As the cannabis market matures so do expectations for flavor and authenticity. As the market for cannabis matures consumers are less satisfied with products that simply “work”. Instead they seek authentic flavors and smells of genuine cannabis. Cannabis-derived terpenes are now in the forefront of discussions on product development because of this growing demand.
Terpenes are the main components of cannabis identity
Terpenes is an aromatic substance that gives the distinctive smell and taste of marijuana strains. They influence the perception of a product from cannabis before effects even occur. If properly preserved Terpenes convey the freshness of the product, its strain lineage, as well as overall quality. If they are handled poorly, even high-potency products can feel artificial or slack.
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Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, which captures the aroma of the plant’s. This is fundamentally unlike botanical terpenes which are derived from non-cannabis sources, and attempt to mimic cannabis profiles. Although botanical blends are cost-effective, the depth of flavor that consumers expect from true cannabis is not always present.
The extraction method determines the final result
The extraction method of Terpenes plays a huge role on their final flavor. Hydrocarbons are extracted from plant matter that is either frozen or fresh and this process captures the vibrant flavors of live resin. This technique is used to protect the delicate compounds which would otherwise be destroyed due to drying or high temperature processing.
CO2 Terpenes are also an option. Carbon dioxide extraction allows for precise control and produces clean, stable terpene fractions. While the scent isn’t as strong than the aroma of hydrocarbons that are living CO2 profiles are appreciated for their purity and consistency. This is particularly true in formulations where balance is more important than intensity.
A producer should choose their method not based on trends, but rather on the result they would like to achieve.
Fresh Material makes a noticeable change
Terpenes from high-quality cannabis are harvested when they are harvested. Terpenes are volatile by nature that is, they degrade rapidly when exposed to oxygen, heat or prolonged time. The aroma of the original is best preserved with freshly frozen material or flowers which are properly preserved.
After degradation the extraction method cannot bring back what was lost. Because of this, skilled producers of terpenes are obsessed with finding and processing. Fresh and contaminated material is immediately identifiable through their scent clarity and intensity.
What to look out for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
When evaluating Cannabis terpenes for sale, flashy descriptions and exaggerated claims are easy to ignore. The most important thing is transparency. Buyers need to know the process of extraction of terpenes and where they originate from and how they will be processed.
Consistency is a key element. Cannabis-derived products, particularly strain-specific ones, should have the same aroma from batch to batch. The presence of large variations is often an indicator for companies who care about the quality of their products.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Methodology
Some choose to focus. Others prefer to concentrate on one thing. Mass Terpenes falls into the second category, focusing solely on the extraction of terpenes instead of expanding their focus to other kinds of products. This narrow focus permits greater control over the aroma, final output, as well as processing.
Mass Terpenes places a high importance on small batch production and careful post-processing. This allows the scent to speak for itself. Instead of relying heavily on hype, Massterpenes will let the scent speak for it’s own voice.
Aroma: The Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report isn’t a substitute for the first time a container of cannabis is opened. The complexity and acquaintance with cannabis-derived terpenes are evident immediately, and they can’t be replicated by synthetic blends. The aroma is the main indicator of success.
The authenticity of a product has become a major aspect in separating the market as it continues to develop. No matter if a producer chooses to use CO2 terpenes derived using CO2 or live extracts of cannabis, the end aim is the same: protect the original character of the plant. Terpenes when handled with care and a sense of purpose can do more than just improve the quality of products. They also bring the cannabis tradition forward.