As the market for cannabis grows, so do expectations for flavor and authenticity. Consumers are not satisfied with products that “work”. They want experiences that are true to the plant, aromas that evoke recognition and taste that reflects the actual cannabis. This growing demand has placed Cannabis derived terpenes at the center of serious product development conversations.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Terpenes are among the most important components of cannabis identity
Terpenes is an aromatic chemical responsible for the distinctive aroma and taste of marijuana strains. They influence how a product is perceived even before effects are experienced. If they are properly preserved Terpenes can convey freshness, strain heritage and also quality. If they are handled poorly even products with high potency can appear fake or spongy.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from the cannabis flower, and capture the natural aroma of the plant. This is a distinct distinction from botanical terpene mixtures, which attempt to mimic the cannabis profile using substances extracted from non-cannabis plants. Blends of botanicals can be more cost-effective but they don’t have the same amount of depth as real cannabis.
The extraction method affects the result
The method used to extract Terpenes plays a huge role on their final flavor. Hydrocarbons obtained from fresh or newly-frozen plant material are commonly used to capture vivid, resinous-like scents. These methods preserve fragile substances that can be easily destroyed when drying or processing at high temperatures.
CO2 terpenes are also an advantage. Carbon dioxide extraction allows for precise control and creates pure, stable terpene fragments. The aroma of the resulting profile could be less pronounced when compared to live hydrocarbon extractions. But CO2 profiles can provide the sameness and purity, especially in formulations which value balance over intensity.
Both methods serve distinct goals, and producers who are well-informed select the one which best meets their needs rather than relying on marketing trends.
Fresh Material can make a measurable difference
The quality of cannabis-derived terpenes begins when they are harvested. Terpenes can be volatile and are degraded when exposed to the elements of heat, oxygen or over time. By using fresh flowers, frozen or a material that has been carefully preserved, you will be able to preserve the original aroma.
There is no extraction method that can bring back the value lost once degradation has occurred. This is the reason experienced terpene producers focus obsessively on the sourcing process and handling. The distinction between fresh and compromised material is immediately noticeable in smell clarity and in depth.
What should you look for when purchasing cannabis Terpenes
Exaggerated descriptions and flashy words can be ignored when evaluating Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency is more important. Buyers must know where Terpenes come from, how they were extracted, and how they are transformed after extraction.
Consistency is also a major factor. True cannabis-derived products should smell the exact same from batch to batch even if it’s specific to a particular strain. The presence of large variations indicates that the company is concerned about the quality of its products.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Methodology
Some producers attempt to be all things to all people. Others opt for specialization. Mass Terpenes is in the second category. It concentrates solely on the extraction of terpenes, rather than dispersing attention between various types of products. That narrow focus allows for greater control over aroma, processing, and final output.
Mass Terpenes puts an emphasis on letting the aroma be the main focus. The quality should be experienced in the moment, not through the hype.
Aroma is the Ultimate Quality Check
The moment you open the bottle, no lab report will be able to replace it. Cannabis-derived terpenes of superior quality are immediately identifiable, displaying the level of complexity and familiarity unmatched by any synthetic blend. Aroma is the sole test of quality.
Authenticity has become a key factor in differentiating the market as it develops. No matter whether a product is created using CO2 terpenes which have been refined or cold-cured, the ultimate aim is to keep the original characteristics of the plant. When terpenes used with intention and care, they are not just a means to improve the quality of the product. They also help carry cannabis’ cultivation forward.