The Importance of Terpene Preservation

 

Terpenes are organic compounds found in various plants, including cannabis. They are largely responsible for the distinct aroma and flavor profiles of different cannabis strains. Terpenes are produced in the plant’s resin glands, along with cannabinoids like THC and CBD. Terpenes not only contribute to the sensory experience of consuming cannabis but also influence the plant’s effects on the body.

Each cannabis strain has a unique combination of terpenes (a large component of the plant’s essential oils), which gives it a specific aroma, flavor, and effects. Some common terpenes found in cannabis include myrcene, limonene, pinene, and caryophyllene. These terpenes can have different effects on mood, energy levels, and overall well-being. For example, myrcene is known for its sedative properties, while limonene is associated with uplifting and energizing effects.

Understanding terpenes and their role in cannabis aroma is crucial for appreciating the complexity of different strains and selecting the ones that align with your preferences and desired effects. Likewise, ensuring that terpene preservation is done correctly can enhance a strain’s overall quality and potency. So, let’s talk more about the impact and importance of terpene loss on your cannabis products!

The Impact of Terpene Loss on Cannabis Flavor and Effects

From the second that cannabis flower is harvested from its stalk, its spirit (essential oil or terpenes) begins to off-gas – to dissipate or to disappear.  Most cannabis flower is then sent to be dried and cured.  The drying process quickly speeds up the loss of terpenes.  

If cannabis flower is frozen after harvest, it helps retain some of its spirit (terpenes), though the freezing and subsequent unfreezing process also promotes the loss of terpenes. 

As cannabis flower ages or undergoes improper storage, it continues to lose its aroma and flavor due to the degradation of terpenes. Terpene loss can occur due to various factors, including light, heat, and oxygen exposure. When terpenes break down, the strain’s unique aroma and flavor profiles diminish, resulting in a less enjoyable and less potent experience.

Moreover, terpenes also contribute to the entourage effect, which refers to the synergistic interaction between cannabinoids and terpenes. The entourage effect enhances cannabis’s overall therapeutic potential, as the combination of unique cannabinoid and terpene compounds has a more significant impact on the body than individual cannabinoids or terpene components alone. Therefore, the loss of terpenes affects not only the sensory experience (smell and taste) but also the therapeutic benefits of cannabis consumption.

Preserving terpenes and preventing their loss is essential for maintaining the quality and potency of cannabis flower.

 

Enhancing and/or Reinvigorating Terpenes in Cannabis Flower

For a few years now, cannabis cultivators and brands have been attempting to combat ongoing terpene loss with the re-application of terpenes.  The value of attempting to enhance flower that has lost its nose, flavor and effect is a strategic idea and has a ton of merit.  The question is, what kind of flavor are you attempting to refresh your flower with?  And how are you trying to do it?  

Challenges with Traditional Methods of Enhancing Terpenes

In the quest to enhance terpene content, some companies have resorted to the ‘spray and pray’ method, where they simply spray terpenes all over the cannabis buds – literally using a paint sprayer. However, this approach can be problematic as it lacks precision and control over the added terpene content. Without knowing the exact concentration and composition of the terpenes, it becomes challenging to achieve consistent and desired results.

Additionally, this method can introduce moisture activity to the buds, which may cause them to fail cannabis lab tests conducted by companies to ensure product quality and safety. Moisture can lead to mold or mildew growth, compromising the integrity of the product. Therefore, alternative solutions that offer more precise and controlled terpene infusion are ne

eded.

 

What is actually being reapplied to Flower?

As many people in cannabis have learned from the rise of the industry’s Vape sector, there are many different flavoring and terpene options that brands and manufacturers are using to apply to cannabis flower. Similar to vapes, the most often used and inexpensively available compounds being re-introduced to flower are synthetic flavoring created in a lab or botanical flavoring, which occurs naturally in other plants but is not created or sourced directly from cannabis plants. 

Both of these are solely flavorings being introduced into cannabis flower and have no impact on (no re-activation) the effect of the flower.  This is a bate and switch for the consumer. They are being introduced to non-authentic cannabis flavor – and flavor that has no impact (or no re-improvement) to effect (medicinal qualities) for the consumer.  

Introducing NEU Bags: A Breakthrough Solution for Terpene Enhancement 

NEU Bags are mesh infusion bags saturated with 100% pure cannabis terpenes, offering a revolutionary solution to effectively enhance terpene content. When a NEU Bag is placed into a bag or bin with whole flower buds, the diffusion process gently migrates the oil from the infusion bag to the flower. In the first 48 hours, natural cannabis terpenes saturate the flower, enhancing its aroma, flavor, and effects.

Unlike traditional methods, NEU Bags provide a precise and controlled way of infusing terpenes into cannabis flower, ensuring consistent and reliable results. The use of 100% pure cannabis terpenes guarantees the quality and authenticity of the added compounds, allowing consumers to enjoy the full benefits of terpene-rich cannabis.

NEU Bags are ideal for repairing the terpene content of aged or improperly stored flower and can also be used with fresh flowers that already have good terpene content to increase the flavors and aromas. This versatility makes NEU Bags a valuable tool for producers to attract consumers to cannabis products.

Think your business could benefit from NEU Bags? Order your free sample here!

FAQ

Does freezing preserve terpenes in cannabis?

Freezing can indeed help preserve terpenes by slowing down their degradation. Low temperatures reduce the evaporation of volatile terpenes and protect against terpene oxidation. However, it’s crucial to store cannabis properly in airtight containers to minimize moisture and avoid freezer burn.

What are the best methods for storing terpenes?

Terpenes are best preserved by storing cannabis in airtight containers, kept in a dark and cool place. Containers that limit exposure to air and light while maintaining a stable temperature and humidity level help prevent terpene degradation and evaporation.

How long does it take for terpenes to degrade?

Terpene degradation rates vary depending on storage conditions. If exposed to adverse conditions such as high temperatures, light, and oxygen, terpenes can degrade significantly within days. Proper storage can greatly extend their preservation.

Is it beneficial to store terpenes in the fridge?

Storing terpenes in the fridge is beneficial, as lower temperatures slow down the degradation process. However, the container must be airtight to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold growth.

How can you preserve terpenes during the curing process?

Preserving terpenes during curing involves carefully controlling the environment. Maintain a consistent temperature, humidity level, and airflow. Curing in a dark, controlled environment with relative humidity around 60-65% and temperatures between 60-70°F (15-21°C) can help preserve terpenes.

What happens to terpenes over time if not properly stored?

Terpenes degrade and evaporate over time, especially if not stored properly. This results in a loss of the cannabis strain’s unique aroma and flavor. Additionally, terpene degradation can diminish the entourage effect, reducing cannabis’s therapeutic benefits.

How does temperature affect terpenes?

Temperature significantly impacts terpenes. High temperatures can evaporate and degrade terpenes, causing them to lose their aromatic qualities and therapeutic effects. Lower temperatures help preserve terpenes by reducing the rate of evaporation and degradation.