As the cannabis market develops, expectations regarding authenticity and flavor continue to rise. As the market for cannabis develops consumers are less content with products that just “work”. Instead they are looking for authentic tastes and scents of real cannabis. Cannabis derived products are being created to meet this need.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Terpenes comprise the primary ingredients of cannabis’s identity.
Terpenes produce the distinctive aroma and taste of marijuana strains. They affect the perception of quality can be determined long before effects are actually felt. If properly preserved, Terpenes can communicate freshness as well as quality and strain lineage. Even products with high potency can be fake or spongy if not handled correctly.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, capturing the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. This is fundamentally distinct from botanical blends of terpenes, which attempt to imitate cannabis profiles by using compounds extracted not from cannabis plants. Although botanical blends are inexpensive, they do not provide the layered depth that experienced users associate with real cannabis.
The Extraction Method is the Key to the Final Results
The final character of terpenes is largely determined by how they are extracted. Hydrocarbon extraction using fresh or fresh-frozen plant matter is frequently preferred for its ability to capture lively, live-resin -like aromas. These methods protect compounds that can be easily destroyed in high-temperature processes or drying.
CO2 Terpenes have the advantage of being able to extract CO2. Carbon dioxide extraction produces solid, clean portions of terpenes that allow for precision control. The aroma of the resulting profile could be less pronounced as compared to hydrocarbon extractions that are live. But CO2 profiles offer the sameness and purity, especially in formulations which value balance more than intensity.
Both strategies are equally effective, but each serves a distinct reason for using it. A knowledgeable producer makes their decision based on the desired result rather than marketing trends.
The difference between old and new material is evident.
The quality of cannabis-derived Terpenes are determined by the harvest. Terpenes can be volatile and break down when exposed to the elements of heat, oxygen or over time. Freshly frozen material or flowers that have been preserved with care will help preserve the original scent flavor.
After degradation and extraction techniques fail, they cannot fully restore the original amount. This is why it is that terpene makers who have experience are meticulous about their source and handling. Fresh and compromised material are immediately identifiable through their scent clarity and intensity.
What to Look for When buying Cannabis Terpenes
You can easily ignore the exaggerated descriptions or flashy claims when looking at Cannabis products available for sale. Transparency however is more crucial. Buyers must know how Terpenes were extracted and processed.
Consistency is also a crucial part. The scent of cannabis-derived items should be consistent from batch to batch. This is particularly true when the strains are different. Large variations are often an indication of brands who are concerned about quality.
Terpene Craft: A Focused Approach
Some producers attempt to be everything all at once. Some choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes, which focuses solely on terpenes rather than dealing with different product categories, is in the second category. This narrow focus allows greater control of aroma, processing and output.
Mass Terpenes puts an emphasis on letting the smell take the lead. The flavor should be experienced in the moment, not through hype.
Aroma is the Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report cannot be able to replace the moment the container is opened. The variety and familiarity of cannabis-derived Terpenes are readily apparent and cannot be replicated by synthetic blends. Aroma remains the truest measure of the success.
Genuineness has been a crucial factor in differentiating the market as it develops. The objective is the same regardless of whether the producer is using CO2 terpenes or cold-cured varieties. If terpenes are handled with respect and care, they do more than improve the quality of products. They also carry the cannabis culture forward in its most recognizable form.
