
The Extraction Method Defines the Result
How terpenes are extracted plays a major role in their final character. Hydrocarbons are extracted from plant materials that are either fresh or frozen, and this technique is able to capture the vivacious scents of live resin. These methods protect fragile substances, which are prone to disappear in high-heat or drying processes.
In addition, CO2 terpenes offer another benefit. Carbon dioxide extraction is precise and produces pure, stable terpene fragments. The aroma of the profile could be less pronounced than with live hydrocarbon extractions. But CO2 profiles can provide the sameness and purity, especially in formulations which value balance over intensity.
The two methods serve different purposes, and producers who are educated select the one that is most suitable for their requirements instead of relying on market trends.
Fresh Material is measurable
The quality of cannabis derived Terpenes are determined by the harvest. Terpenes are volatile, and can quickly degrade if they come in contact with oxygen, temperatures and time or other variables. Freshly frozen materials, or a flower that has been preserved with care will help preserve the original aroma flavor.
Once degradation occurs it is impossible to fully recover what was lost. It is for this reason that the most experienced terpene makers are extremely particular about their sources and handling. Fresh and contaminated material is instantly distinguishable through their scent clarity and the intensity.
What to look out to look out for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
The exaggerated and flamboyant descriptions are easy to ignore when looking at Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency is the most important thing. Buyers should know where the terpenes come from, the method of extraction and processed into following extraction.
Consistency also plays an important role. It is essential that cannabis-derived goods smell exactly the same, regardless of batch size. If there is a lot of difference this could be a sign of unstable sourcing and rushed production. Both of these are warnings for companies who care about the quality of their products.
A Specified Approach to Terpene Craft
Some producers try to be all things at once. Certain producers opt to focus on a specific area. Mass Terpenes fits into the second category, since it is focused on terpenes in particular instead of spreading attention across various types of products. The narrow focus allows for more control over the flavor, output, as well as processing.
Mass Terpenes places a high priority on small batch production and careful post-processing. This allows the scent to speak for itself. Instead of solely relying on the hype, quality is meant be perceived directly through smell and flavor that is unmistakably marijuana-based.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
It’s impossible to change the instant a container has been opened. High-quality cannabis-derived terpenes announce themselves instantly, with a sophistication and a familiarity that synthetic blends can’t compete with. Aroma is the most reliable method to determine the quality of the blend.
The authenticity of a product has become a major element in distinguishing the industry as it continues to evolve. It doesn’t matter if a product is made with CO2 terpenes which have been refined or cold-cured, the final goal is to maintain the plant’s original character. If terpenes are treated with respect and care, they can do much more than enhance the product. They can also help in bringing cannabis culture in its most well-known format.