It’s that time when everyone who loves cannabis can smell the distinct, sharp aroma that emanates from the jar that is open flower or a cracked seal on an all-new cart. It’s more than just smell. It’s a sense of memory, mood and expectation all rolled up into one. Terpenes make this possible, and not any terpenes at all but those that are derived from the cannabis itself. As cannabis-derived compounds known as terpenes, they are quickly becoming the secret ingredient for anyone looking to improve flavor, authenticity, or overall quality of the product.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
For years, product manufacturers depended heavily on terpenes from botanicals to recreate the essence of cannabis strains. On paper, the notion made sense. The economics of extracting pinene and limonene from either the pine or orange trees enabled the development of strain profiles that were familiar. But the results did not always live up to the expectations. The terpenes in these blends are a pleasant aroma but they lack the substance, vitality and durability of cannabis-derived products. The terpene blends degraded very quickly and ended up smelling more air freshener-like than actual fresh flowers.
Here’s where pure cannabis-derived terpenes are at play. They’re extracted directly from the cannabis plant and include not only the primary substances that define a strain’s distinctive scent and taste, but also subtle supporting notes that botanical sources can’t replicate. The intention is not to mimic flavor but rather the spirit of the plant.
One innovation pushing this even further is the use of live resin terpenes. To obtain terpenes, plants are frozen following harvesting. The technique of quick-freezing ensures the retention of volatile and delicate compounds that could otherwise disappear. The terpene profile becomes more vivid, vibrant and richer. It feels much like the original strain.
Terpenes can provide a range of advantages, which include improving the taste. But their impact goes beyond that. The terpenes are responsible for what consumers and researchers call the effects of the entourage, or the subtle interaction between cannabinoids (cannabinoids) and terpenes, which can affect the experience overall. For instance, a product that contains true OG Kush terpenes may deliver a more familiar and well-balanced effect due to the other components that are preserved in extract.
As awareness among consumers increases and so does the need for more transparency. The search for THC is no restricted to a few numbers. They’re looking through ingredient lists, looking up their products, and searching out cannabis-derived terpenes that are available for sale that come with explicit extraction and sourcing information. Brands which meet the standard of providing uncut, strain-specific, unblended profiles of terpenes will be rewarded by the industry’s credibility as well as the trust of customers.
That shift is especially important in a marketplace that is crowded with choices. In a market crowded with options, those products which are authentic will get an edge. If someone is the first to try a cannabis-derived terpene you might be enticed by the synthetic flavors or blends of botanicals.
Mass Terpenes has become a leading company in this area, offering both hemp-derived and live resin lines that cater to different budgets. The CDT series is a favourite for extractors, vape makers and curious consumers who all want to get the most natural form.
In the end, it’s not just about smell. It’s about the relationship. Terpenes are more important than many people believe, whether you’re experimenting with the latest product or taking a break to relax after a long day. The pure cannabis-terpenes will give you a deeper and clearer connection with the plant. This is perhaps the most potent of ingredients.