As the marijuana industry develops and expands and expands, so do consumer expectations. Customers no longer seek out products that simply “work”. They are looking for scents that make them recognize the plant and its flavors that reflect authentic cannabis. The increasing demand for cannabis has put Cannabis Terpenes derived from Cannabis at the center of serious product development conversations.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Why Terpenes define Cannabis identity
Terpenes are the source of the distinctive flavor and aroma of marijuana strains. They influence the way a product’s perceived quality is long before the effects are experienced. When properly stored, Terpenes can communicate freshness, as well as strain lineage and overall quality. If handled improperly, even a high-potency product may feel stale or fake.
Cannabis flower terpenes capture the scent of the plant. This is a distinct approach from botanical terpene mixtures which mimic the cannabis profile with compounds extracted from other plants than cannabis. Botanical blends may be more efficient in terms of cost, but they do not have the same depth as true cannabis.
The Extraction Method Defines the End-Result
The extraction method of Terpenes can have a major impact on their final character. Hydrocarbon extraction of fresh or frozen plants is preferred for capturing vibrant, resinous scents. These methods are used to protect the delicate compounds that would otherwise be destroyed by drying or high heat processing.
At the same time, CO2 terpenes offer a different advantage. Carbon dioxide extraction produces clean, stable fractions of terpenes and allows for precision control. While the smell is less strong than the aroma of hydrocarbons that are living CO2 profiles are appreciated for their consistency and purity. This is particularly true in formulations where balance is more important than intensity.
Producers should select their method based not on the latest trends, but rather on what they wish to achieve.
Fresh Material makes a noticeable change
After harvest the purity of cannabis-derived compounds begins to be determined. Terpenes have a volatile nature which means they break down quickly when exposed to heat, oxygen, or time. Freshly frozen material or a flower that has been properly preserved, can help lock in the original scent flavor.
After degradation and the process is not able to completely recover what has been lost. This is the reason that the most experienced terpene makers are extremely particular about their sources and handling. The smell and the clarity of the material will instantly tell you if it is fresh or compromised.
What to Look for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
It’s easy to ignore flashy claims and descriptions when evaluating Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency is the most important thing. Buyers need to be aware of where the terpenes originate from, how they’re extracted and processed into after extraction.
Consistency is another key element. Cannabis-derived products, particularly those that are specific to a particular strain, must possess the same aroma from batch to batch. If there are large differences this could be a sign of unsteady sourcing or rushed production. Both of these are red flags to brands who care about quality.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Methodology
Some producers try and be all things to all people. Some choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes fits into the second category because it focuses on terpenes exclusively instead of focusing attention on different types of products. The emphasis on terpenes gives more control of the end product’s scent and processing.
Mass Terpenes prioritizes small-batch manufacturing and post-processing that lets the aroma speak for it. Instead of relying upon hype, the quality is to be viewed through aromas and flavors that are unmistakably Cannabis-like.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report is not a substitute for the first time a cannabis container is opened. High-quality cannabis derived terpenes reveal their true nature immediately, with a complexity and familiarity which artificial blends aren’t able to beat. Aroma is the best method of evaluating the success.
Authenticity is the new differentiator in the business. It doesn’t matter if a product is created using CO2 terpenes, which are refined or cold-cured, the ultimate aim is to keep the plant’s original character. When terpenes and cannabis are treated with intention and respect they do more to improve the quality of products. They bring the cannabis culture forward with its most famous form.
