As the cannabis market matures consumer expectations regarding authenticity and flavor are growing. As the market for cannabis develops consumers are less satisfied with products simply that “work”. Instead, they want authentic flavors and smells of genuine cannabis. This growing demand has placed Cannabis derived terpenes at the center of serious product development conversations.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
What are Terpenes and How Do They Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are responsible for the distinctive scent and flavor of marijuana strains. They can influence the perception of a product for a long time before the effects can be felt. Terpenes, when properly preserved can convey freshness, strain ancestry, and overall quality. If handled improperly even the most potent product can feel flat or artificial.
Real Cannabis Terpenes come directly from the cannabis flower, capturing the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. It is a fundamentally different product from the botanical terpenes blends that try to recreate the cannabis profile using compounds taken from non-cannabis plants. Although botanical blends are cheaper price, they don’t have the level of complexity that cannabis enthusiasts are looking for.
The extraction method influences the outcome
How terpenes extract is crucial to their final character. Hydrocarbons are extracted from plant material that is either frozen or fresh, and this process can capture the vibrant flavors of live resin. This technique is used to protect the delicate compounds that would otherwise be destroyed due to drying or high temperature processing.
CO2 Terpenes are an option. Carbon dioxide extraction produces solid, clean portions of terpenes that allow the precise control. The flavor of the profile could be less pronounced as compared to hydrocarbon extractions that are live. But CO2 profiles offer quality and consistency, particularly in formulations which value balance over intensity.
Producers should select their approach based on not trends but rather the outcome they would like to achieve.
Fresh Material Can Make a measurable difference
Terpenes from high-quality cannabis are harvested with the harvest. Terpenes by nature, are flammable, which means they will degrade rapidly when exposed to oxygen, heat or time. The aroma of the original is best preserved with fresh frozen flowers or other materials which are properly preserved.
Once degradation occurs and extraction techniques fail, they cannot bring back the amount of terpenes lost. Terpene producers with experience are focused on sourcing and handling obsessively. The scent and the clarity of the substance will tell you whether it is fresh or deteriorated.
What to Look for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
In evaluating Cannabis Terpenes it’s easy to ignore overly-exaggerated descriptions. Transparency is more important. Buyers must know where Terpenes come from and the method of extraction, and the way they are treated following extraction.
Consistency is yet another important factor. It is crucial that the smell of cannabis-derived products is exactly the same, regardless of size. Large variations are often a red flag for brands that care about the quality of their products.
A Focused Approach to Terpene Craft
Some producers try to be all things at one time. Others prefer to concentrate on one thing. Mass Terpenes belongs to the second category, and concentrates solely on terpenes rather than having a focus on multiple product varieties. This narrow focus gives more control of aromas processing, as well as the final product.
Mass Terpenes’ small batch production and careful post-processing underscores the importance of letting aromas be the main focus. Instead of being a product that is hyped The quality is designed to be experienced directly by the smell and taste that are unmistakably cannabis-like.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
It’s impossible to replace when a bottle has been opened. Terpenes that are high-quality and derived from cannabis announce themselves immediately, with the complexity and familiarity that even artificial blends can’t match. The aroma is the best indicator of quality and success.
As the cannabis market develops in the future, authenticity is the main differentiation. No matter if a producer decides to use CO2 terpenes refined using CO2 or live extracts of cannabis, the end objective is the same: to protect the original character of the plant. If terpenes are treated with respect and care and care, they are able to do more than simply enhance the quality of the product. They can also assist in bringing cannabis culture in its most well-known format.