As the market for cannabis grows, as do expectations for taste and authenticity. As the market for cannabis matures consumers are less satisfied with products simply that “work”. Instead they are looking for authentic tastes and aromas of real cannabis. Cannabis-derived terpenes are now prominent in product development discussions due to this growing demand.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
The reason Terpenes define Cannabis identity
Terpenes is an aromatic compound responsible for the distinct aroma and taste of cannabis strains. They affect how a product is perceived prior to any effects can be felt. If properly preserved, terpenes are able to communicate freshness, as well as quality and strain lineage. Even products with high potency can be artificial or flat if not properly handled.
Cannabis flower terpenes can capture the natural aromatic fingerprint of the plant. This is a distinct approach to botanical terpene mixes that mimic cannabis profiles with compounds extracted from plants other than cannabis. While botanical blends can be inexpensive, they do not provide the depth and layering that experienced customers associate with genuine cannabis.
The extraction method determines the outcome
How the terpenes were extracted has a big impact on the end product. Hydrocarbon extraction is typically utilized to create the vibrant aromas of resin. These methods protect fragile compounds, which can easily disappear in high-heat or drying processes.
At the same time, CO2 terpenes offer a different advantage. Carbon dioxide terpene extraction offers precise control as well as safe and stable terpene fragments. Although the aroma is less intense than that of hydrocarbons that are living CO2 profiles are appreciated for their purity and consistency. This is especially true in formulations when balance is more important than intensity.
It is not possible to pick between these two. Each method serves a purpose that is different and the producers must choose based on their intended outcome instead of marketing trends.
Fresh Material is measurable
The quality of cannabis-derived Terpenes is determined by harvest. Terpenes can be volatile and degrade when exposed either to heat, oxygen or time. Freshly frozen material or flowers that have been carefully preserved can help lock in the original aroma flavor.
When degradation occurs and the process of extraction ceases, there is no way that can bring back what is lost. This is why experienced terpene producers focus obsessively on the sourcing process and handling. The clarity and intensity of the aroma are immediately different between the fresh and the compromised material.
What to look out for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
You are able to easily overlook the exaggerated descriptions or flashy claims when you are evaluating Cannabis products for sale. Transparency is more important. Buyers need to know the process of extraction of terpenes and from where they are sourced and how they are processed.
Consistency is also a crucial aspect. The aroma of cannabis-derived products should be consistent from batch to batch. This is especially true when the strains are different. Wide variations could signal unstable sources, or an overly fast production. These are both red flags for quality-oriented brands.
A Focused Methodology for Terpene Craft
Some producers try to be all things to all people. Others opt to focus on a specific area. Mass Terpenes fits into the second category because it is focused on terpenes in particular rather than spread attention over multiple product types. This focus is more focused and allows for better control of aroma processing, output and extraction.
Mass Terpenes prioritizes small-batch manufacturing and post-processing, letting the aroma speak for it. Instead of relying on a marketing campaign the quality of the product is perceived directly through smell and taste that are unmistakably marijuana.
Aroma as an opportunity to conduct a Quality Check
The lab report will never be able to replace the moment the container is opened. Terpenes that are high-quality and derived from cannabis announce themselves immediately, displaying sophistication and a familiarity that synthetic blends are unable to compete with. Aroma is the best method to determine the quality of the blend.
Authenticity is the new differentiator in the business. This is true whether producers choose live-extracted profiles or CO2 refined Terpenes. When terpenes have been handled with care and respect, they can do much more than enhance the quality of the product. They also can help to carry forward cannabis culture in its most well-known format.