As the marijuana industry matures and grows, so does consumer expectations. As the market for cannabis develops consumers are less satisfied with products that just “work”. Instead, they want authentic flavors and scents of real cannabis. Cannabis derived Terpenes are now a key area of research and development due to the growing demand.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
What are the Terpenes that define Cannabis identity?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the distinct scent and flavor of marijuana strains. They affect how a product is perceived long before it is felt. When properly preserved, terpenes convey freshness, strain ancestry, and overall product quality. Even products with high potency can be artificial or flat if not properly handled.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, capturing the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. It’s a distinct product than botanical terpenes mixes that attempt to mimic the cannabis flavor using substances extracted non-cannabis plant. Although botanical blends are economical, the depth of flavor that consumers are used to from cannabis isn’t always available.
The extraction method determines the final result
How the terpenes were extracted has a big influence on the end product. Hydrocarbon extraction is often preferred for capturing vivid, resin-like scents. These methods preserve delicate substances that are easily destroyed in heat or drying.
At the same time CO2 terpenes provide an additional benefit. Carbon dioxide extraction permits precise control, and also produces solid and clean terpenes. The aroma that is produced can be less pronounced than hydrocarbon-based extractions. However, CO2 extracted profiles have a higher value for consistency and purity in formulations.
It’s impossible to decide between the two. Each has a purpose that is different, and producers should decide based on their intended outcome instead of the latest trends in marketing.
Fresh Material is measurable
The quality of cannabis-derived terpenes is determined by the harvest. Terpenes have a volatile nature which means they break down quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat or even time. By using fresh, frozen flowers or other material that has been properly preserved, you can preserve the original aroma.
After degradation has occurred and extraction techniques have failed, no method will be able to restore all that was lost. For this reason, experienced producers of terpenes are obsessed with finding and processing. The difference in aroma clarity as well as depth and complexity of fresh and compromised materials is evident immediately.
What to look out for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
It’s easy to ignore flashy statements and descriptions when it comes to evaluating Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency is what matters most. Buyers should be aware of where the terpenes originate from, the method of extraction and the products they’re transformed into following extraction.
Consistency plays a key role. True cannabis-derived products must smell the identical from batch to batch particularly if they’re a specific strain. The large variations could indicate insecure sources, or an overly fast production. Both of these are warning signs for high-quality brands.
Terpene Craft: A Focused Methodology
Some producers attempt to be all things to all people. Others choose specialization. Mass Terpenes is in the second category. It is focused solely on terpenes extraction, rather than dispersing attention between multiple product types. This narrow focus gives greater control over the aromas as well as the process and final product.
Mass Terpenes’ small batch production and meticulous post-processing highlight the importance of letting the aromas speak for themselves. Instead of being a product that is hyped The quality is designed to be felt through scent and flavor that feel unmistakably cannabis.
Aroma is the Ultimate Quality Check
It’s impossible to change after a container has been opened. Terpenes derived from cannabis that are of high quality can be instantly recognized, showing a level of quality and sophistication that cannot be matched by any artificial blend. Aroma remains the most honest measure of the success.
Genuineness has been a crucial factor in differentiating the business as it develops. The goal is the same, whether a producer uses CO2 terpenes or cold-cured varieties. When terpenes are utilized with intent and vigilance, they’re more than just a means to improve the quality of products. Instead, they assist in bringing cannabis’ tradition forward.