As the marijuana industry matures and grows and expands, so do consumer expectations. Customers are not satisfied with products which “work” any longer. They want to experience scents and flavors that are a reflection of cannabis. Cannabis derivative products are being created to meet this need.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
The reason Terpenes define Cannabis identity
Terpenes is the aromatic substance that gives the distinctive taste and scent of cannabis strains. They affect how a product is perceived before effects are felt. When properly stored, terpenes have the ability to convey freshness and also strain lineage and overall quality. If they are handled badly even a product with a high potency may be a bit spongy or synthetic.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, capturing the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. This is in stark contrast to botanical terpenes, which are made from other sources and try to mimic cannabis profiles. While botanical blends can be economical, they don’t always provide the level of depth and depth consumers associate with true cannabis.
The extraction method determines the outcome
The method used to extract Terpenes plays a huge role on their final character. Hydrocarbon extraction using fresh or frozen plant material is usually popular for its ability to create vibrant, live-resin-like scents. These methods conserve fragile substances that are easily destroyed during drying or heat processing.
At the same time CO2 terpenes have another benefit. Carbon dioxide extraction permits precise control, and produces solid and clean Terpenes that are stable and clean. The aroma that is produced can be less pronounced than hydrocarbon-based extractions. However, CO2 derived profiles have a higher value for purity and consistency in formulations.
The two methods serve different objectives, and those who are educated select the one that is most suitable for their requirements rather than relying on marketing trends.
Fresh Material makes a tangible Difference
After harvest, the purity of cannabis-derived compounds begins to be determined. Terpenes, by their nature, are unstable, meaning they will degrade rapidly when exposed to heat, oxygen or time. The original scent is best preserved with freshly frozen material or flowers which have been properly preserved.
When degradation occurs There is no method of extraction that will be able to restore what has been lost. This is why experienced Terpene producers are focused on sourcing and handling. The difference in aroma clarity in depth, complexity and intensity between fresh and compromised material is evident immediately.
What to look out for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
When evaluating Cannabis Terpenes on sale the flashy descriptions and exaggerated claims are easy to dismiss. Transparency, however, is more crucial. Buyers must be aware of how terpenes are extracted and from where they are sourced and how they will be processed.
Consistency is another important element. True cannabis-derived products should smell the exact same from batch to batch even if it’s specific to a particular strain. If there are significant differences in smell, it could indicate unstable sourcing and rushed production. Both of these are warning signs for brands that are concerned about quality.
Terpene Craft: A Focused Method
Certain producers are multi-faceted. Others opt to focus on a specific area. Mass Terpenes fits into the second group, as it concentrates on terpenes only rather than spread attention over various types of products. This focus is more focused and allows for better control of the smell processing, as well as output.
Mass Terpenes’ small batch production and meticulous post-processing emphasizes the importance of letting aromas be the main focus. The flavor should be felt immediately, not via the hype.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report is not an equivalent to the first time a cannabis container is opened. Terpenes that are high-quality and derived from cannabis reveal themselves immediately, revealing an array of complexity and familiarity that synthetic blends cannot compete with. Aroma is the most reliable gauge of a successful blend.
Genuineness is the new distinguishing factor in the market. Whether a producer chooses live-extracted profile, cold-cured varieties or CO2 terpenes that are refined but the aim remains the same: preserve the original character of the plant. When terpenes used with intention and vigilance, they’re more than just a means to improve the quality of products. They actually assist in bringing cannabis’ culture forward.