As the market for marijuana matures and grows and expands, so do consumer expectations. Consumers no longer want products that simply “work”. They want flavors from the plant that can make them recognize it, and tastes that resemble the real cannabis. Cannabis derived terpenes now form the foundation of any serious discussions about products.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Terpenes are among the most important elements of the cannabis identity
Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the distinct smell and flavor of marijuana strains. They influence how a product is perceived before effects are experienced. When preserved properly terpenes are able to communicate freshness as well as strain lineage and overall quality. If handled badly, even high-potency products can appear fake or slack.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, capturing the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. This is fundamentally different from botanical terpene blends, which attempt to imitate cannabis profiles using compounds extracted from non-cannabis plants. Although botanical blends are cost-effective however, the flavor depth that consumers expect from true cannabis isn’t always there.
The extraction method affects the result
The method used to extract terpenes has a significant impact on their final characteristics. Hydrocarbons are extracted from plant material that is either frozen or fresh, and this method is able to capture the vivacious flavors of live resin. These methods help preserve fragile substances that can be easily destroyed in drying or high-heat processing.
CO2 Terpenes possess a distinct advantage. CO2 extraction is highly precise and yields pure, stable terpene fragments. The flavor of the profile may be more muted when compared to live hydrocarbon extractions. However, CO2 profiles provide consistency and purity, particularly when formulas are based on balance more than intensity.
Both methods work equally well, however each has a specific purpose. Informed producers make their decisions based on desired result rather than marketing trends.
Fresh Material makes a tangible Impact
The quality of the cannabis-derived terpenes begin when they are harvested. Terpenes, as a matter of fact, are volatile, which means they are prone to degrade when exposed to heat, oxygen or time. Freshly frozen materials or carefully preserved flowers helps lock in the original aromatic profile.
Once degradation takes place and the process of extraction ceases, there is no way that will be able to restore what has been lost. This is why experienced Terpene producers are focused on the sourcing process and handling. The aroma and clarity of the material will instantly tell you if it is fresh or compromised.
What should you look to look out for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
It is easy to ignore extravagant descriptions or exaggerated claims when evaluating Cannabis products on sale. Transparency is what matters most. Buyers need to know where the Terpenes originate from, the method of extraction, and how they are transformed following extraction.
Consistency is also an important aspect. A truly cannabis-based product will smell the same from batch to batch regardless of whether it’s specific to a particular strain. The existence of huge variations indicates that the brand cares about the quality of its products.
Terpene Craft: A Focused method
Some producers attempt to be all things to all people. Some producers decide to concentrate on one thing. Mass Terpenes fits into the second category, since it is focused on terpenes in particular instead of focusing attention on various types of products. Terpenes are the focus, which provides greater control of the end product, the aroma, and the processing.
With a focus on small-batch production and careful post-processing, Mass Terpenes emphasizes letting the scent speak for itself. Instead of relying solely on a marketing campaign, quality is meant be perceived directly through smell and taste that are unmistakably marijuana.
Aroma: The Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report isn’t an alternative to the first time a container of cannabis is opened. The highest-quality cannabis-derived terpenes are revealed immediately, displaying the complexity and familiarity that even artificial blends can’t meet. The aroma is the best indicator of the success.
The cannabis industry grows authenticity has emerged as the key distinguishing factor. Whatever the producer decides to use CO2 terpenes that are refined from CO2 or live-extracted profiles of cannabis, the final goal remains the same: to protect the essence of the plant. If terpenes are used with care and vigilance, they’re more than just a means to enhance the product. They actually assist in bringing cannabis’ cultivation forward.