As the market for cannabis matures, expectations around authenticity and flavor are rising. Customers are no longer content with products that only “work.” They are looking for experiences that are real to the smells of the plants that make them feel recognized and taste that reflect real cannabis, not just imitations. Terpenes derived from cannabis are prominent in discussions on product development because of the increasing demand.
Terpenes are among the most important ingredients of cannabis’s identity.
Terpenes are aromatic compounds responsible for the distinct scent and taste of cannabis strains. They influence how a product is perceived even before it is experienced. If properly stored, terpenes can communicate freshness and strain lineage. They also convey the overall quality. If they are handled badly even the most potent product may be a bit spongy or synthetic.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Cannabis flower is the source of the real Cannabis terpenes, which captures the natural aroma of the plant. This is a distinct distinction from botanical terpene mixtures, that attempt to replicate the cannabis profile using substances extracted from non-cannabis plants. While botanical blends can be inexpensive, they do not provide the level of depth and depth users associate with real cannabis.
The extraction method influences the outcome
The method of extraction of terpenes is a significant factor in their final flavor. Hydrocarbon extraction is usually used to capture the vibrant aromas of resin. These methods protect fragile compounds, which can easily lose their luster in high-heat drying processes.
In addition, CO2 terpenes offer a different advantage. CO2 extraction is highly precise and yields solid, clean terpene fractions. The aroma that is produced can be less pronounced than hydrocarbon-based extractions. However, CO2-derived profiles have a higher value for consistency and purity in formulations.
Both methods serve distinct objectives, and those who are educated select the one which best meets their needs rather than relying solely on marketing trends.
The difference between new and old material is measurable
The quality of Cannabis-derived terpenes begins at harvest. Terpenes are volatile by nature which means they break down quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat, or time. By using fresh flowers, frozen or a material that has been carefully preserved, you can retain the aroma of your original.
When degradation has occurred the extraction method cannot fully restore what was lost. Experienced terpene manufacturers focus on handling and sourcing obsessively. Fresh and contaminated material is instantly distinguishable through their scent clarity and the intensity.
What to Look for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
In evaluating Cannabis Terpenes it’s easy to overlook overly-exaggerated descriptions. Transparency, however, is of greater importance. Buyers must be aware of where the terpenes came from, the method of extraction and processed to after extraction.
Consistency is a further element. The cannabis-derived products, specifically the those that are specific to a particular strain, must possess the same scent from batch to batch. Large variations often indicate unstable sourcing or rushed production and are a red flag for companies who are focused on high-quality.
A Focused Approach to Terpene Craft
Some choose to specialize. Others choose specialization. Mass Terpenes, which focuses solely on terpenes rather than dealing with multiple categories of products, falls into the second category. This narrow focus gives better control of aromas as well as the process and final product.
Mass Terpenes puts an emphasis on letting the aroma be the main focus. Instead of relying on advertising, the quality must be felt through the smells and flavors that are distinct Cannabis-like.
Aroma as a Quality Check
Lab reports are not an equivalent to the first time a cannabis container is opened. Cannabis-derived terpenes of superior quality are instantly recognizable, displaying the level of sophistication and familiarity that is unmatched by any synthetic blend. Aroma is the most reliable gauge of a successful blend.
As the cannabis industry grows and expand, authenticity has become the main distinguishing factor. Whether a producer chooses live-extracted profiles, cold-cured versions, or refined CO2 terpenes but the aim remains the same: to preserve the original character of the plant. If terpenes are handled with care and respect they will do more than enhance the product. They also can help to carry forward cannabis culture in the most well-known form.
