As the market for cannabis grows, expectations about authenticity and flavor are rising. As the cannabis market matures consumers are less satisfied with products simply that “work”. Instead, they want authentic flavors and scents of real cannabis. Cannabis derived products are being developed to satisfy the demand.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
The Terpenes that Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes are the source of the distinct smell and flavor of cannabis strains. They affect how a product is perceived prior to any effects can be felt. If properly preserved, terpenes are able to communicate freshness as well as strain lineage and overall quality. Even products with high potency that are treated improperly may make them feel artificial.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, capturing the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. It’s a distinct product from botanical terpenes blends that attempt to mimic the cannabis profile using compounds that are extracted from plants other than cannabis. Although botanical blends are economical however, the flavor depth that people expect from real cannabis is not always present.
Extraction Method Shapes the Outcome
The method of extraction used to extract Terpenes can have a major impact on their final characteristics. Hydrocarbon extraction is typically utilized to create the vibrant aromas of resin. These methods protect fragile substances, which are prone to lose their luster in high-heat drying processes.
The CO2 terpenes have a different advantage. Carbon dioxide extraction is precise and yields pure, stable terpene fragments. The aroma that results is more solitary than live hydrocarbon extractions. However, CO2 extracted profiles are appreciated for consistency and purity especially in formulations where balance matters more than the intensity.
Neither method is inherently “better.” Each has a different purpose, and informed producers choose the best method based on their intended outcome rather than marketing trends.
Fresh Material makes a tangible difference
When the harvest is completed the purity of cannabis-derived compounds is determined. Terpenes have a volatile nature that is, they degrade rapidly when exposed to oxygen, heat or prolonged time. Utilizing fresh frozen material or carefully preserved flower helps lock in the original aromatic profile.
Once degradation has taken place and extraction techniques have failed, no method will be able restore everything of the lost. This is why it is that the most experienced terpene makers are obsessive about sourcing and handling. The clarity and intensity of the aroma are instantly different between fresh material and compromised material.
What to look out for when purchasing cannabis Terpenes
When evaluating Cannabis Terpenes, it’s easy to overlook the glitzy descriptions. Transparency is more important. The purchaser must understand the sources of terpenes, their extraction, and the process after extraction.
Consistency, too, is an important factor. True cannabis-derived products should smell the identical from batch to batch, especially when they’re a specific strain. If there are significant differences, it could be a sign of unsteady sourcing or rushed production. Both are red flags to brands who care about the quality of their products.
A Specified Approach to Terpene Craft
Some producers try to do everything at once. Others opt to focus on a specific area. Mass Terpenes falls into the second category, focusing exclusively on the extraction of terpenes rather than spreading the attention to multiple product types. Terpenes are the focus, which allows for more control of the end product, scent and processing.
Mass Terpenes’ small batch production and meticulous post-processing emphasizes the importance of letting aromas be the main focus. The quality should be felt immediately, not via the hype.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
The lab report is not replaced the moment a container is opened. Terpenes derived from cannabis that are of high quality are instantly recognizable, displaying the level of sophistication and familiarity that is unmatched by any synthetic blend. Aroma is the most reliable gauge of a successful blend.
As the market for cannabis grows authenticity has emerged as the key differentiator. The objective is the same regardless of regardless of whether the producer is using CO2 terpenes or cold-cured varieties. Terpenes, when treated with care and a sense of purpose are more than just improving the quality of products. They also help carry the cannabis culture forward.