As the market for cannabis grows, so do expectations for flavor and authenticity. Customers no longer seek out products that just “work”. They are looking for aromas from the plant that make them recognize it and flavors which reflect authentic cannabis. Cannabis Terpenes derived from cannabis are now the basis of all serious product discussions.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
The reason Terpenes define Cannabis identity
Terpenes is the aromatic substance that gives the distinctive taste and scent of cannabis strains. They influence how a product is perceived prior to any effects are experienced. When properly stored Terpenes convey the freshness of the product, its strain lineage, and overall quality. Even highly-potent products can be fake or flat if not handled correctly.
Cannabis Terpenes are extracted direct from the flower of cannabis plants, and they capture the plant’s unique aromatic fingerprint. It is a fundamentally different product from the botanical terpenes blends that try to recreate the cannabis flavor using substances that are extracted from plants other than cannabis. Although botanical blends may be more affordable, they do not offer the same depth as cannabis experts believe it has.
The extraction method influences the outcome
The method of extraction of terpenes is a significant factor in the final character. Hydrocarbon extraction from fresh or fresh-frozen plants is preferred to capture the vivid, resinous aromas. These methods preserve compounds that can easily be destroyed during high-temperature processing or drying.
At the same time, CO2 terpenes offer a different advantage. Carbon dioxide extraction permits precise control, and also produces solid and clean Terpenes that are stable and clean. CO2 extractions can result in a milder smell than the live hydrocarbons, however they remain coveted for their the purity and consistency they provide, especially in formulations that emphasize the balance of intensity over intensity.
Both are equally effective, but each serves a distinct purpose. Informed producers make their decision based on the intended outcome rather than on market trends.
The difference between the old and new materials can be measured
The quality of the cannabis-derived terpenes begin with the harvest. Terpenes are volatile by nature, meaning they degrade quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat or even time. The use of fresh frozen materials and carefully preserved flowers helps to preserve the original aromatic profiles.
Once degradation has taken place, no extraction technique will be able to restore all of the lost. Terpene producers with experience concentrate on sourcing and handling in a constant manner. Aroma clarity and depth are instantly different between fresh material and compromised material.
What to look out for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
Flashy descriptions and exaggerated statements are easy to overlook when evaluating Cannabis terpenes. Transparency, however, is more important. Buyers must be aware of how terpenes are extracted and where they originate from and how they are processed.
Consistency, too, is an important factor. Cannabis-derived products, especially those that are specific to a particular strain, must possess the same scent from batch to batch. If there is a lot of difference in smell, it could indicate unstable sourcing and rushed production. Both are warnings for companies who care about quality.
Terpene Craft: A Focused method
Others opt to specialize. Others choose specialization. Mass Terpenes, which focuses solely on terpenes rather than having a focus on various product categories, is in the second category. This focus is more focused and allows for better control over the aroma, processing and output.
With a focus on small-batch production and precise post-processing, Mass Terpenes emphasizes letting the flavor be the main focus. Instead of relying upon marketing, the quality must be felt through the smells and tastes that are distinctively Cannabis-like.
Aroma: The Ultimate Quality Check
There is no lab report that can replace the moment a container is opened. High-quality cannabis derived terpenes reveal their true nature immediately, with the complexity and familiarity that artificial blends aren’t able to match. Aroma remains the truest measure of the success.
As the market for cannabis continues to grow and expand, authenticity is now the primary differentiator. The objective is the same whether a producer uses CO2 Terpenes or cold-cured varieties. When terpenes are utilized with intent and care, they are more than just a means to improve the quality of the quality of products. They actually aid in carrying cannabis’s culture forward.
