As the cannabis industry matures consumer expectations regarding authenticity and flavor are growing. Customers no longer seek out products that simply “work”. They are looking for aromas from the plant that help them identify it, and tastes that resemble the real cannabis. Cannabis Terpenes derived from cannabis are now the basis of all serious product discussions.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
What are Terpenes and How Do They Define Cannabis Identity
Terpenes produce the distinctive smell and flavor of marijuana strains. They impact how a particular product is perceived prior to any effects can be felt. Terpenes, when properly preserved convey freshness, strain ancestry, and overall product quality. Even a highly potent product may become fake or flat when handled incorrectly.
Real Cannabis terpenes are sourced directly from cannabis flower, capturing the plant’s natural aromatic fingerprint. This is a distinct method from the botanical terpene blends that mimic cannabis profiles using compounds derived from other plants than cannabis. Although botanical blends are lower cost, they lack the complexity that cannabis lovers would like to see.
Extraction method shapes the outcome
How terpenes have been extracted can have a significant impact on the final product. Hydrocarbon extraction from fresh or fresh-frozen plant material is often popular for its ability to create vibrant, live-resin-like scents. These techniques preserve fragile compounds which are easily lost during drying or heat processing.
The CO2 terpenes have a different advantage. Carbon dioxide extraction is precise and produces pure, stable terpene fragments. The aroma of the profile might be less intense than with live hydrocarbon extractions. But CO2 profiles can provide consistency and purity, particularly when it comes to formulations that value balance more than intensity.
Each method is not inherently “better.” Each has a different purpose and the informed producer chooses based on their desired outcome rather than marketing trends.
Fresh Material Can Make a measurable Impact
The high-quality terpenes of cannabis begin when the plants are harvested. Terpenes have a volatile nature, meaning they degrade quickly when exposed to oxygen, heat or even time. Utilizing fresh frozen material or carefully preserved flowers helps keep the aroma in its original profile.
When degradation occurs and extraction techniques have failed, no method will be able to restore all of the lost. This is why experienced producers of terpenes are extremely focused on sourcing and handling. The distinction between fresh and compromised material can be immediately felt in smell clarity and in depth.
What should you look for when buying Cannabis Terpenes
When evaluating Cannabis Terpenes on sale the flashy descriptions and exaggerated claims are easy to ignore. The most important factor is transparency. Buyers need to be aware of where the terpenes originate from, the method of extraction, and what they’re processed to after extraction.
Consistency is a crucial aspect. A truly cannabis-based product should smell the exact same from batch-to batch even if it’s specific to the strain. The presence of large variations is a sign that the brand cares about the quality of its products.
A Specified Methodology for Terpene Craft
Some producers are all-rounders. Others opt to focus on a specific area. Mass Terpenes fits into the second category because it is focused on terpenes in particular instead of spreading attention across different types of products. The emphasis on terpenes provides greater control over the final product’s scent and processing.
Mass Terpenes’ small batch production and meticulous post-processing highlight the importance of letting the aromas be the main focus. Instead of relying on marketing, the quality is to be viewed through aromas and tastes that are distinctively Cannabis.
Aroma as the Ultimate Quality Check
A lab report cannot substitute the moment when a container is open. High-quality cannabis-derived terpenes are immediately identifiable, displaying an amount of complexity and familiarity unmatched by any artificial blend. Aroma is the most reliable measure of the success.
As the cannabis industry evolves, authenticity becomes the key differentiator. The goal is the same whether a producer uses CO2 Terpenes or cold-cured varieties. Terpenes, when handled with respect and intention can do more than just improve products. They also carry the cannabis culture forward.