When you pop the seal off a new cart or open a jar, everyone who smokes cannabis will smell the distinct, sharp smell. There’s more to it than just smell. The experience is a blend of mood, memory anticipation, and expectation. Terpenes are the catalyst for this, and not any other terpenes, just those that are derived from cannabis. Known as cannabis derived terpenes, these compounds are rapidly becoming the secret ingredient for anyone looking to elevate flavor, authenticity, and overall product quality.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
For a long time, producers of cannabis products have heavily relied on botanical terpenes to reproduce the essence of strains. On paper, it seemed to make sense. The economics of extracting pinene and limonene, respectively, from pine or orange trees enabled the development of strain profiles that are familiar to us. However, the result weren’t always up to the hype. The terpene blends were aromatic initially, but they didn’t have the depth, soul and longevity of cannabis’ counterparts. The terpene blends went through degrading very quickly, and eventually smelt like air fresheners, but not as strong as fresh flower.
The pure cannabis terpenes are what change the game. They’re extracted directly from cannabis plants and include not only the dominant compounds which define a strain’s distinctive scent as well as subtle additional notes that the botanical sources cannot reproduce. It’s not about merely mimicking taste, but also capturing the spirit of the plant.
Live resin terpenes is one innovation that pushes this further. These terpenes can be taken directly from plants after they’ve been harvested instead of from dried or curled cannabis. That quick-freeze process locks in delicate volatile compounds which would otherwise go unnoticed. The terpene profile is vibrant, brighter and deeper. It is a lot like the original strain.
These terpenes offer a myriad of advantages, which include enhancing the flavor. But their effect goes beyond the benefits they provide. These terpenes play a role in what many researchers and customers refer to as the entourage effect. It is the complex interaction between terpenes and cannabinoids which can shape the overall experience of the product. For example, a formulation which contains genuine OG Kush terpenes may deliver a more familiar and balanced effect because of the other components that are preserved in the extract.
Transparency is increasing as consumer awareness increases. People aren’t just looking for high-THC figures nowadays. They are looking into their products, studying ingredients lists and looking for cannabis derived terpenes available with precise information on the source and extracting. Brands which meet the standard of offering strain-specific, uncut, unblended profiles of terpenes are rewarded by industry trust and a sense of loyalty from their customers.
This is a crucial shift in a market crowded with choices. In a market crowded with choices, products which are authentic will get an advantage. While botanical blends and synthetic flavors may catch a person’s attention on their first try, the experience of cannabis-derived Terpenes is the reason they keep coming back.
Mass Terpenes has emerged as one of the leading companies in the field, offering hemp-derived and live resin line-ups that are designed to meet different budgets without compromising on quality. Their CDT Series has been the preferred choice for extractors and vape makers alike.
It’s not all about aroma. It’s all about connections. Terpenes are as important as people think, whether you’re experimenting with the latest product or taking a break to relax after a long day. Selecting the pure marijuana is a matter of transparency, clarity and the depth. This is perhaps the most powerful ingredient.