As the cannabis market matures, consumer expectations regarding authentic taste and authenticity are on the rise. Customers no longer seek out products that simply “work”. They want scents that help them identify the plant and its flavors that reflect authentic cannabis. This growing demand has placed Cannabis derived terpenes at the center of serious product development conversations.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Terpenes are the main components of cannabis identity
Terpenes are the compounds that are responsible for the distinct scent and taste of cannabis strains. They impact how a particular product will be perceived before any effects are felt. When preserved correctly Terpenes are a source of freshness, strain heritage, and quality. If handled badly even the most potent products may feel artificial or spongy.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, capturing the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. This is an entirely different approach to botanical terpene mixes which mimic the cannabis profile with compounds extracted from plants other than cannabis. Botanical blends may be more efficient in terms of cost, but they do not have the same level of substance as genuine cannabis.
The Extraction Method Determines the Result
The extraction method of terpenes has a significant impact on their final characteristics. Hydrocarbon extraction from fresh or fresh-frozen plants is a preferred method to extract vivid, resinous aromas. These methods help preserve fragile compounds that are easily lost during drying or high-heat processing.
CO2 Terpenes are an option. Carbon dioxide extraction is precise and results in pure, stable terpene fragments. The aroma that results may be less pronounced than hydrocarbon-based extractions. However, CO2 derived profiles are more valuable for purity and consistency in formulations.
Each method is not inherently “better.” Each has distinct purposes and the informed producer chooses based on their desired outcome rather than based on marketing trends.
The difference between new and old material is evident.
The quality of cannabis-derived terpenes starts with the harvest. Terpenes are degraded quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat or time. The original aroma is best preserved by using fresh frozen materials or flowers that have been properly preserved.
When degradation occurs There is no method of extraction that can bring back what is lost. This is why experienced Terpene producers are focused on sourcing and handling. The clarity and intensity of the aroma are instantly different between the fresh and the compromised material.
What to Look out for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
It’s easy to overlook the glitzy claims and descriptions when looking at Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency is more important. The consumer should be able to understand the origins of the Terpenes, their extraction and processing after extraction.
Consistency is a key element. Cannabis-derived products, particularly those that are specific to a particular strain, must possess the same aroma from batch to batch. Wide variations are often a sign of unstable sourcing or rushed production and are a red flag for companies focused on quality.
Terpene Craft: A Focused method
Others opt to focus. Others choose specialization. Mass Terpenes belongs to the second category, and concentrates solely on terpenes rather than having a focus on multiple product varieties. That narrow focus allows for greater control over aroma, processing, and output.
Mass Terpenes places a high importance on small batch production, as well as a meticulous post-processing. This enables the flavor to speak for the product. Instead of being a product that is hyped The quality is designed to be felt directly by tasting and smelling that feel unmistakably cannabis.
Aroma: The Ultimate Quality Check
It’s impossible to replace the instant a container has been opened. High-quality cannabis-derived terpenes announce themselves instantly, with a sophistication and a familiarity that synthetic blends can’t compete with. Aroma remains the truest measure of quality and success.
As the industry continues to evolve, authenticity is becoming the main factor. It doesn’t matter if a product is made with CO2 terpenes which have been refined or cold-cured, the ultimate aim is to keep the original characteristics of the plant. When cannabis and terpenes are treated with care and respect they do more to enhance the quality of the quality of products. They carry cannabis culture into the future in its most recognizable form.