As the cannabis market matures and expectations increase for flavor and authenticity. The consumers aren’t 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 authentically cannabis not just imitations. Terpenes derived from cannabis are at the forefront of product development discussions due to the growing demand.
Terpenes are the main components of cannabis identity
Terpenes produce the distinctive aroma and taste of marijuana strains. They influence how a product is perceived prior to any effects can be felt. If properly preserved Terpenes signal freshness, strain lineage and overall quality. Even high-potency products that are treated improperly may make them appear fake.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from the cannabis flower, and capture the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. It’s a distinct product from the botanical terpenes blends which attempt to replicate the characteristics of cannabis using compounds extracted non-cannabis plant. While botanical blends might be more affordable, they do not offer the same depth as cannabis experts believe it has.
The extraction method influences the outcome
How terpenes have been extracted will have a major impact on the final product. Hydrocarbons are extracted from plant materials that are either frozen or fresh and this method can capture the vibrant scents of live resin. These methods preserve delicate compounds which are easily lost when drying or heat processing.
CO2 terpenes can also provide an advantage. CO2 extraction allows for exact control and creates pure and stable terpenes. The resultant aroma could be more restrained compared to live hydrocarbon extractions, but CO2 extracted profiles are appreciated for consistency and purity especially when it comes to formulations that require balance more than the intensity.
It’s not possible to decide between the two. Each method serves an objective that is distinct and therefore producers must make a decision based upon their intended outcome instead of marketing trends.
Fresh Material makes a tangible Impact
The quality of cannabis-derived terpenes begins with the harvest. Terpenes are volatile and break down when exposed to the elements of heat, oxygen or over time. If you use a fresh, frozen flower or a material that has been carefully preserved, you can preserve the original aroma.
When degradation has occurred the extraction method cannot fully restore the original amount. This is why seasoned Terpene producers are focused on sourcing and handling. The scent and the clarity of the substance will tell you whether it’s fresh or damaged.
What to look out for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
When evaluating Cannabis terpenes for sale, flashy descriptions and exaggerated claims are easy to ignore. Transparency is more important. Buyers need to know where the terpenes came from and how they were extracted, and the way they are treated following extraction.
Consistency is another key factor. True cannabis-derived products should smell the same from batch to particularly if they are strain-specific. Wide variations are usually a red flag for brands who care about quality.
Terpene Craft: A Focused method
Some producers try to do everything all at once. Some producers choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes, which focuses solely on terpenes rather than being concerned with multiple categories of products, falls into the second category. This narrow focus allows more control over aromas as well as the process and final product.
Mass Terpenes prioritizes small-batch manufacturing and post-processing that lets the scent speak for itself. The quality should be felt directly, not through media hype.
Aroma is the Ultimate Quality Check
It’s impossible to substitute the instant a container has been opened. The variety and familiarity of cannabis-derived terpenes are readily apparent, and they can’t be duplicated by artificial blends. Aroma is the most reliable measure of quality and success.
The authenticity of a product has become a major aspect in separating the business as it continues to develop. The objective is the same regardless of whether a producer uses CO2 Terpenes or cold-cured varieties. When terpenes are handled with care and respect and care, they are able to do more than just enhance the quality of the product. They can also help in bringing cannabis culture in the most well-known form.