As the market for cannabis matures, as do expectations for taste and authenticity. Consumers are not content with products which “work”. They are seeking authentic experiences that reflect the plant, smells that make them feel familiar, and flavors that reflect the actual cannabis. Cannabis derived terpenes now form the foundation of any serious product discussions.
The reason Terpenes define Cannabis identity
Terpenes is an aromatic compound responsible for the distinct aroma and taste of marijuana strains. They impact how a particular product is perceived even before the effects can be experienced. If they are properly preserved, terpenes convey freshness, strain history, and quality. Even high-potency substances treated improperly may make them feel artificial.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Cannabis flower terpenes are a way to capture the aroma of the plant. This is fundamentally unlike botanical terpenes which are derived from non-cannabis sources, and attempt to mimic cannabis profiles. Although botanical blends are lower price, they do not have the complexity that cannabis lovers expect.
The Extraction Method Determines the Result
The final character of terpenes is largely determined by how they are extracted. Hydrocarbon extraction is usually used to capture the vibrant aromas of resin. These methods preserve compounds that can be easily destroyed by high-temperature processing or drying.
CO2 terpenes are also an advantage. CO2 extraction permits exact control and results in solid, clean terpene fractions. The flavor of the profile may be more muted as compared to hydrocarbon extractions that are live. But CO2 profiles offer consistency and purity, particularly when formulas are based on balance more than intensity.
It’s not possible to choose between the two. Each method serves a different purpose and therefore producers must decide based on their desired outcome, not marketing trends.
Fresh Material makes a tangible difference
The quality of Cannabis-derived terpenes begins at harvest. Terpenes are volatile and are degraded when exposed to either to heat, oxygen or time. Utilizing fresh frozen material or carefully preserved flower helps to preserve the original aroma profile.
After degradation and the process is not able to completely recover what has been lost. This is why seasoned Terpene producers are focused on sourcing and handling. The differences in aroma clarity, depth and complexity between fresh and compromised material is immediately apparent.
What to be looking for when purchasing Cannabis Terpenes
You are able to easily overlook flashy descriptions or exaggerated claims when looking at Cannabis products on sale. What matters more is transparency. Buyers must be aware of the method of extraction, where they come from and how they will be processed.
Consistency is also a major factor. Cannabis-derived products, particularly strain-specific ones, should have the same aroma from batch to batch. The presence of large variations can be a sign that the brand cares about quality.
Terpene Craft: a Focused Approach
Some producers attempt to be all things to all people. Some producers choose to specialize. Mass Terpenes fits into the second group, as it focuses on terpenes exclusively instead of spreading attention across multiple product types. The focus on terpenes provides greater control over the final product, scent and processing.
Mass Terpenes places a high emphasis on small-scale production and careful post-processing. This enables the flavor to speak for itself. The flavor should be experienced directly, not through the hype.
Aroma is the Ultimate Quality Check
No lab report can ever replace the moment that a container is open. Terpenes that are high-quality and derived from cannabis reveal themselves instantly, with a complexity and familiarity which artificial blends can’t beat. Aroma is the most reliable measurement of your success.
As the cannabis market develops and becomes more authentic, it is the primary differentiation. It doesn’t matter if a product is made with CO2 terpenes which have been refined or cold-cured, the ultimate aim is to keep the original flavor of the plant. When terpenes have been handled with care and respect, they can do much more than enhance the product. They also can help in bringing cannabis culture in its most well-known format.