As the cannabis industry matures, expectations around authenticity and flavor are rising. Consumers aren’t satisfied with products which “work” no longer. They want to experience the aromas and tastes that truly are a reflection of the 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 provide the unique aroma and flavor of cannabis strains. They impact how a particular product is perceived even before the effects can be experienced. If properly preserved Terpenes convey the freshness of the product, its strain lineage and overall quality. Even highly-potent products can be artificial or spongy if not handled properly.
The genuine Cannabis Terpenes originate from the cannabis flower and capture its aroma. This is fundamentally distinct from the botanical blends of terpenes that attempt to replicate cannabis profiles by using compounds that are not derived from cannabis plants. While botanical blends might be more affordable, they do not provide the same level of depth that cannabis experts associate with it.
The method of extraction influences the final outcome
The method of extraction used to extract Terpenes can have a major impact on their final flavor. Hydrocarbon extraction is often preferred for capturing the vibrant aromas of resin. These methods preserve delicate compounds that can be easily lost in heat or drying.
CO2 terpenes can also provide an advantage. Carbon dioxide extraction is precise and produces solid, clean terpene fractions. CO2 extractions could create a less intense smell than the live hydrocarbons, however they still have a place in the market for the purity and consistency they provide, especially when formulas emphasize the balance of intensity over intensity.
Producers must choose their method not based on the latest trends, but rather on what they would like to achieve.
Fresh Material Can Make a measurable Difference
The quality cannabis-derived terpenes begin at harvest. Terpenes are volatile and will quickly degrade if brought in contact with oxygen, temperature, time, or other factors. The aroma of the original is best preserved by using freshly frozen material or flowers which are properly preserved.
When degradation begins, there is no way to completely recover the amount of loss. This is the reason experienced Terpene producers are focused on sourcing and handling. Fresh and damaged materials are instantly distinguishable by their clarity of aroma and the intensity.
What to look out for when buying cannabis Terpenes
In evaluating Cannabis Terpenes, it’s easy to overlook flashy descriptions. Transparency is the most important thing. Buyers need to be aware of where the terpenes came from, the method of extraction, and what they’re processed into after extraction.
Consistency is a further element. Cannabis-derived products, particularly strain-specific ones, should have the same aroma from batch to batch. Wide variations could signal unstable sources, or an overly fast production. Both of these are warning signs in the case of quality-oriented brands.
Terpene Craft: A Focused Methodology
Some producers attempt to be all things at one time. Some choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes is in the second class. It concentrates solely on the extraction of terpenes instead of dividing attention among different types of products. This focus on terpene extraction allows for greater 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 relying on hype, Mass Terpenes will let the scent speak for itself.
Aroma as A Quality Check
A lab report isn’t a substitute for the first time a container of cannabis is opened. High-quality cannabis derived terpenes reveal their true nature immediately, with a complexity and familiarity which artificial blends aren’t able to compete with. Aroma is the most reliable method to determine the quality of the blend.
Authenticity has become a key element in distinguishing the business as it continues to evolve. The aim is the same whether a producer uses CO2 terpenes or cold-cured varieties. If terpenes are handled with intention and respect and care, they not only make products better, they also bring cannabis cultivation forward in the most recognizable form.