As the cannabis industry grows, expectations of consumers regarding authentic taste and authenticity are increasing. Customers are not satisfied with products that “work” no longer. They want to experience scents and flavors that represent the cannabis. The increasing demand for cannabis has put Cannabis Terpenes that are derived from cannabis at the center of serious discussions about product development.
The reason Terpenes define Cannabis identity
Terpenes provide the unique flavor and aroma of marijuana strains. They impact the perception of quality before any effects are experienced. When properly stored, terpenes communicate the freshness of the product, its strain lineage as well as overall quality. Even the most potent of products could be fake or flat if they are not handled correctly.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, which captures the natural aroma of the plant. It is a fundamentally different product than botanical terpenes mixes that attempt to mimic the cannabis flavor using substances taken from non-cannabis plants. Although botanical blends are inexpensive, they do not provide the depth and layering that experienced consumers associate with true cannabis.
The extraction technique determines the final outcome
The method of extraction used to extract Terpenes plays a huge role on their final characteristics. The extraction of hydrocarbons from fresh or fresh-frozen plants is preferred to capture vivid, resinous aromas. These methods preserve compounds that can easily be destroyed in high-temperature processes or drying.
CO2 terpenes are also advantages. CO2 extraction is highly precise and produces solid, clean terpene fractions. The aroma that is produced can be less intense compared to hydrocarbon-based extractions. However, CO2 extracted profiles are superior for consistency and purity formulations.
Neither method is inherently “better.” Each has an objective that is different and the informed producer chooses based on their desired outcome rather than based on marketing trends.
Fresh Material is measurable
At harvest, the quality of cannabis-derived compounds is determined. Terpenes break down quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat or time. Freshly frozen materials, or flowers that have been preserved with care can help lock in the original scent flavor.
After degradation has occurred and the process of extraction ceases, there is no way that can restore what was lost. This is the reason experienced terpene producers focus obsessively on sourcing and handling. Fresh and contaminated material is instantly distinguishable through their scent clarity and intensity.
What should you look for when buying cannabis Terpenes
When evaluating Cannabis terpenes for sale, flashy descriptions and exaggerated claims are easy to ignore. Transparency is the most important thing. The buyer must be able to comprehend the sources of Terpenes, the extraction process, and their processing following extraction.
Consistency is also an important aspect. The aroma of cannabis-derived products must be constant from batch to batch. This is especially true when the cannabis strains differ. The presence of large variations can indicate instability source or rush production, which are both red flags for companies that are focused on quality.
Terpene Craft: A Focused Method
Some producers are multi-faceted. Others opt to focus on a specific area. Mass Terpenes, which focuses only on terpenes, rather than having a focus on multiple categories of products, falls into the second group. This narrow focus gives more control over aroma, processing, and output.
Mass Terpenes’ small batch production and meticulous post-processing highlight the importance of letting the aromas be the main focus. Instead of relying upon advertising the quality should be experienced through scents and flavors that are unmistakably Cannabis.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report isn’t an equivalent to the first time that a cannabis bottle is opened. Terpenes derived from cannabis that are of high quality are immediately identifiable, displaying a level of sophistication and familiarity that is unmatched by any artificial blend. Aroma is the best method to determine the quality of the blend.
The new standard for authenticity is authenticity. It’s the most important thing in the industry. The goal is the same regardless of regardless of whether a producer makes use of CO2 terpenes or cold-cured varieties. When terpenes are utilized with intent and care, they’re not just a means to improve the quality of the quality of products. They also aid in carrying cannabis’s culture forward.