As the cannabis sector develops, consumer expectations about authenticity and flavor are on the rise. Consumers are no longer looking for products that just “work”. They are looking for aromas from the plant that make them recognize it and flavors which reflect authentic cannabis. The increasing demand for cannabis has put Cannabis derived terpenes at the heart of important product development conversations.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
What are Terpenes and How Do They Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes, the aromatic substances which give cannabis its distinctive smell and taste are the main reason for this. They affect the way a product’s perceived quality before any effects are actually felt. When properly stored Terpenes are a way to communicate the freshness of a product and also strain lineage. They also communicate general quality. Even the most potent of products can become artificial or flat if it is handled incorrectly.
Cannabis Terpenes are extracted directly from the flower of cannabis plants. They they are able to capture the unique aromatic fingerprint. It’s a completely different product than botanical terpenes mixes which attempt to replicate the cannabis profile using compounds extracted non-cannabis plant. Although botanical blends are cost-effective but the flavor that consumers expect from true cannabis isn’t always available.
The extraction process determines the result
How the terpenes were extracted has a big impact on the end product. Hydrocarbon extraction using fresh or frozen plant material is usually favored for capturing lively, live-resin -like aromas. These techniques are employed to protect the delicate compounds that would otherwise be destroyed due to drying or high temperature processing.
At the same time, CO2 terpenes offer a different advantage. Carbon dioxide extraction yields clean, stable parts of terpenes, and allows for precision control. CO2 extractions can produce a more subdued scent than hydrocarbons that are live, but still have a place in the market for the purity and consistency they provide, especially in formulations that emphasize balance over intensity.
It is not possible to pick between these two. Each serves a different purpose and therefore producers must decide based on the outcome they want to achieve, not marketing trends.
Fresh Material is Measurable
The quality cannabis-derived terpenes begin at harvest. Terpenes are volatile and are degraded when exposed to oxygen, heat or over time. Using fresh frozen material or carefully preserved flower helps keep the aroma in its original profile.
Once degradation occurs and the process is not able to recover fully what was lost. This is the reason experienced producers of terpenes are extremely focused on sourcing and handling. The aroma and the clarity of the material will immediately tell you whether it is fresh or compromised.
What should you look for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
It is easy to ignore extravagant descriptions or exaggerated claims when evaluating Cannabis products on sale. The most important factor is transparency. The consumer should be able to understand the origins of the Terpenes, the extraction process, and processing after extraction.
Consistency is another important factor. The scent of cannabis-derived items must be constant from batch to batch. This is particularly true when the strains are different. The existence of huge variations indicates that the company is concerned about the quality of its products.
Terpene Craft: A Focused approach
Some producers are multi-faceted. Some prefer specialization. Mass Terpenes, which focuses exclusively on terpenes instead of being concerned with different categories of products, falls into the second group. The narrow focus allows for more control over the aroma, final output, and the processing.
Mass Terpenes’ small batch production and meticulous post-processing emphasizes the importance of letting the aromas speak for themselves. Instead of being a product that is hyped the product’s quality is intended to be experienced directly by the smell and taste that are unmistakably cannabis-like.
Aroma: The Ultimate Quality Check
When you open a bottle, there is no lab report that can replace it. Cannabis-derived terpenes of superior quality can be instantly recognized, showing an amount of complexity and familiarity unmatched by any artificial blend. Aroma is the best way to judge success.
As the market for cannabis expands, authenticity has become the main distinctive feature. The aim is the same regardless of whether a producer uses CO2 terpenes or cold-cured varieties. Terpenes when handled with respect and care can do more than just improve the quality of products. They also carry the cannabis tradition forward.