As the cannabis market matures, consumers’ expectations about authenticity and flavor are growing. Consumers aren’t satisfied with products which “work” no longer. They want scents and flavors that are a reflection of the cannabis. Terpenes derived from cannabis are in the forefront of product development discussions due to this growing demand.
What are Terpenes and How Do They Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes, the aromatic compounds which give cannabis its distinctive scent and flavor, are responsible for this. They influence how a product is perceived prior to any effects are experienced. Terpenes, when preserved correctly convey freshness, strain ancestry and overall quality. Even the most potent of products could be fake or spongy if not properly handled.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Cannabis flower is the main source of real Cannabis Terpenes that capture the natural aroma of the plant. This is a distinct distinction from botanical blends of terpenes which attempt to imitate the cannabis profile by utilizing compounds extracted not from cannabis plants. Although botanical blends are lower price, they do not have the level of complexity that cannabis enthusiasts would like to see.
Extraction Method Influences the Outcome
The method of extraction of terpenes is a significant factor in the final character. Hydrocarbons obtained from fresh or newly-frozen plant materials are often utilized to create vivid, resinous-like scents. These techniques are employed to protect the delicate compounds that could otherwise be destroyed by drying or high heat processing.
However CO2 terpenes have a different advantage. Carbon dioxide extracting allows for exact control and creates solid and clean terpenes. CO2 extractions can result in a milder smell than the live hydrocarbons, however they are still valued for quality and consistency, particularly in formulations that emphasize balance over intensity.
Both methods serve distinct objectives, and those who are educated choose the method that best suits their needs instead of relying on market trends.
Fresh Material Could Make an observable difference
The quality of Cannabis-derived terpenes begins at harvest. Terpenes break down quickly when exposed to heat, oxygen or time. Use of fresh frozen material and properly preserved flowers can help to preserve the original aromatic profile.
After degradation it is impossible to fully recover what has been lost. This is why experienced producers of terpenes are extremely focused on the sourcing process and handling. The smell and clarity of the product will tell you whether it is fresh or compromised.
What to Look for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
It is easy to disregard exaggerated statements and descriptions when it comes to evaluating Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency is more crucial. Buyers need to know the process of extraction of terpenes and where they originate from and how they will be processed.
Consistency plays an important role. Truly cannabis-derived product must smell exactly the same from batch to batch regardless of whether it’s specific to a particular strain. Wide variations could signal unstable sourcing, or rushed production. These are both red flags for quality-focused brands.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Approach
Some choose to specialize. Certain producers opt to focus on a specific area. Mass Terpenes, which focuses exclusively on terpenes instead of dealing with multiple product categories, falls under the second category. This focus on terpene extraction allows for better control over aromas processing, as well as the final product.
Mass Terpenes prioritizes small-batch manufacturing and post-processing, letting the aroma speak for itself. Instead of relying on the hype, quality is meant be felt directly through scent and taste that are distinctively marijuana.
Aroma is the Ultimate Quality Check
It is impossible to substitute after a container has been opened. The complexity and acquaintance with cannabis-derived terpenes are readily apparent and can’t be duplicated by artificial blends. Aroma is the best way to judge success.
As the cannabis industry develops in the future, authenticity is the main distinguishing factor. The same goal applies whether producers choose live-extracted profiles or CO2 refined Terpenes. When terpenes are utilized with intent and care, they’re more than just a way to improve the product. Instead, they help carry cannabis’ tradition forward.