As the cannabis market grows, expectations about authenticity and taste are rising. Customers are not satisfied with products which “work” any longer. They want aromas and flavors that truly are a reflection of cannabis. Cannabis derived terpenes now form the foundation of any serious product discussions.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Why Terpenes Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the distinct smell and flavor of marijuana strains. They influence the perception of a product from cannabis before any effects take place. When properly stored, terpenes communicate the freshness of the product, its strain lineage as well as overall quality. If handled improperly even the most potent product can feel flat or artificial.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, capturing the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. This is a distinct distinction from botanical blends of terpenes which try to mimic cannabis’s characteristics by using substances that are not derived from cannabis plants. While botanical blends can be economical, they don’t always provide the layered depth that experienced customers associate with genuine cannabis.
The Extraction Method determines the Result
The way terpenes are extracted will have a major impact on the end product. Hydrocarbons are extracted from plant matter that is either frozen or fresh and this process is able to capture the vivacious flavors of live resin. These methods conserve fragile substances that are easily destroyed in heat or drying.
CO2 Terpenes are a good alternative. Carbon dioxide extraction is precise and yields stable, clean terpene fractions. The aroma produced may be less strong than hydrocarbon-based extractions. However, CO2 extracted profiles have a higher value for consistency and purity in formulations.
A producer should choose their method not based on the latest trends, but rather on what they want.
Fresh Material can make an observable difference
The quality of Terpenes derived from cannabis begins with the harvest. Terpenes are volatile by nature, meaning they degrade quickly when exposed to heat, oxygen or prolonged time. The original aroma is best preserved with freshly frozen material or flowers that are properly preserved.
There is no extraction method that can bring back the value lost once the degrading occurs. For this reason, experienced producers of terpenes are enthralled by sourcing and processing. The smell and clarity of the material will instantly tell you if it’s fresh or damaged.
What to look out for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
When evaluating Cannabis Terpenes it’s easy to ignore the glitzy descriptions. Transparency is of greater importance. Buyers should be aware of where the terpenes came from, how they’re extracted and the products they’re transformed to after extraction.
Consistency is another important factor. It is essential that the smell of cannabis-derived products is exactly the same, regardless of size. Wide variations could signal unstable sources, or an overly fast production. These are both warning signs when it comes to high-quality brands.
A Specified Approach to Terpene Craft
Others choose to specialize. Some choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes falls into the second category, focusing exclusively on terpene extraction rather than expanding their focus to other different types of products. This narrow focus permits more control over the flavor, output, and processing.
Mass Terpenes prioritizes small-batch manufacturing and post-processing, letting the aroma speak for it. Instead of relying on hype the product’s quality is intended to be felt directly by the smell and taste that are unmistakably cannabis-like.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
No lab report can ever substitute the moment when an open container has been opened. The complexity and familiarity of cannabis-derived terpenes are evident immediately and cannot be duplicated by artificial blends. Aroma is the most reliable method to determine the quality of the blend.
Authenticity has become a key aspect in separating the business as it continues to evolve. Whether a producer chooses live-extracted profile, cold-cured varieties or CO2 terpenes that are refined, the goal stays the same: preserve the plant’s natural character. Terpenes, when treated with respect and care are more than just improving products. They also help carry the cannabis tradition forward.