As the cannabis market matures as do expectations for taste and authenticity. The consumer is not satisfied with products which “work”. They want authentic experiences that reflect the plant, aromas that make them feel familiar and tastes that reflect the actual 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, which are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinctive smell and taste are the main reason for this. They can influence the perception of a product for a long time before its effects are felt. Terpenes, when properly preserved can convey freshness, strain ancestry, and overall quality of the product. Even high-potency substances mishandled can cause them to feel artificial.
Cannabis flower terpenes capture the natural aromatic fingerprint of the plant. This is fundamentally a different approach to botanical terpene mixes, which mimic cannabis profiles with compounds extracted from plants other than cannabis. Although botanical blends are economical however, the flavor depth that people expect from real cannabis isn’t always there.
The Extraction Method Defines the End-Result
The way terpenes are extracted can have a significant impact on the final product. Hydrocarbon extraction is usually preferred for capturing the vibrant aromas of resin. These methods preserve delicate compounds that can be easily lost in heat or drying.
In addition CO2 terpenes provide an additional benefit. Carbon dioxide terpene extraction provides precise control as well as clean and stable terpene fragments. The aroma that is produced can be less intense compared to hydrocarbon-based extractions. However, CO2 derived profiles are superior for consistency and purity in formulations.
It’s not possible to pick between these two. Each has a different purpose and therefore producers must decide based on their intended outcome instead of marketing trends.
Fresh Material Could Make a Measureable Difference
Quality cannabis-derived Terpenes starts with the harvest. Terpenes are volatile and are degraded when exposed to oxygen, heat or over time. If you use a fresh, frozen flower or other material that has been properly preserved, you can preserve the original aroma.
After degradation, no extraction technique can bring back the amount of terpenes lost. This is why experienced producers of terpenes are enthralled by sourcing and processing. The aroma and the clarity of the material will instantly tell you if it is fresh or deteriorated.
What to look for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
When evaluating Cannabis Terpenes, it is easy to miss the glitzy descriptions. Transparency is the most important thing. Buyers need to know how Terpenes were extracted and processed.
Consistency is another key element. The smell of cannabis-derived products must be uniform from batch to. This is particularly true when the cannabis strains differ. The fact that there are large differences indicates that the company cares about the quality of its products.
Terpene Craft: A Focused Method
Some producers try and be all things to all people. Some producers choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes fits into the second category because it is focused on terpenes in particular instead of spreading attention across various types of products. This narrow focus allows more control over the aromas, processing, and the final product.
Mass Terpenes places a high priority on small batch production, as well as a meticulous post-processing. This enables the flavor to speak for itself. Instead of being a product that is hyped the product’s quality is intended to be felt directly by tasting and smelling that are unmistakably cannabis-like.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
Lab reports are not a substitute for the first time a container of cannabis is opened. High-quality cannabis derived terpenes reveal themselves immediately, revealing the complexity and familiarity that synthetic blends cannot beat. Aroma is the most reliable gauge of a successful blend.
As the cannabis industry continues to grow and expand, authenticity has emerged as the key distinguishing factor. No matter if a producer opts for live-extracted profiles, cold-cured varieties or CO2 terpenes that are refined, the goal stays the same: preserve the original character of the plant. If terpenes are used with care and vigilance, they’re more than just a means to enhance the quality of products. They also assist in bringing cannabis’ culture forward.