As the market for cannabis matures, and expectations increase for flavor and authenticity. Consumers no longer want products that simply “work”. They want scents that can make them recognize it and flavors which reflect authentic cannabis. Cannabis derivative products are being created to meet the demand.
What are Terpenes and How Do They Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds responsible for the distinct smell and taste of cannabis strains. They impact the perception of a product’s quality can be determined long before effects are actually felt. When stored properly Terpenes are a way to convey the freshness of a product and also strain lineage. They also convey the overall quality. Even a product that is extremely potent may become fake or flat when handled incorrectly.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Real Cannabis Terpenes come directly from the cannabis flower, which captures the natural aroma of the plant. This is a distinct method from the botanical terpene blends, which mimic cannabis profiles with compounds extracted from other plants than cannabis. While botanical blends are cheaper, they do not provide the same level of depth that cannabis experts consider to be part of it.
The Extraction Method determines the Outcome
The method of extraction of terpenes is a significant factor in the final character. The extraction of hydrocarbons from fresh or frozen plant material is usually favored for capturing lively, live-resin -like aromas. These techniques are employed to preserve the fragile compounds that would otherwise be destroyed by drying or high heat processing.
The CO2 terpenes offer another advantage. Carbon dioxide extracting allows for exact control and creates solid and clean terpenes. The aroma that results may be less pronounced than hydrocarbon extractions. However, CO2 derived profiles are superior for consistency and purity in formulations.
Both are equally effective, but each method has its own reason for using it. A knowledgeable producer makes their choice based on the desired outcome, not on marketing trends.
Fresh Material Can Make a Measureable Difference
The quality of Cannabis-derived terpenes begins at harvest. Terpenes are degraded quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat or even time. Utilizing fresh frozen material and carefully preserved flowers helps to preserve the original aromatic profiles.
When degradation has occurred and extraction techniques fail, they cannot fully restore what was lost. The terpene industry is very focused on the sourcing of raw materials as well as the handling of them. The difference between the fresh and the compromised material is immediately noticeable in aroma clarity and depth.
What to be looking for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
When evaluating Cannabis Terpenes, it is easy to overlook flashy descriptions. Transparency is what matters most. Buyers must be aware of the method of extraction and where they originate from and how they are processed.
Consistency plays a significant role. It is crucial that the smell of cannabis-derived products is identical, irrespective of size. The presence of large variations is often an indicator for companies who care about quality.
A Focused Approach to Terpene Craft
Some producers attempt to be all things at once. Others choose specialization. Mass Terpenes fits into the second category, since it concentrates on terpenes only rather than spread attention over different types of products. This narrow focus gives greater control of aromas, processing, and the final product.
Mass Terpenes’ small batch production and meticulous post-processing emphasizes the importance of letting the aromas speak for themselves. Instead of relying heavily on hype, Mass Terpenes wants to let the aroma speak for itself.
Aroma is the Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report cannot be able to replace the moment the container is opened. The variety and acquaintance with cannabis-derived terpenes are readily apparent and can’t be duplicated by artificial blends. Aroma is the best method of evaluating the success.
The authenticity of a product has become a major factor in differentiating the business as it develops. No matter whether a product is produced using CO2 terpenes, which are refined or cold-cured, the ultimate objective is to preserve the plant’s original character. If cannabis and terpenes are treated with intention and respect, they produce more to improve the quality of products. They are the carriers of the cannabis culture forward in its most recognizable varieties.
