As the cannabis market develops, expectations regarding authenticity and taste are rising. Customers no longer seek out products that only “work”. They are looking for aromas from the plant that make them recognize the plant and its flavors that reflect authentic cannabis. This increasing demand has put Cannabis Terpenes that are derived from cannabis at the heart of important discussions about product development.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Terpenes are the main ingredients of cannabis’s identity.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the distinct smell and flavor of marijuana strains. They impact how a particular product is perceived long before effects are experienced. When properly preserved, terpenes convey the freshness of the product, its strain ancestry and overall quality. Even the most potent of products could be artificial or spongy if not properly handled.
Cannabis flower is the main source of the real Cannabis Terpenes that capture the aroma of the plant. This is in stark contrast to botanical terpenes that are extracted from non-cannabis sources, and attempt to mimic cannabis profiles. Although botanical blends may be more affordable, they do not offer the same depth as cannabis experts believe it has.
The method of extraction influences the final outcome
The way terpenes are extracted has a huge impact on the final character. Hydrocarbon extraction is usually preferred for capturing the vibrant aromas of resin. These methods protect fragile compounds, which can easily disappear in high-heat or drying processes.
At the same time, CO2 terpenes offer a different advantage. CO2 terpene extraction gives precise control and safe and stable terpene fragments. While the scent isn’t as in intensity than those of hydrocarbons that are living, CO2 profiles are highly valued because of their consistency and purity. This is especially the case in formulations where balance is more crucial than intensity.
Both methods serve distinct purposes, and producers who are well-informed choose the method which best meets their needs instead of relying on market trends.
Fresh Material can make a tangible change
The quality of cannabis-derived terpenes begins at harvest. Terpenes, as a matter of fact, are flammable, which means they degrade quickly when exposed to heat, oxygen or even time. Fresh frozen material, or a flower that has been properly preserved, helps to preserve the original aroma profile.
No extraction method can restore the lost value once degradation has occurred. Experienced terpene manufacturers concentrate on sourcing and handling in a constant manner. The distinction between the fresh and the compromised material is evident in the smell clarity and in depth.
What to look out for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
It’s easy to overlook exaggerated claims and descriptions when looking at Cannabis Terpenes. The most important factor is transparency. Buyers should be aware of where the terpenes came from, how they’re extracted, and what they’re processed into following extraction.
Consistency is another key aspect. The scent of cannabis-derived items must be constant from batch to batch. This is especially true when the cannabis strains differ. The presence of large variations can be a sign that the company is concerned about quality.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Methodology
Some producers attempt to be all things at once. Some producers decide to concentrate on one thing. Mass Terpenes fits into the second category because it focuses on terpenes exclusively instead of focusing attention on different types of products. This focus is narrow and allows for more control over the aroma, final output, as well as processing.
Mass Terpenes places a high importance on small batch production and careful post-processing. This enables the flavor to speak for itself. Instead of relying on hype the product’s quality is intended to be experienced directly by tasting and smelling that are distinct cannabis.
Aroma is the Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report isn’t a substitute for the first time a cannabis container is opened. The complexity and familiarity of cannabis-derived terpenes are evident immediately and cannot be matched by artificial blends. Aroma remains the truest measure of the success.
As the industry continues to evolve authenticity is the real differentiator. The aim is the same regardless of regardless of whether the producer is using CO2 terpenes or cold-cured varieties. Terpenes when handled with care and a sense of purpose, do more than improve the quality of products. They also carry the cannabis tradition forward.