As the market for cannabis grows, so do expectations for flavor and authenticity. As the market for cannabis develops, consumers are less satisfied with products simply that “work”. Instead they seek authentic flavors and scents of real cannabis. Cannabis extracts are being developed to satisfy this need.
What are the Terpenes that define Cannabis identity?
Terpenes are the source of the distinct smell and flavor of marijuana strains. They influence the perception of a cannabis product before any effects take place. When properly stored Terpenes convey freshness and strain lineage. They also convey overall quality. If handled badly even products with high potency can feel artificial or slack.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Cannabis flower terpenes capture the aroma of the plant. This is an entirely different approach from botanical terpene mixtures that mimic cannabis profiles using compounds derived from plants other than cannabis. Although botanical blends are lower price, they do not have the sophistication that cannabis enthusiasts are looking for.
The method of extraction influences the final outcome
Terpenes’ final flavor is mostly determined by the way they are extracted. Hydrocarbons are extracted from plant material that is either fresh or frozen, and this method is able to capture the vivacious flavors of live resin. These techniques preserve fragile substances that are easily destroyed during drying or heat processing.
In addition CO2 terpenes provide another benefit. Carbon dioxide terpene extraction offers precise control and safe and stable terpene fragments. Although the aroma is less intense than that of live hydrocarbons, CO2 profiles are highly valued for their purity and consistency. This is especially the case in formulations where balance is more important than intensity.
It’s impossible to decide between the two. Each has an objective that is distinct and the producers must make a decision based upon the outcome they want to achieve, not market trends.
Fresh Material can make a tangible difference
The quality of Cannabis-derived terpenes begins at harvest. Terpenes can be volatile and are degraded when exposed to oxygen, heat or over time. Utilizing fresh frozen material or carefully preserved flowers helps to preserve the original aroma profile.
After degradation has occurred, no technique of extraction can bring back what is lost. The terpene industry is concentrated on the source of raw materials and the handling of them. The distinction between fresh and compromised material is immediately noticeable in smell clarity and in depth.
What to Look for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
When evaluating Cannabis Terpenes on sale, flashy descriptions and over-inflated claims are simple to overlook. What matters more is transparency. The consumer should be able to understand the origins of the terpenes, their extraction, and the process after extraction.
Consistency is a key factor. Truly cannabis-derived product will smell the identical from batch-to-batch, even when it is specific to the strain. Large variations often indicate unstable sources or production that is rushed, which are both red flags for companies who are focused on quality.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Approach
Some producers try to be all things to all people. Others choose specialization. Mass Terpenes is in the second class. It is focused solely on the extraction of terpenes, instead of dividing attention among different types of products. This narrow focus gives greater control over aroma, processing, and the final product.
By prioritizing small-batch production and meticulous processing, Mass Terpenes emphasizes letting the flavor speak for itself. Instead of relying on hype The quality is designed to be felt directly by the smell and taste that feel unmistakably cannabis.
Aroma: The Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report cannot substitute the moment when the container is opened. High-quality cannabis-derived terpenes are instantly recognizable, displaying a level of quality and sophistication that cannot be matched by any synthetic blend. Aroma is the most reliable indicator of success.
As the cannabis industry evolves, authenticity becomes the key differentiation. Whether a producer chooses live-extracted profile, cold-cured varieties or refined CO2 terpenes but the aim remains the same: to preserve the natural characteristics of the plant. When terpenes have been treated with respect and care, they can do much more than just enhance the quality of the product. They can also help to carry forward cannabis culture in its most recognizable format.