As the marijuana market develops and expands and expands, so do consumer expectations. Customers no longer seek out products that only “work”. They are looking for flavors from the plant that help them identify it and flavors which reflect real cannabis. Cannabis derived terpenes now form the basis of all serious product debates.
The reason Terpenes define Cannabis identity
Terpenes produce the distinctive flavor and aroma of cannabis strains. They affect how a product is perceived even before the effects can be felt. If properly preserved, terpenes have the ability to convey freshness, as well as strain lineage and overall quality. If they are handled poorly even products with high potency can appear fake or spongy.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Cannabis flower is the main source of real Cannabis Terpenes, which are the natural aroma of the plant. It’s a distinct product from botanical terpenes blends that try to recreate the characteristics of cannabis using compounds extracted non-cannabis plant. The botanical blends are cost-effective but they don’t have the same depth as true cannabis.
Extraction Method Influences the Outcome
Terpenes’ final flavor is determined by the method from which they are extracted. Hydrocarbons taken from fresh or recently frozen plant materials are often used to capture vibrant, resinous-like scents. These methods preserve compounds that can be easily destroyed in high-temperature processes or drying.
However CO2 terpenes provide an additional benefit. Carbon dioxide extraction allows for exact control and results in pure, stable terpene fragments. Although the aroma is less in intensity than those of living hydrocarbons CO2 profiles are appreciated because of their consistency and purity. This is especially the case in formulations when balance is more important than intensity.
It’s not possible to choose between the two. Each method serves a purpose that is different and the producers must make a decision based upon their desired outcome, not marketing trends.
Fresh Material makes a noticeable change
The quality of Cannabis-derived terpenes begins at harvest. Terpenes break down quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat or time. The use of fresh frozen materials and carefully preserved flowers helps to lock in the original aroma profiles.
When degradation has occurred, no extraction technique can bring back the original amount. For this reason, experienced producers of terpenes are enthralled by sourcing and processing. Aroma clarity and depth differ immediately between the fresh and the compromised material.
What to look out for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
In evaluating Cannabis Terpenes, it’s easy to ignore overly-exaggerated descriptions. Transparency is the most important thing. Buyers need to know the method of extraction and where they originate from and how they are processed.
Consistency, too, is an important aspect. Cannabis-derived products, particularly strain-specific ones, should have the same smell from batch-to-batch. If there are large differences this could indicate insecure sourcing and rush production. Both of these are warning signs for brands that are concerned about the quality of their products.
A Specific Methodology for Terpene Craft
Some producers are all-rounders. Others choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes, which focuses only on terpenes, rather than having a focus on different categories of products, falls into the second group. The focus on terpenes gives more control of the end product, scent and processing.
Mass Terpenes puts an emphasis on letting the aroma be the main focus. Instead of relying upon advertising the quality is to be viewed through aromas and flavors that are distinct cannabis-based.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
No lab report can ever substitute the moment when the container is opened. Terpenes derived from cannabis that are of high quality can be instantly recognized, showing the level of quality and sophistication that cannot be matched by any synthetic blend. Aroma is the most reliable measure of success.
As the industry continues to evolve authenticity is now the real differentiator. The aim is the same regardless of regardless of whether the producer is using CO2 Terpenes or cold-cured varieties. If terpenes are handled with care and consideration and care, they not only improve the quality of products. They also carry the cannabis cultivation forward in the most well-known form.