As the cannabis industry matures the expectations of consumers regarding authenticity and taste are rising. Consumers no longer want products that just “work”. They are looking for flavors from the plant that can make them recognize it and flavors which reflect authentic cannabis. Cannabis Terpenes that are derived from cannabis have become a major focus of product development due to the growing demand.
Why Terpenes Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes create the distinctive flavor and aroma of cannabis strains. They influence the way a product’s perceived quality can be determined long before effects are experienced. If properly stored, terpenes can communicate the freshness of a product and also strain lineage. They also communicate the overall quality. Even high-potency substances mishandled can cause them to appear fake.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, and capture the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. It’s a completely different product from botanical terpenes blends that attempt to mimic the cannabis profile using compounds extracted non-cannabis plant. Although botanical blends may be more affordable, they do not offer the same depth as cannabis experts associate with it.
The extraction method affects the result
How terpenes have been extracted will have a major impact on the end product. Hydrocarbon extraction is usually used to capture vibrant, resin-like aromas. These methods preserve fragile compounds that are easily lost during drying or high-heat processing.
CO2 Terpenes can also be a good alternative. Carbon dioxide terpene extraction offers precise control and solid and clean terpene fragments. While the smell is less intense than that of live hydrocarbons, CO2 profiles are highly appreciated for their purity and consistency. This is particularly true in formulations when balance is more important than intensity.
It’s not possible to choose between the two. Each method serves a different purpose and therefore producers must choose based on the outcome they want to achieve, not market trends.
Fresh Material can make an observable difference
The quality of cannabis-derived terpenes starts at harvest. Terpenes, as a matter of fact are unstable, meaning they degrade quickly when exposed to heat, oxygen or over a period of time. The original aroma is best preserved with fresh frozen flowers or other materials which are properly preserved.
When degradation has occurred and extraction techniques fail, they cannot fully restore the amount of terpenes lost. This is why seasoned producers of terpenes are extremely focused on the sourcing process and handling. The difference in the clarity of aroma as well as depth and complexity of fresh and compromised material is evident immediately.
What should you look for when purchasing cannabis Terpenes
When evaluating Cannabis terpenes for sale, flashy descriptions and exaggerated claims are easy to ignore. What matters more is transparency. Buyers should understand where the Terpenes come from the source, the method of extraction, and the way they are transformed following extraction.
Consistency plays a key role. The cannabis-derived products, specifically the strain-specific ones, should have the same aroma from batch to batch. The existence of huge variations can be a sign that the company cares about quality.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Approach
Some producers try to do all things at once. Others opt for specialization. Mass Terpenes is in the second category. It focuses exclusively on terpenes extraction, rather than dispersing attention between different types of products. This narrow focus allows greater control over the aroma processing, output and extraction.
Mass Terpenes places a high priority on small batch production and careful post-processing. This enables the flavor to speak for itself. Instead of relying on advertising, the quality is to be viewed through aromas and flavors that are unmistakably Cannabis-like.
Aroma is the Ultimate Quality Check
It is impossible to substitute after a container is opened. The highest-quality cannabis-derived terpenes are revealed immediately, with the complexity and familiarity that even artificial blends can’t match. Aroma is the best way to judge success.
Genuineness has been a crucial aspect in separating the market as it continues to evolve. The objective is the same, whether a producer uses CO2 Terpenes or cold-cured varieties. When terpenes are treated with respect and care, they can do much more than enhance the quality of the product. They also can help in bringing cannabis culture in its most recognizable format.