As the cannabis market matures consumer expectations regarding authenticity and flavor are growing. Customers are no longer content with products that just “work.” They are looking for experience that is real to the smells of the plants that spark recognition and flavors that are true to cannabis, not merely imitations. This growing demand has placed Cannabis derived terpenes at the center of serious product development conversations.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
The Terpenes that Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes are the source of the distinctive aroma and flavor of marijuana strains. They can affect perceptions of a cannabis product before effects even occur. If they are properly preserved Terpenes are a source of freshness, strain heritage and also quality. If handled improperly even the most potent product can feel flat or artificial.
Cannabis flower is the source of the real Cannabis Terpenes, which are the natural aroma of the plant. It’s a completely different product from the botanical terpenes blends that attempt to mimic the characteristics of cannabis using compounds taken from non-cannabis plants. While botanical blends come at a lower price, they do not have the sophistication that cannabis enthusiasts would like to see.
The extraction process determines the result
The final character of terpenes is determined by the method from which they are extracted. Hydrocarbons are extracted from plant materials that are either frozen or fresh and this process captures the vibrant flavors of live resin. These methods are used to preserve the fragile compounds that could otherwise be destroyed by drying or high heat processing.
However CO2 terpenes provide an additional benefit. Carbon dioxide extraction is precise and results in stable, clean terpene fractions. Although the aroma is less in intensity than those of hydrocarbons that are living, CO2 profiles are highly valued because of their consistency and purity. This is especially true in formulations where balance is more crucial than intensity.
Each method is not inherently “better.” Each method serves a different purpose and producers who are well-informed make their choice the best method based on their intended outcome instead of marketing trends.
Fresh Material makes a tangible Impact
The quality of cannabis-derived terpenes begins with the harvest. Terpenes degrade quickly if exposed to heat, oxygen or even time. By using fresh, frozen flowers or a material that has been carefully preserved, you can preserve the original aroma.
When degradation begins it is impossible to completely recover what has been lost. The industry of terpenes is concentrated on the source of raw materials as well as the handling of them. The difference in the clarity of aroma as well as depth and complexity of fresh and compromised materials is immediately apparent.
What to Look out for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
The exaggerated and flamboyant descriptions can be ignored when it comes to evaluating Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency is the most important thing. Buyers need to know where the Terpenes originate from and how they were extracted, and the way they are transformed following extraction.
Consistency is a crucial aspect. True cannabis-derived products must smell the same from batch to batch, especially when they’re a specific strain. The large variations could indicate insecure source of production, or the rush to produce. Both of these are indications of a problem for high-quality brands.
Terpene Craft: A Focused approach
Some producers try to do all things at once. Some producers choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes falls into the second category, focusing solely on the extraction of terpenes rather than expanding their focus to other different types of products. This narrow focus permits greater control over the scent, final output, and processing.
By focusing on small-batch production as well as careful processing, Mass Terpenes emphasizes letting the flavor speak for itself. Instead of heavily relying on hype, Mass Terpenes will let the scent speak for itself.
Aroma: The Ultimate Quality Check
No lab report replaces the moment a container is opened. High-quality cannabis-derived terpenes announce themselves immediately, with the complexity and familiarity that even artificial blends can’t match. Aroma is the most reliable way to judge success.
As the cannabis industry continues to grow, authenticity is now the primary differentiator. The objective is the same regardless of whether the producer is using CO2 terpenes or cold-cured varieties. Terpenes, when treated with respect and intention are more than just improving products. They also bring the cannabis culture forward.