As the marijuana industry expands and matures as do expectations of consumers. Consumers aren’t satisfied with products that “work” anymore. They want to experience scents and flavors that are a reflection of the cannabis. This growing demand has placed Cannabis derived terpenes at the center of serious product development conversations.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
What are Terpenes and How Do They Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes give the distinct aroma and flavor of marijuana strains. They can alter the perception of a product’s cannabis aroma before effects even occur. Terpenes, when properly preserved, communicate freshness, strain ancestry and overall product quality. Even a highly potent product may become fake or flat when handled incorrectly.
The authentic Cannabis Terpenes are derived directly from the cannabis flower and preserve the aroma of the flower. This is a distinct distinction from botanical blends of terpenes, which try to mimic the cannabis profile by utilizing compounds made from plants other than cannabis. While botanical blends can be cost-effective but the flavor that consumers expect from true cannabis isn’t always available.
Extraction method shapes the outcome
The extraction method of terpenes has a significant impact on their final flavor. Hydrocarbons are extracted from plant material that is either frozen or fresh, and this method is able to capture the vivacious scents of live resin. These techniques safeguard fragile substances, which are prone to lose their luster in high-heat drying processes.
CO2 Terpenes have the advantage of being able to extract CO2. Carbon dioxide terpene extraction offers exact control and solid and clean terpene fragments. The aroma that results is more solitary than live hydrocarbon extractions. However, CO2 derived profiles are valued for their consistency and purity, particularly when it comes to formulations that require balance more than intensity.
Neither method is inherently “better.” Each serves a different purpose and producers who are well-informed make their choice based on their desired outcome instead of marketing trends.
Fresh Material Makes a Measurable difference
The quality of cannabis derived Terpenes is determined by harvest. Terpenes have a volatile nature that is, they degrade rapidly when exposed to oxygen, heat, or time. Using fresh frozen material or carefully preserved flower helps keep the aroma in its original profile.
Once degradation occurs and extraction techniques fail, they cannot completely restore what was lost. This is the reason that experienced terpene makers are extremely particular about their sources and handling. The difference between the fresh and the compromised material can be immediately felt in scent clarity and intensity.
What to Look for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
When looking at Cannabis Terpenes on sale the flashy descriptions and over-inflated claims are simple to dismiss. Transparency however is of greater importance. Buyers need to know the method of extraction and from where they are sourced and how they will be processed.
Consistency is also a crucial aspect. The cannabis-derived products, specifically the specific strains, must have the same aroma from batch to batch. The presence of large variations can indicate instability source or rush production, and are a red flag for companies who are focused on quality.
Terpene Craft: A Focused Approach
Some producers try to be all things at once. Certain producers opt to focus on a specific area. Mass Terpenes, which focuses solely on terpenes rather than dealing with multiple product categories, is in the second category. This focus on terpene extraction allows for better control over the aromas, processing, and the final product.
Mass Terpenes puts an emphasis on letting the aroma take the lead. Instead of relying on advertising quality, it is to be viewed through aromas and tastes that are distinctively Cannabis.
Aroma is the Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report cannot substitute the moment when the container is opened. The highest-quality cannabis-derived terpenes are revealed immediately, displaying sophistication and a familiarity that synthetic blends struggle to match. Aroma is the best way to judge success.
As the cannabis industry evolves in the future, authenticity is the main differentiator. No matter whether a product is created using CO2 terpenes that are refined or cold-cured, the final objective is to preserve the original flavor of the plant. When terpenes are utilized with intent and care, they are more than just a means to enhance the quality of products. Instead, they help carry cannabis’ cultivation forward.