As the marijuana industry develops and expands, so does consumer expectations. Consumers are not content with items which “work”. They want products that truly reflect the plant, aromas that evoke recognition and taste that reflects the actual cannabis. Cannabis derived products are being developed to meet this need.
Terpenes comprise the primary ingredients of cannabis’s identity.
Terpenes produce the distinctive smell and flavor of marijuana strains. They impact how a particular product is perceived long before the effects can be felt. If properly preserved, Terpenes can communicate freshness as well as strain lineage and overall quality. Even a product that is extremely potent could become fake or flat if handled improperly.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, which captures the natural aroma of the plant. This is a distinct distinction from botanical terpene blends that attempt to replicate cannabis profiles using compounds extracted from plants that are not cannabis. While botanical blends can be cost-effective, they rarely deliver the layered depth that experienced users associate with real cannabis.
The extraction method influences the outcome
The method of extraction of terpenes is essential to their final characteristics. Hydrocarbons are extracted from plant matter that is either frozen or fresh, and this process captures the vibrant scents of live resin. These methods preserve delicate substances that are easily destroyed when drying or heat processing.
CO2 terpenes also offer advantages. Carbon dioxide extraction is precise and yields solid, clean terpene fractions. The aroma of the profile might be less intense as compared to hydrocarbon extractions that are live. But CO2 profiles can provide consistency and purity, particularly in formulations which value balance more than intensity.
Both strategies work equally well, however each serves a distinct function. Informed producers make their decisions based on desired result rather than marketing trends.
Fresh Material is Measurable
The quality of Cannabis-derived terpenes begins at harvest. Terpenes break down quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat or prolonged time. Freshly frozen materials or carefully preserved flower helps to preserve the original aroma profile.
Once degradation takes place and the process of extraction ceases, there is no way that will be able to restore what has been lost. Because of this, skilled producers of terpenes are enthralled by sourcing and processing. Aroma clarity and depth are immediately different between fresh and damaged material.
What to Look for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
In evaluating Cannabis Terpenes, it’s easy to overlook the glitzy descriptions. More important is the transparency. Buyers should understand where the terpenes came from the source, how they were extracted, and how they are treated following extraction.
Consistency is yet another important element. It is essential that cannabis-derived items smell exactly the same, regardless of batch size. Wide variations are often a sign of unstable source or rush production, both red flags for brands that are focused on quality.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Approach
Some producers are multi-faceted. Others choose specialization. Mass Terpenes fits into the second group, as it concentrates on terpenes only instead of spreading attention across multiple product types. This focus is narrow and allows for greater control over the aroma, final output, and processing.
Mass Terpenes’ small batch production and meticulous post-processing highlight the importance of letting aromas be the main focus. The quality should be felt immediately, not via hype.
Aroma: The Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report isn’t an alternative to the first time a cannabis container is opened. The complexity and familiarity of cannabis-derived Terpenes are evident immediately and can’t be duplicated by artificial blends. Aroma is still the most authentic indicator of success.
Genuineness is the new distinguishing factor in the industry. The objective is the same regardless of regardless of whether a producer makes use of CO2 terpenes, or cold-cured varieties. Terpenes, when handled with respect and care are more than just improving the quality of products. They also help carry the cannabis tradition forward.