As the marijuana market expands and matures, so does consumer expectations. The customer is no longer satisfied by items which “work”. They want products that truly reflect the plant, aromas that evoke recognition, and flavors that reflect the actual cannabis. 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 distinctive flavor and aroma of cannabis strains. They influence the perception of a particular product long before its effects are evident. When properly stored Terpenes convey freshness, strain lineage and overall quality. Even products with high potency can be artificial or flat if they are not handled correctly.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from the cannabis flower, and capture the aroma of the plant’s. It is a fundamentally different product than botanical terpenes mixes that try to recreate the characteristics of cannabis using compounds that are extracted from plants other than cannabis. While botanical blends are more affordable, they do not offer the same depth as cannabis experts consider to be part of it.
The extraction technique determines the final outcome
Terpenes’ final flavor is largely determined by how they’re extracted. Hydrocarbons obtained from fresh or newly-frozen plant materials are often used to capture vibrant, resinous-like scents. These techniques preserve delicate compounds that are easily lost when drying or processing at high temperatures.
CO2 Terpenes have an advantage that is distinct. Carbon dioxide extraction provides precise control and produces pure, stable terpene fragments. The aroma that results is less pronounced than live hydrocarbon extractions. However, CO2-derived profiles are admired for their consistency and purity particularly when it comes to formulations that require balance more than the intensity.
Both methods serve distinct objectives, and those who are well-informed pick the method which best meets their needs rather than relying on marketing trends.
Fresh Material makes a noticeable change
The quality of cannabis-derived terpenes is determined by the harvest. Terpenes, as a matter of fact are unstable, meaning they degrade quickly when exposed to heat, oxygen or over a period of time. Using fresh frozen material or carefully preserved flowers can help lock in the original aromatic profile.
Once degradation takes place, no technique of extraction will be able to restore what has been lost. Terpene producers with experience concentrate on sourcing and handling in a constant manner. Aroma clarity and depth are instantly different between the fresh and the compromised material.
What to be looking to look out for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
It’s easy to overlook flashy statements and descriptions when it comes to evaluating Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency is the most important thing. Buyers should be aware of where the terpenes originate from, the method of extraction and processed to after extraction.
Consistency is also a major factor. True cannabis-derived products should smell the identical from batch to batch particularly when they’re a specific strain. The existence of huge variations is a sign that the brand cares about quality.
A Focused Approach to Terpene Craft
Certain producers are multi-faceted. Some choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes, which focuses only on terpenes, rather than having a focus on different product categories, is in the second group. This narrow focus permits greater control over the aroma, final output, as well as processing.
Mass Terpenes places a high importance on small batch production and careful post-processing. This enables the flavor to speak for itself. The flavor should be experienced directly, not through the hype.
Aroma: The Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report cannot replace the moment that the container is opened. High-quality cannabis-derived terpenes are immediately identifiable, displaying a level of complexity and familiarity unmatched by any synthetic blend. The aroma is the main measure of success.
As the industry grows authenticity is the key element. It doesn’t matter if a producer decides to use CO2 terpenes derived using CO2 or live extracts of cannabis, the final goal remains the same: maintain the essence of the plant. When terpenes and cannabis are treated with intention and respect they do more to enhance the quality of products. They carry the cannabis culture forward with its most famous form.