As the cannabis industry develops, expectations regarding authenticity and flavor are rising. As the cannabis market matures consumers are less satisfied with products that just “work”. Instead, they want authentic flavors and aromas of real cannabis. Cannabis derived products are being developed to satisfy this need.

Terpenes are among the most important ingredients of cannabis’s identity.

Terpenes, which are the aromatic compounds that give cannabis its distinct aroma and flavor are the main reason for this. They influence how a product will be perceived before any effects are experienced. If properly stored, terpenes can convey freshness and strain lineage. They also communicate the overall quality. Even the most potent of products could be fake or flat if they are not handled properly.

Image credit: massterpenes.com

The authentic Cannabis Terpenes are derived directly from the cannabis flower and preserve its natural aroma. It is a fundamentally different product from botanical terpenes blends which attempt to replicate the cannabis flavor using substances that are extracted from plants other than cannabis. The botanical blends are efficient in terms of cost, but they do not have the same amount of depth as real cannabis.

The extraction process determines the result

The method used to extract Terpenes can have a major impact on their final character. Hydrocarbons obtained from fresh or newly-frozen plant materials are often utilized to create vibrant, resinous-like scents. These methods conserve fragile compounds which are easily lost during drying or heat processing.

CO2 terpenes, however, offer another advantage. CO2 extraction is highly precise and results in solid, clean terpene fractions. While the smell is less in intensity than those of living hydrocarbons, CO2 profiles are highly appreciated for their consistency and purity. This is particularly true in formulations when balance is more important than intensity.

The two methods serve different objectives, and those who are well-informed choose the method that is most suitable for their requirements rather than relying on marketing trends.

Fresh Material is Measurable

The quality of Cannabis-derived terpenes begins at harvest. Terpenes, as a matter of fact are flammable, which means they will degrade rapidly when exposed to oxygen, heat or time. Fresh frozen material, or flower that has been preserved with care can help lock in the original aroma flavor.

Once degradation occurs, no extraction technique can fully restore the original amount. The terpene industry is very focused on the source of raw materials and their handling. Fresh and damaged materials are immediately discernible through their scent clarity and the intensity.

What to look out for when buying Cannabis Terpenes

It’s easy to overlook flashy statements and descriptions when it comes to evaluating Cannabis Terpenes. Transparency, however, is of greater importance. Buyers should understand where the Terpenes originate from and how they were extracted and how they are treated following extraction.

Consistency also plays an important part. True cannabis-derived products must smell exactly the identical from batch-to-batch regardless of whether it’s specific to the strain. The presence of large variations is often an indication of brands who care about quality.

Terpene Craft: a Focused Approach

Some producers attempt to be all things to all people. Others opt to focus on a specific area. Mass Terpenes belongs to the second category, and concentrates exclusively on terpenes, instead of paying attention to multiple product types. This narrow focus gives more control over aroma, processing, and output.

Mass Terpenes prioritizes small-batch manufacturing and post-processing to let the aroma speak for itself. Instead of relying upon advertising, the quality is to be viewed through aromas and flavors that are distinct Cannabis.

Aroma as A Quality Check

It’s impossible to change after a container is opened. The smell of cannabis that is high-quality Terpenes is immediately noticeable, and is a familiar aroma and depth that is difficult to replicate in synthetic blends. Aroma is still the best measure of success.

As the cannabis industry develops, authenticity becomes the key differentiation. This is true to producers who choose live extracted profiles or CO2 refined Terpenes. If terpenes are used with care and care, they are more than just a means to improve the quality of products. They also help carry cannabis’ cultivation forward.