When we first started exploring cannabis extraction methods back in the early days of California’s medical market, terpene preservation was barely an afterthought. Most producers were laser-focused on cannabinoid extraction, treating those aromatic compounds as pleasant but disposable byproducts.
Fast-forward to today, and we’re seeing a complete paradigm shift. The cannabis industry has awakened to the crucial role terpenes play in creating complete, effective products. But here’s the catch—extracting these delicate compounds isn’t as straightforward as many assume.
Key Takeaways
- Solventless methods, like steam distillation and CO2 extraction, do not leave residues, resulting in better terpene quality.
- The Fresh Never Frozen® method preserves the plant’s original terpene profile, avoiding the changes caused by freezing or curing.
- Temperature control, time management, and starting material quality are critical to preserving terpene profiles.
- As the cannabis industry matures, precise methods for terpene preservation, like Fresh Never Frozen®, offer a solution for high-quality production.
Understanding Terpene Sensitivity
Terpenes are incredibly volatile compounds. We’re talking about molecules that can evaporate at room temperature (i.e., between 68 and 74 degrees Fahrenheit).
Think about when you break open a fresh cannabis bud – that immediate burst of aroma? That’s terpenes escaping into the air. This volatility makes extraction a delicate dance between preservation and destruction. The sensitivity hierarchy of cannabis terpenes looks something like this:
- Monoterpenes (like myrcene and limonene): Most volatile, easiest to lose
- Sesquiterpenes (like caryophyllene): Moderately stable
- Triterpenes: Most stable but less abundant in cannabis
Traditional Extraction Methods
Let’s be real – most traditional extraction methods weren’t designed with terpene preservation in mind. They were built to maximize cannabinoid extraction, often at the expense of these aromatic compounds.
Steam Distillation
Steam distillation has been used for centuries to extract essential oils from plants. In some cases, the high temperatures can degrade delicate terpenes, leaving you with less of the plant’s original profiles.
Fortunately, our methods are carefully designed to maintain the integrity of the plant and preserve the California terroir. That’s because the vaporized plant compounds travel to a condenser, where cold stainless steel pipes cool the vapor, allowing the desired compounds to condense and be collected.
Hydrocarbon Extraction
When butane and propane entered the cannabis extraction game, they revolutionized concentrate production. But here’s what many don’t realize: while these methods can preserve some terpenes, they often alter the plant’s natural ratios. It’s like having all the instruments in an orchestra but playing them at the wrong volumes.
CO2 Extraction
Supercritical CO2 extraction brought precision to the cannabis industry, but it comes with its own challenges for terpene preservation. The pressure and temperature requirements can be harsh on these delicate compounds, often requiring separate runs for terpene and cannabinoid extraction.
The Fresh Never Frozen® Revolution
At Terpene Belt Farms, we understand that existing methods weren’t cutting it for true terpene preservation. That’s why we developed our Fresh Never Frozen® method.
This approach to material handling enables us to make what we believe are the best cannabis terpenes in the world. Our material handling strategy is carefully designed to maintain the integrity of the plant and preserve the California terroir, expressing the seasonal nuances of each vintage.
Our steam distillation process is delicate and time-sensitive. It vaporizes the plant’s most volatile compounds, which are then condensed and collected to preserve the plant’s exact terpene profile as it exists in nature.
Why Fresh Matters
Fresh cannabis contains terpene profiles that are fundamentally different from cured or frozen material. The moment you freeze or cure cannabis, you alter its terpene composition. Our process works with fresh plant material, capturing these compounds in their most authentic state.
Quality Factors in Terpene Extraction
Several critical factors influence the quality of extracted terpenes:
Temperature Control
In terpene extraction, temperature is everything. Even slight variations can dramatically affect the terpene profile. We maintain precise temperature control throughout, ensuring each terpene remains intact.
Time Management
Speed matters, and the longer the extraction process takes, the more opportunities for terpene degradation. Fortunately, our methods are optimized for both efficiency and preservation.
Starting Material Quality
You can’t extract what isn’t there. Premium terpene extraction starts with premium cannabis, grown in ideal climate conditions.
Somewhere in the foothills of the Diablo Range, you’ll find the California Terpene Belt, where our Fresh Never Frozen® cannabis essential oil is produced with the care and attention only found in legacy cannabis farming.
Our Northern California terpene farm is the cornerstone of the rapidly maturing cannabis-derived terpene market.
The Future of Terpene Extraction
The cannabis industry stands at a crossroads. As we move toward global acceptance and regulation, the importance of proper terpene extraction only grows. The future belongs to methods that can preserve the plant’s complete profile while meeting industrial-scale demands.
Up Your Terpene Game
Steam-distilled and cannabinoid free, Fresh Never Frozen® cannabis terpenes capture the plant’s spirit and carry the land’s terroir. We provide a scalable supply chain and power formula standardization for the industry’s top brands.
Our essential oils are available for retail purchase in 5mL, 25mL, 100mL, and 250mL sizes, with wholesale bulk pricing available for sizes starting at 1L.
TBF also offers a line of flower infusion packscalled NEU Bags. Each bag should be used with 1LB of cured material for effective flower infusion and is available in a variety of sizes: Single, Ten-Pack, and Fifty-Pack.
NEU Bags improve the aroma, flavor, and effect of aging or sub-par flower but can also be used with fresh flower to boost its terpene content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are All Terpene Extraction Methods Equally Effective?
No. Different methods yield different results in terms of the quantity and quality of terpenes. Some methods are more suitable depending on the end-use case.
Can Terpenes Be Re-Introduced After Extraction?
When done correctly, the reintroduction of terpenes can replicate the natural synergy in the original plant material.
What’s the Difference Between Cannabis-Derived and Botanical Terpenes?
Cannabis-derived terpenes are derived from cannabis, while botanical terpenes are mainly sourced from other plants (e.g., lavender, cloves, etc).
How Long Do Extracted Terpenes Last?
Our terpenes can maintain potency for extended periods with careful handling and proper storage. For the best results, we recommend taking oils out of cold storage and bringing them to ambient temperature before use. Formulate with a full vessel in a single use.
Alternatively, use as much as possible on each cycle. This way, you’ll open and close the vessel as few times as possible throughout the oil’s lifespan. After each use, purge the headspace with inert gas (nitrogen or argon) before recapping and returning to cold storage.
Source Used
- https://www.researchgate.net/figure/apor-pressures-of-some-terpenes-at-various-temperatures-based-on-Clausius-Clapeyron_fig1_360087918