As the cannabis industry matures, expectations around authenticity and taste increase. The customers aren’t content with products which “work” anymore. They want to experience the aromas and tastes that truly are a reflection of cannabis. Cannabis Terpenes derived from cannabis are now a key component of product development due to the growing demand.
The Terpenes that Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes is the compound responsible for the distinct smell and taste of marijuana strains. They affect how a product is perceived long before effects are felt. If they are properly preserved, terpenes convey freshness, strain history, and also quality. Even the most potent of products could be artificial or spongy if not properly handled.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Cannabis flower is the source of real Cannabis Terpenes, which are the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. This is an entirely different approach from botanical terpene mixtures which mimic the cannabis profile using compounds derived from plants other than cannabis. Although botanical blends are cost-effective but the flavor that people expect from real cannabis is not always present.
The extraction method determines the outcome
Terpenes’ final flavor is determined by the method from which they’re extracted. Hydrocarbon extraction is often used to capture the vibrant aromas of resin. These methods are used to preserve the fragile compounds which would otherwise be destroyed through drying or high-temperature processing.
CO2 terpenes are also an advantage. Carbon dioxide extraction yields clean, stable parts of terpenes, and allows to control them with precision. The flavor of the profile could be less pronounced than with live hydrocarbon extractions. But CO2 profiles offer quality and consistency, particularly when it comes to formulations that value balance over intensity.
A producer should choose their method not based on trends, but rather on the result they would like to achieve.
Fresh Material Could Make an observable difference
The quality of Cannabis-derived terpenes begins at harvest. Terpenes are degraded quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat or even time. The original aroma is best preserved with freshly frozen material or flowers that have been properly preserved.
When degradation occurs and the process of extraction ceases, there is no way that can restore what was lost. This is the reason experienced Terpene producers are focused on sourcing and handling. The scent and clarity of the substance will immediately tell you whether it is fresh or compromised.
What to look out for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
It’s easy to ignore flashy statements and descriptions when it comes to evaluating Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency is more important. Buyers must know how terpenes were extracted, processed and reprocessed.
Consistency is also an important aspect. The aroma of cannabis-derived products must be consistent from batch to batch. This is particularly true when the varieties are different. The large variations could indicate insecure source of production, or the rush to produce. Both of these are red flags for high-quality brands.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Approach
Some producers are multi-faceted. Others choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes fits into the second group, as it focuses on terpenes exclusively rather than spread attention over various types of products. This focus is narrow and allows for greater control over the aroma, final output, as well as processing.
By focusing on small-batch production as well as careful post-processing, Mass Terpenes emphasizes letting the flavor speak for itself. Instead of relying on a marketing campaign the quality of the product is perceived directly through smell and flavor that is unmistakably marijuana-based.
Aroma: The Ultimate Quality Check
The lab report will never replace the moment that an open container has been opened. High-quality cannabis derived terpenes reveal their true nature immediately, with a complexity and familiarity which artificial blends aren’t able to beat. Aroma is still the best gauge of a successful blend.
As the market for cannabis continues to grow authenticity has become the main distinguishing factor. No matter whether a product is made with CO2 terpenes which have been refined or cold-cured, the ultimate objective is to preserve the original characteristics of the plant. When terpenes are handled with care and respect and care, they are able to do more than just enhance the quality of the quality of the product. They also can help in bringing cannabis culture in the most well-known form.
