As the marijuana market expands and matures and expands, so do consumer expectations. Customers are no longer content with products that only “work.” They want experiences that are true to the plant aromas that make them feel recognized and taste that are true to cannabis, not approximations. This growing demand has placed Cannabis derived terpenes at the center of serious product development conversations.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
The Terpenes that Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes are the source of the distinct aroma and taste of cannabis strains. They affect how a product is perceived even before it is experienced. If properly stored Terpenes are a way to communicate the freshness of a product and also strain lineage. They also communicate the overall quality. Even high-potency substances handled improperly can make them feel artificial.
The real Cannabis terpenes come directly from the flower of cannabis and capture its aroma. It’s a completely different product than botanical terpenes mixes that try to recreate the characteristics of cannabis using compounds taken from non-cannabis plants. Blends of botanicals can be more cost-effective but they don’t have the same amount of depth as real cannabis.
The Extraction Method Determines the Result
How the terpenes were extracted will have a major impact on the end product. Hydrocarbons are extracted from plant materials that are either fresh or frozen, and this method can capture the vibrant scents of live resin. These methods preserve fragile compounds that are easily lost during drying or high-heat processing.
At the same time CO2 terpenes provide a different advantage. Carbon dioxide extraction permits precise control, and produces clean and stable Terpenes that are stable and clean. The aroma of the profile may be more muted when compared to live hydrocarbon extractions. But CO2 profiles can provide quality and consistency, particularly when it comes to formulations that value balance over intensity.
It is not possible to choose between the two. Each serves an objective that is distinct and the producers must make a decision based upon their desired outcome, not market trends.
Fresh Material makes a tangible Impact
The quality of the cannabis-derived terpenes begin at harvest. Terpenes are degraded quickly when exposed to heat, oxygen or even time. The original scent is best preserved by using freshly frozen material or flowers that have been properly preserved.
No extraction method can restore the lost value once degradation has occurred. This is why seasoned terpene producers focus obsessively on the sourcing process and handling. Fresh and compromised material are immediately identifiable by their clarity of aroma and intensity.
What to look out for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
Exaggerated descriptions and flashy words are easy to overlook when evaluating Cannabis terpenes. Transparency matters more. The purchaser should be able to understand the origins of the Terpenes, their extraction and the process after extraction.
Consistency is also a major factor. It is important that cannabis-derived items smell exactly the same, regardless of the size of the batch. Wide variations could signal unstable sources, or an overly fast production. Both of these are warning signs for high-quality brands.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Approach
Some producers try to do all things to all people. Others opt for specialization. Mass Terpenes, which focuses only on terpenes, rather than dealing with different product categories, is in the second group. That narrow focus allows for more control over aroma, processing, and final output.
Mass Terpenes puts an emphasis on letting the smell take the lead. Instead of being a product that is hyped The quality is designed to be felt through scent and flavor that are distinct cannabis.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report cannot substitute the moment when an open container has been opened. The variety and acquaintance with cannabis-derived terpenes are readily apparent and can’t be matched by artificial blends. Aroma is the only real measurement of quality.
As the industry grows, authenticity is becoming the real differentiator. This is true regardless of whether producers opt for live-extracted profiles or CO2 refined terpenes. When terpenes have been handled with care and respect, they can do much more than just enhance the quality of the quality of the product. They can also help to carry forward cannabis culture in its most recognizable format.