As the market for cannabis grows, expectations about flavor and authenticity continue to rise. The customer is no longer satisfied by items that “work”. They are looking for authentic experiences that reflect the plant, aromas that are memorable and tastes that reflect the real cannabis. Cannabis Terpenes that are derived from cannabis now make up the basis of all serious product discussions.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
The Terpenes that Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes is an aromatic chemical responsible for the distinctive smell and taste of cannabis strains. They impact the perception of a product’s quality can be determined long before effects are experienced. If properly preserved Terpenes are a source of freshness, strain heritage and quality. Even highly-potent products can be artificial or flat if not handled correctly.
Cannabis Terpenes are extracted direct from the flower of cannabis plants. they are able to capture the unique aromatic fingerprint. This is a distinct distinction from botanical blends of terpenes which attempt to imitate the cannabis profile by utilizing compounds that are not derived from cannabis plants. While botanical blends are less expensive, they don’t offer the same depth as cannabis experts consider to be part of it.
Extraction Method Shapes the Outcome
The method of extraction of terpenes plays a major role in their final flavor. Hydrocarbon extraction from fresh or freshly frozen plant material is often popular for its ability to create vibrant, live-resin-like scents. These techniques preserve delicate compounds that are easily lost in drying or high-heat processing.
At the same time, CO2 terpenes offer a different advantage. Carbon dioxide terpene extraction offers exact control and clean and stable terpene fragments. The aroma produced may be less strong than hydrocarbon extractions. However, CO2 extracted profiles are more valuable for consistency and purity formulations.
Each method is not inherently “better.” Each serves an objective that is different, and informed producers choose according to their goals rather than marketing trends.
The difference between new and old material is measurable
The quality of cannabis-derived terpenes starts when they are harvested. Terpenes are degraded quickly when exposed to heat, oxygen or time. Freshly frozen materials, or a flower that has been preserved with care can help lock in the original scent flavor.
After degradation has occurred and extraction techniques have failed, no method will be able restore everything of the lost. Because of this, skilled producers of terpenes are enthralled by sourcing and processing. The contrast between a fresh and compromised product is evident in the aroma clarity and depth.
What should you look for when purchasing cannabis Terpenes
It’s easy to ignore the glitzy claims and descriptions when looking at Cannabis Terpenes. What matters more is transparency. The buyer must be able to comprehend the source of the Terpenes, their extraction and the process after extraction.
Consistency, too, is an important aspect. A truly cannabis-based product will smell the same from batch-to batch even if it’s strain-specific. Large variations can indicate unstable sources, or an overly fast production. These are both warning signs in the case of quality-focused brands.
Terpene Craft: A Focused Method
Some producers are all-rounders. Others opt for specialization. Mass Terpenes, which focuses exclusively on terpenes instead of dealing with different product categories, is in the second category. This focus on terpene extraction allows for greater control of aromas, processing, and the final product.
By focusing on small-batch production as well as precise processing, Mass Terpenes emphasizes letting the aroma be the main focus. Instead of relying on hype, Massterpenes is determined to let the scent speak for itself.
Aroma as an opportunity to conduct a Quality Check
A lab report isn’t an alternative to the first time a container of cannabis is opened. Terpenes that are high-quality and derived from cannabis reveal their true nature immediately, with an array of complexity and familiarity that synthetic blends cannot beat. Aroma is the most reliable measure of quality and success.
Authenticity is the new differentiator in the industry. No matter whether a product is produced using CO2 terpenes, which are refined or cured cold, the main aim is to keep the original flavor of the plant. Terpenes when handled with care and a sense of purpose are more than just improving products. They also bring the cannabis culture forward.