As the market for cannabis matures, so do expectations for flavor and authenticity. Consumers aren’t satisfied with products which “work” anymore. They want to experience aromas and flavors that truly are a reflection of the 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 create the distinctive flavor and aroma of cannabis strains. They impact the perception of quality before any effects are felt. If properly stored Terpenes signal the freshness of a product and also strain lineage. They also signal the overall quality. Even high-potency substances treated improperly may make them feel artificial.
Cannabis flower terpenes capture the scent of the plant. This is in stark contrast to botanical terpenes that are extracted from non-cannabis sources, and attempt to replicate the cannabis profile. While botanical blends come at a cheaper price, they don’t have the level of complexity that cannabis enthusiasts are looking for.
The method of extraction influences the final outcome
How terpenes have been extracted will have a major influence on the end product. Hydrocarbons are extracted from plant material that is either frozen or fresh and this technique is able to capture the vivacious flavors of live resin. These techniques protect delicate compounds that can easily lose their luster in high-heat drying processes.
However CO2 terpenes provide another benefit. Carbon dioxide extraction is precise and results in solid, clean terpene fractions. CO2 extractions may result in a milder smell than the live hydrocarbons, however they still have a place in the market for the purity and consistency they provide, especially when formulas emphasize balance over intensity.
Both methods are equally effective, but each has a specific reason for using it. Informed producers make their decision based on the intended outcome rather than on market trends.
Fresh Material makes a tangible Impact
The high-quality terpenes of cannabis begin when the plants are harvested. Terpenes are naturally volatile which means they break down quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat or even time. By using fresh flowers, frozen or material that is carefully preserved, you will be able to preserve the original aroma.
There is no extraction method that can be used to restore the value that has been lost after the degrading is observed. Experienced terpene manufacturers are focused on sourcing and handling in a constant manner. The differences in aroma clarity, depth and complexity between fresh and compromised material is evident immediately.
What to be looking for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
It is easy to disregard flashy statements and descriptions when it comes to evaluating Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency is of greater importance. Buyers must be aware of the method of extraction and where they originate from and how they are processed.
Consistency is also a crucial element. Cannabis-derived products, especially strain-specific ones, should have the same aroma from batch to batch. Wide variations are often a sign of unstable source or rush production, and are a red flag for companies focused on quality.
Terpene Craft: A Focused approach
Some producers attempt to be all things at once. Some choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes falls into the second category, focusing solely on the extraction of terpenes rather than expanding their focus to other kinds of products. This specialized focus permits greater control of the smell, processing and output.
Mass Terpenes places a high importance on small batch production and careful post-processing. This enables the flavor to speak for itself. Instead of relying heavily on the hype, Mass Terpenes will let the scent speak for it’s own voice.
Aroma as an opportunity to conduct a Quality Check
The lab report is not replaced the moment a container is opened. The variety and acquaintance with cannabis-derived terpenes are readily apparent, and they can’t be matched by artificial blends. Aroma remains the most honest indicator of the success.
As the cannabis industry continues to grow, authenticity has become the main differentiator. Whatever the product is produced using CO2 terpenes that are refined or cold-cured, the final goal is to maintain the plant’s original character. When terpenes and cannabis are treated with intention and respect they do more to improve the quality of the quality of products. They carry cannabis culture into the future in its most recognizable forms.