As the cannabis industry develops, consumers’ expectations about flavor and authenticity are increasing. As the market for cannabis develops consumers are less content with products simply that “work”. Instead, they want authentic flavors and smells of genuine cannabis. This growing demand has placed Cannabis derived terpenes at the center of serious product development conversations.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
What are Terpenes and How Do They Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes, which are the aromatic compounds which give cannabis its distinctive aroma and flavor are responsible for this. They influence the perception of a cannabis product before the effects begin to manifest. When preserved correctly, terpenes convey freshness, strain heritage and also quality. If they are handled poorly even the most potent products may seem artificial or flat.
Cannabis flower terpenes can capture the scent of the plant. This is a distinct difference from botanical terpenes, which are made from non-cannabis sources, and attempt to imitate cannabis profiles. Although botanical blends are economical but the flavor that consumers expect from true cannabis isn’t always there.
The extraction process determines the result
The way terpenes are extracted has a big influence on the final product. Hydrocarbon extraction is typically utilized to create the vibrant aromas of resin. These methods protect fragile substances, which are prone to be lost in high-heat or drying processes.
CO2 Terpenes are a good alternative. Carbon dioxide extracting allows for precise control, and also produces solid and clean terpenes. The aroma of the profile might be less intense than with live hydrocarbon extractions. But CO2 profiles offer consistency and purity, particularly in formulations which value balance over intensity.
It’s impossible to decide between the two. Each serves a different purpose and therefore producers must decide based on the outcome they want to achieve, not market trends.
Fresh Material Could Make an observable difference
The high-quality terpenes of cannabis begin when the plants are harvested. Terpenes are volatile and will rapidly degrade when they come into contact with oxygen heat, time, or other elements. When you use fresh, frozen flowers or material that is carefully preserved, you can lock in your original aroma.
There is no extraction method that can restore the lost value once degradation has occurred. This is the reason experienced producers of terpenes are extremely focused on sourcing and handling. Fresh and damaged materials are immediately discernible by their clarity of aroma and intensity.
What to look out for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
It’s easy to overlook exaggerated claims and descriptions when looking at Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency is of greater importance. Buyers should know how the terpenes were extracted and processed.
Consistency is also an important factor. The scent of cannabis-derived items must be consistent from batch to batch. This is particularly true when the varieties are different. The large variations could indicate insecure sources, or an overly fast production. Both of these are indications of a problem when it comes to quality-focused brands.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Approach
Some producers attempt to be all things at one time. Some choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes is in the second group. It focuses exclusively on the extraction of terpenes, rather than dispersing attention between multiple product types. Terpenes are the focus, which provides greater control of the end product’s the aroma, and the processing.
Mass Terpenes prioritizes small-batch manufacturing and post-processing to let the aroma speak for itself. The flavor should be experienced in the moment, not through the hype.
Aroma: The Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report is not an alternative to the first time that a cannabis bottle is opened. High-quality cannabis derived terpenes reveal themselves instantly, with a complexity and familiarity which artificial blends aren’t able to match. Aroma is the most reliable method to determine the quality of the blend.
As the industry continues to evolve authenticity is the main factor. This same principle applies whether producers choose live-extracted profiles or CO2 refined terpenes. If terpenes are used with care and vigilance, they’re not just a means to enhance the product. They also assist in bringing cannabis’ tradition forward.