As the cannabis market matures, consumer expectations regarding authenticity and flavor are on the rise. Consumers are not satisfied with products which “work”. They want products that truly reflect the plant, aromas that are memorable, and flavors that reflect the real 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 produce the distinctive aroma and taste of marijuana strains. They affect the perception of quality can be determined long before effects are actually felt. Terpenes, when properly preserved can convey freshness, strain ancestry and overall product quality. Even products with high potency can be artificial or flat if not handled properly.
Cannabis Terpenes are extracted direct from the flower of cannabis plants, and they are able to capture the unique scent. This is a distinct method from the botanical terpene blends which mimic the cannabis profile using compounds derived from plants other than cannabis. While botanical blends can be cost-effective however, the flavor depth that consumers expect from true cannabis isn’t always there.
The method of extraction influences the final outcome
The method of extraction of terpenes plays a major role in the final character. The extraction of hydrocarbons from fresh or freshly frozen plant matter is frequently popular for its ability to create vivid, live-resin-like aromas. These techniques are employed to preserve the fragile compounds that could otherwise be destroyed by drying or high heat processing.
CO2 terpenes, however, offer another advantage. Carbon dioxide extraction is precise and results in pure, stable terpene fragments. The aroma produced may be less strong than hydrocarbon-based extractions. However, CO2 derived profiles are superior for consistency and purity formulations.
Both strategies work equally well, however each method has its own purpose. Informed producers make their choice based on the desired result rather than marketing trends.
Fresh Material can make a measurable difference
The quality of cannabis derived terpenes is determined by the harvest. Terpenes have a volatile nature which means they break down quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat, or time. Freshly frozen materials or carefully preserved flowers can help to preserve the original aroma profile.
No extraction method can bring back the value lost once the degrading is observed. This is why seasoned terpene producers focus obsessively on the sourcing process and handling. The scent and clarity of the substance will tell you whether it’s fresh or damaged.
What to look out for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
It is easy to disregard flashy claims and descriptions when evaluating Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency is the most important thing. The consumer must understand the sources of Terpenes, their extraction and processing after extraction.
Consistency is another important element. The smell of cannabis-derived products should be constant from batch to batch. This is especially true when the varieties are different. The presence of large variations is often an indication of brands that care about the quality of their products.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Approach
Some producers try to do everything at once. Some choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes is in the second group. It is focused solely on terpenes extraction, rather than dispersing attention between multiple product types. This narrow focus allows greater control over the aroma processing, output and extraction.
By prioritizing small-batch production and precise processing, Mass Terpenes emphasizes letting the scent be the main focus. Instead of relying upon marketing the quality should be experienced through scents and flavors that are distinct cannabis-based.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
It’s impossible to change when a bottle is opened. The scent of premium cannabis-derived Terpenes is evident immediately, and has a familiarity and complexity that are difficult to match in artificial blends. Aroma remains the most honest measure of success.
As the industry is evolving authenticity is the real differentiator. The goal is the same, regardless of whether the producer is using CO2 Terpenes or cold-cured varieties. When terpenes are handled with respect and care, they do more than make products better, they also bring the cannabis cultivation forward in the most recognizable form.
