As the market for cannabis grows, as do expectations for taste and authenticity. Consumers are no longer satisfied with products that only “work.” They are looking for experiences that feel true to the plant aromas that spark recognition and flavors that are authentically cannabis not approximations. This growing demand has placed Cannabis Terpenes that are derived from cannabis in the forefront of serious discussions about product development.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Terpenes comprise the primary ingredients of cannabis’s identity.
Terpenes produce the distinctive smell and flavor of cannabis strains. They influence how a product is perceived long before the effects can be experienced. If properly preserved, terpenes have the ability to convey freshness as well as strain lineage and overall quality. Even highly-potent products can be fake or flat if they are not handled properly.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, capturing the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. This is a distinct distinction from the botanical blends of terpenes which try to mimic cannabis profiles by using compounds made from plants other than cannabis. Although botanical blends may be cheaper, they do not provide the same level of depth that cannabis experts believe it has.
The Extraction Method Determines the Result
The way terpenes are extracted is a significant factor in the final character. Hydrocarbon extraction is typically used to capture the vibrant aromas of resin. These methods protect compounds that can easily be destroyed in high-temperature processes or drying.
CO2 Terpenes possess a distinct advantage. CO2 extraction is highly precise and yields stable, clean terpene fractions. The aroma of the resulting profile may be more muted as compared to hydrocarbon extractions that are live. But CO2 profiles can provide consistency and purity, particularly in formulations which value balance more than intensity.
Producers should select their approach based on not trends, but rather on the result they would like to achieve.
Fresh Material can make an observable difference
The quality of cannabis-derived terpenes is determined by the harvest. Terpenes are naturally volatile that is, they degrade rapidly when exposed to oxygen, heat or even time. The original aroma is best preserved with freshly frozen material or flowers that have been properly preserved.
When degradation occurs There is no method of extraction that will be able to restore what has been lost. It is for this reason that experienced terpene makers are extremely particular about their sources and handling. The scent and the clarity of the product will instantly tell you if it’s fresh or damaged.
What to Look for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
It is easy to ignore the exaggerated descriptions or flashy claims when looking at Cannabis products for sale. Transparency is more important. Buyers should know how the terpenes were extracted and processed.
Consistency, too, is an important factor. The smell of cannabis-derived products should be consistent from batch to batch. This is especially true when the strains are different. If there are significant differences this could indicate unstable sourcing and rushed production. Both of them are warnings for companies that are concerned about the quality of their products.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Approach
Some producers try and be everything all at once. Others opt for specialization. Mass Terpenes falls into the second group, which focuses exclusively on the extraction of terpenes rather than spreading attention across multiple product types. This narrow focus permits better control of the aroma, final output, as well as processing.
With a focus on small-batch production and meticulous processing, Mass Terpenes emphasizes letting the flavor be the main focus. Instead of relying upon hype, the quality is to be viewed through aromas and tastes that are distinctively Cannabis.
Aroma is the Ultimate Quality Check
It is impossible to change the instant a container is opened. Cannabis-derived terpenes of superior quality are immediately identifiable, displaying an amount of complexity and familiarity unmatched by any artificial blend. The aroma is the main indicator of success.
Genuineness has been a crucial element in distinguishing the business as it continues to evolve. It doesn’t matter if a producer chooses to use CO2 terpenes that are refined from CO2 or live-extracted profiles of cannabis, the end objective is the same: protect the original character of the plant. Terpenes, when handled with respect and intention, do more than improve products. They also bring the cannabis culture forward.