As the cannabis market matures so do expectations for flavor and authenticity. As the cannabis market matures consumers are less content with products that simply “work”. Instead, they want authentic flavors and aromas of real cannabis. Cannabis derivative products are being developed to meet this demand.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Why Terpenes Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes are the source of the distinct flavor and aroma of marijuana strains. They influence the perception of a product from cannabis before effects even occur. When properly stored, Terpenes can communicate freshness as well as strain lineage and overall quality. If they are handled badly even the most potent product may be a bit spongy or synthetic.
Cannabis Terpenes are extracted directly from the flowers of cannabis plants. they capture the plant’s unique aroma. This is fundamentally unlike botanical terpenes that are extracted from non-cannabis sources, and attempt to imitate cannabis profiles. While botanical blends are more affordable, they do not offer the same depth as cannabis experts believe it has.
The method of extraction influences the final outcome
How terpenes extract is crucial to their final properties. Hydrocarbons taken from fresh or recently frozen plant material are commonly utilized to produce the vibrant scents of resinous. These techniques protect delicate compounds that can easily lose their luster in high-heat drying processes.
At the same time, CO2 terpenes offer a different advantage. Carbon dioxide extracting allows for precise control, and produces solid and clean terpenes. The aroma produced may be less pronounced than hydrocarbon extractions. However, CO2 derived profiles are superior for purity and consistency in formulations.
Both methods have different objectives, and those who are educated select the one that is most suitable for their requirements instead of relying on market trends.
The difference between the old and new materials is evident.
The quality of Terpenes derived from cannabis begins at harvest. Terpenes are volatile and are degraded when exposed to oxygen, heat or over time. Freshly frozen materials or carefully preserved flower helps lock in the original aromatic profile.
The extraction process cannot be used to restore the value that has been lost after the degrading occurs. The most experienced terpene producers concentrate on sourcing and handling obsessively. The aroma and clarity of the substance will instantly tell you if it’s fresh or damaged.
What to Look for When buying Cannabis Terpenes
Flashy descriptions and exaggerated statements are easy to overlook when it comes to evaluating Cannabis terpenes. Transparency matters more. Buyers need to be aware of where the terpenes originate from, the method of extraction and the products they’re transformed into following extraction.
Consistency is also a crucial factor. The aroma of cannabis-derived products should be consistent from batch to batch. This is particularly important when the strains are different. The large variations could indicate insecure sourcing, or rushed production. These are both red flags for high-quality brands.
A Specific Approach to Terpene Craft
Some producers try and be all things to all people. Some producers decide to concentrate on one thing. Mass Terpenes is in the second category. It concentrates solely on the extraction of terpenes, rather than dividing attention between multiple product types. This narrow focus gives greater control over aroma, processing, and the final product.
Mass Terpenes places a high emphasis on small-scale production and careful post-processing. This allows the scent to speak for the product. Instead of relying on hype quality, it is to be viewed through aromas and tastes that are distinctively cannabis-based.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
There is no lab report that can replace the moment a bottle is opened. The variety and acquaintance with cannabis-derived terpenes are readily apparent, and they can’t be replicated by synthetic blends. The aroma is the best indicator of quality and success.
As the cannabis industry evolves in the future, authenticity is the main distinguishing factor. Whatever the producer decides to use CO2 terpenes that are refined from CO2 or live-extracted profiles of cannabis, the ultimate aim is the same: protect the natural character of the plant. If terpenes are used with care and care, they are more than just a way to improve products. Instead, they aid in carrying cannabis’s cultivation forward.