As the cannabis industry matures the expectations of consumers regarding flavor and authenticity are increasing. Consumers aren’t satisfied with products that “work” no longer. They want aromas and flavors that truly represent the cannabis. The increasing demand for cannabis has put Cannabis derived terpenes at the center of serious product development conversations.
What are Terpenes and How Do They Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes are the source of the distinct smell and flavor of cannabis strains. They can alter the perception of a cannabis product before effects even occur. When stored properly Terpenes are a way to communicate freshness and strain lineage. They also communicate the overall quality. If handled improperly, even a high-potency product may feel stale or fake.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Cannabis flower terpenes can capture the scent of the plant. This is a distinct distinction from botanical terpene blends that attempt to replicate the cannabis profile using substances extracted from plants that are not cannabis. Although botanical blends may be more affordable, they do not provide the same level of depth that cannabis experts associate with it.
Extraction Method Shapes the Outcome
The method of extraction used to extract Terpenes plays a huge role on their final character. Hydrocarbon extraction from fresh or frozen plants is a preferred method to extract the vivid, resinous aromas. These methods preserve substances that are easily destroyed in high-temperature processes or drying.
The CO2 terpenes provide another benefit. CO2 terpene extraction gives exact control and safe and stable terpene fragments. While the smell is less intense than that of hydrocarbons that are living CO2 profiles are appreciated because of their consistency and purity. This is especially true in formulations where balance is more crucial than intensity.
It is not possible to choose between the two. Each method serves an objective that is distinct and therefore producers must decide based on their desired outcome, not marketing trends.
Fresh Material is Measurable
The quality of cannabis-derived Terpenes is determined by harvest. Terpenes have a volatile nature and degrade when exposed oxygen, heat or over time. Fresh frozen material, or flower that has been preserved with care helps to preserve the original aroma character.
When degradation occurs and extraction techniques have failed, no method will be able to restore all of the lost. The terpene industry is very focused on the source of raw materials and their handling. The scent and the clarity of the material will immediately tell you whether it’s fresh or damaged.
What to Look out for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
When evaluating Cannabis terpenes for sale, flashy descriptions and exaggerated claims are easy to ignore. Transparency is the most important thing. The purchaser should be able to understand the origins of the Terpenes, their extraction and processing after extraction.
Consistency is a crucial aspect. It is crucial that the smell of cannabis-derived products is exactly the same, regardless of the size of the batch. Large variations are often an indication of brands who care about the quality of their products.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Methodology
Some producers try to be everything at once. Some choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes is in the second group. It focuses exclusively on terpenes extraction, rather than dividing attention between different types of products. The emphasis on terpenes allows for more control of the end product’s aroma and processing.
Mass Terpenes puts an emphasis on letting the smell be the main focus. Instead of being a product that is hyped the product’s quality is intended to be experienced directly by tasting and smelling that feel unmistakably cannabis.
Aroma: The Ultimate Quality Check
The moment you open the bottle, there is no lab report that will be able to replace it. High-quality cannabis derived terpenes reveal their true nature immediately, with the complexity and familiarity that artificial blends can’t beat. Aroma is the most reliable method of evaluating the success.
As the cannabis industry develops and becomes more authentic, it is the primary distinguishing factor. Whether a producer chooses live-extracted profiles, cold-cured versions, or refined CO2 terpenes, the goal stays the same: to preserve the original character of the plant. When terpenes are handled with care and respect, they can do much more than simply enhance the product. They can also assist in bringing cannabis culture in the most well-known form.
