Every cannabis innovation has its turning points. The first was cannabinoids, followed by concentrates, and recently the spotlight has turned to Terpenes which are the aromatic substances that give cannabis its identity. Cannabis Terpenes, which are derived from cannabis among others, have emerged as the most sought after ingredient in the food industry. Not only because of their flavor as well as the authenticity they give to the products.
What is the reason Cannabis Terpenes Can Change Expectations
For decades, brands used botanical blends to make cannabis-like strains. Blends of lavender, citrus or pine are able to provide a rough idea of a strain’s profile however they cannot accurately capture the fullness of the strain. Cannabis-derived terpenes have set the benchmark for terpenes. They are extracted directly from hemp and cannabis plants. Their smell is all-encompassing, much like the flower.
Image credit: massterpenes.com
Customers can tell the distinct taste. Instead of smelling similar to “blueberry candy” or “artificial lemons,” these terpenes deliver the earthy, resinous and often pungent notes cannabis lovers recognize immediately. This is the reason for their authenticity that more companies choose to market Cannabis-derived terpenes instead of synthetic counterparts.
The Rise of Live Resin Terpenes
Live resin terpenes are one of the latest innovations. Live resin extraction begins by flash-frozening fresh cannabis, which is different from traditional methods that rely on cure-cured plant materials. It preserves volatile compounds typically lost during drying.
It’s because of this process that creates a terpene profile that is alive and vibrant, makes you feel like you are inhaling a fresh harvested plant. For the producers, this means developing products that compete on the top levels of flavor and smell. Cannabis lovers can enjoy it in its purest form which even veteran smokers will find fascinating.
Live Terpenes The Cold-Cure Revolution
Beyond live resin, the development of live terpenes via cold-cure extraction has opened a new avenues. Cold curing helps preserve delicate aroma molecules through reducing the temperature of processing. This creates terpenes that are more “loud” and expressive. They provide an additional dimension to food concentrates, edibles and vapes.
For brands who want to be recognized, including “cold-cured live terpenes” on the label isn’t just a mere marketing strategy. It shows a commitment to quality as well as a promise of authenticity that consumers are increasingly demanding.
Cannabis Derived Terpenes for Every Market
Not all producers require the loudest and most expensive series. That’s why the market now includes both Cannabis-Derived Terpene (CDT) series and Hemp-Derived Terpene (HDT) options. The CDTs are considered the most effective, and usually taste like pure live resin. HDTs serve as an beginning-of-the-line product for small companies or for those who are switching to botanical terpenes.
This versatility means that there’s something for everyone–from boutique craft extractors, to huge-scale producers who want to reach mainstream audiences. This is a sign the market for terpenes is maturing. High-quality, authentic products aren’t just for luxury brands any more.
Terpene The authenticity of the product is crucial.
The definition of authenticity goes beyond taste it’s about trust. The consumer is more informed than ever before, analyzing and reading labels prior to making a purchase. Terpenes derived from cannabis are a reliable ingredient in many products, since they reflect the essence of cannabis and not an imitation.
Authenticity is key in a sector that is fighting to break through perceptions of stigma and misinformation. Whether it’s live resin terpenes capturing freshness or live terpenes showcasing delicate nuances, these ingredients are helping brands stand out while aligning with consumer demand for transparency.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis is always more than just a source of cannabinoids. It’s about the entire sensory experience, the smell that fills the air, the taste that lingers, and the subtle notes that make each one unique. By embracing Cannabis’ terpenes as a source of inspiration, producers can transcend imitation, and move towards a future defined in authenticity.
The market has shown that quality and flavor can alter as quickly as the expectations of consumers. With Cannabis-derived Terpenes offered at a variety of levels, companies can improve their offerings as consumers are able to experience cannabis in the way it was meant to be experienced.