As the cannabis industry matures consumer expectations regarding authenticity and taste are rising. As the cannabis market matures consumers are less satisfied with products that simply “work”. Instead they seek authentic flavors and scents of real cannabis. This increasing demand has put Cannabis derived terpenes at the center of serious discussions about product development.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
What are Terpenes and How Do They Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes are the source of the distinct aroma and taste of marijuana strains. They can alter the perception of a product’s cannabis aroma before any effects take place. When properly stored Terpenes are a way to signal the freshness of a product and also strain lineage. They also signal the overall quality. When handled poorly even a product with a high potency may feel stale or fake.
Cannabis flower terpenes can capture the aroma of the plant. This is a distinct distinction from botanical blends of terpenes which attempt to imitate cannabis profiles by using compounds that are not derived from cannabis plants. Although botanical blends are economical however, the flavor depth that people expect from real cannabis is not always present.
The method of extraction influences the final outcome
The way terpenes are extracted has a big influence on the final product. Hydrocarbon extraction from fresh or fresh-frozen plants is a preferred method to extract the vivid, resinous aromas. These methods conserve fragile compounds that can be easily lost in heat or drying.
At the same time, CO2 terpenes offer a different advantage. Carbon dioxide extraction produces pure, stable fractions of terpenes and allows to control them with precision. Although the aroma is less intense than that of living hydrocarbons, CO2 profiles are highly appreciated for their purity and consistency. This is especially the case in formulations when balance is more important than intensity.
Each method is not inherently “better.” Each serves distinct purposes and the informed producer chooses the best method based on their intended outcome rather than based on marketing trends.
The distinction between the old and new materials can be measured
Quality cannabis-derived Terpenes starts at harvest. Terpenes break down quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat or prolonged time. Using fresh frozen material or carefully preserved flower helps to preserve the original aroma profile.
No extraction method can be used to restore the value that has been lost after the degrading has occurred. The terpene industry is very focused on the source of raw materials as well as the handling of them. Fresh and compromised material are instantly distinguishable by their clarity of aroma and intensity.
What to look for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
In evaluating Cannabis Terpenes, it is easy to miss the glitzy descriptions. More important is the transparency. Buyers should know how the Terpenes were extracted and processed.
Consistency also plays an important role. It is essential that the smell of cannabis-derived products is the same, regardless of batch size. Large variations are often an indicator for companies that care about quality.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Approach
Some producers try to be all things to all people. Some prefer specialization. Mass Terpenes falls into the second category, focusing solely on terpene extraction rather than spreading attention across multiple kinds of products. This narrow focus permits greater control over the aroma, final output, and the processing.
Mass Terpenes’ small batch production and careful post-processing underscores the importance of letting the aromas speak for themselves. Instead of relying upon hype quality, it is to be viewed through aromas and flavors that are distinct Cannabis-like.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
There is no lab report that can replace the moment a container is opened. Cannabis-derived terpenes of superior quality are instantly recognizable, displaying a level of quality and sophistication that cannot be matched by any synthetic blend. Aroma is the sole measurement of success.
Authenticity is the new differentiator in the business. Whatever the product is produced using CO2 terpenes which have been refined or cold-cured, the ultimate aim is to keep the original characteristics of the plant. When terpenes and cannabis are treated with intention and respect, they can do more to enhance the quality of products. They carry the cannabis culture forward with its most famous varieties.