Every cannabis user can smell the distinctive, sharp scent whenever they crack open a jar or crack the seal of the new container. There’s more to it than just scent. It’s a mix of mood, memory, anticipation, and expectations. This is possible because of terpenes. And not only any terpenes. These are those that are extracted directly from marijuana plants. These compounds, also known as Terpenes derived from cannabis, are rapidly becoming a secret ingredient in products that want to enhance flavor, authenticity and quality.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
For a long time, producers of cannabis-based products have relied heavily upon botanical terpenes to recreate the essence of cannabis strains. On paper, this made sense. To mimic the familiar strains, it was economically feasible to extract the chemical limonene (from oranges) or pinene (from pine trees). However, the reality was often not as good as the promises. Terpene blends smelled great initially, but did not have the depth, soul and lasting power of cannabis-derived counterparts. They degraded rapidly and could be described as air freshener instead of fresh flower.
Pure cannabis terpenes could alter the game. They are extracted directly from the cannabis plant they are the main ingredients that give the strain its distinctive aroma, as well as the subtle, subtle notes. Botanical sources can’t replicate the same aroma. It’s more than just about flavor; it’s also about capturing the strain’s essence.
An innovative development within the industry is to use of live resin Terpenes. Terpenes are extracted directly from the plants after they’ve been harvested, rather than from dried or curled cannabis. The quick-freeze technique locks in volatile, delicate compounds that otherwise would disappear. Terpene profiles appear brighter, darker, and reminiscent of how the original strain was envisioned.
The sensory benefits are obvious, but the impact of cannabis-derived terpenes goes beyond flavor. The terpenes are responsible for what consumers and researchers refer to as the effects of the entourage, or the subtle interaction between cannabinoids (cannabinoids) and terpenes which can influence the experience overall. For example, a formulation which contains genuine OG Kush terpenes doesn’t just taste better, but it could provide an enhanced or familiar experience due to the supporting compounds preserved within the extract.
As consumer awareness grows and so does the need for transparency. The public isn’t just searching for high-THC numbers nowadays. They are looking into their products, reading the ingredient lists and searching for terpenes that are derived from cannabis with clear information about sourcing and extracting. Brands offering uncut terpene profiles which are specifically tailored to the strain that are not blending or cutting will gain customer trust and will gain credibility within the industry.
This is of particular importance in a world flooded with options. Since so many products are trying to grab our attention, those that are committed to authenticity will have a distinct advantage. When someone is the first time they try the terpenes that are derived from cannabis it is possible that they will be drawn by the synthetic flavors or botanical blends.
Mass Terpenes stands out as the market leader, providing live resins or hemp-derived products that can be purchased at a variety of prices. The CDT series is popular amongst extractors as well as vape producers and curious consumers who are all looking to get the most natural way.
It’s not all about scent. It’s about the connections. Terpenes can influence your experience in a variety of ways, more than most people are aware. Pure cannabis terpenes provide clarity, depth and an honest relationship with the plant. It is, perhaps, the most powerful component of all.