Preserving terpenes during cannabis manufacturing is crucial to producing high-quality products that meet consumer demands. Terpenes are fragrant oils that give cannabis its unique aroma and flavor, and they also play a critical role in the plant’s effects on the human body. Terpenes work in conjunction with other compounds in the plant, such as cannabinoids, to produce what is known as the “entourage effect,” where each component enhances the overall effects of the plant.
In this blog post, we will discuss several techniques for terpene preservation during cannabis manufacturing. These techniques are important to consider for cannabis makers who want to produce high-quality products that are rich in terpenes.
Understanding Terpenes
Before we dive into techniques for terpene preservation, it is essential to understand what terpenes are and their role in cannabis. Terpenes are organic compounds that are found in various plants, including cannabis. They are responsible for the unique aromas and flavors of different strains of cannabis. Additionally, they help to dictate the experience one has with cannabis. For example, a strain high in limonene would help to spark creativity and alertness, while a strain with myrcene would be ideal for sleep.
There are a vast number of terpenes found in cannabis. However, there are eight that are most commonly found, these include limonene, myrcene, pinene, and caryophyllene.
Several factors can affect the levels of terpenes in cannabis, including the plant’s genetics, growing conditions, and harvesting techniques. For example, a plant that has been stressed during the growing process may produce fewer terpenes than a healthy plant.
Techniques for Terpene Preservation
To ensure that cannabis products have high levels of terpenes, it is essential to use proper techniques during cannabis manufacturing. Here are several techniques that cannabis manufacturers can use to preserve terpenes:
Harvesting Techniques
The timing and method of harvesting can have a significant impact on the levels of terpenes in cannabis. It is essential to harvest the plants at the right time to ensure that the terpene levels are at their peak. Typically, this is when the trichomes on the buds are cloudy or milky.
There are two main methods of harvesting cannabis: by hand or by machine. Hand harvesting is more labor-intensive, but can help preserve the plant’s overall quality, including the terpenes. Machine harvesting can be quicker, but it can also damage the plant and reduce terpene levels.
Drying and Curing Techniques
After harvesting, the cannabis plant needs to be dried and cured to remove excess moisture and enhance flavor and aroma. Proper drying and curing techniques can help preserve terpenes and ensure that the final product is of high quality.
Temperature and humidity control are crucial. If the temperature is too high or the humidity is too low, terpenes can degrade, reducing the overall quality of the product.
Proper air circulation is also essential during the drying and curing process. This helps to ensure that the buds dry evenly and prevents the growth of mold and bacteria.
The curing process is also critical for preserving terpenes. They must give the buds enough time to cure to enhance the flavor and aroma. Typically, the curing process takes between two to six weeks.
To avoid long drying periods, some producers opt for innovative drying techniques such as freeze-drying or vacuum drying. These methods offer alternatives to the traditional drying process by utilizing advanced technology to remove moisture from the cannabis buds. While vacuum drying applies heat and pressure to evaporate moisture, the freeze dryer machine employs freezing temperatures to solidify water molecules before sublimating them, preserving terpenes more effectively. This distinction is crucial as it impacts the final flavor and aroma profile of the cannabis product, highlighting the importance of selecting the appropriate drying method for terpene preservation.
Extraction Techniques
Extraction is the process of removing active compounds, such as terpenes and cannabinoids, from the cannabis plant. There are several extraction techniques, including solvent-based extraction, solventless extraction, and CO2 extraction.
- Solvent-Based Extraction includes using a solvent, such as ethanol or butane, to extract the active compounds from the plant. This can be effective but can also strip away terpenes if not done correctly.
- Solventless Extraction – Solventless extraction uses water, rather than butane or ethanol, to extract compounds from the cannabis plant. By forgoing the use of volatile solvents, solventless extraction produces a safe and cleaner cannabinoid extract.
- CO2 Extraction – This method uses pressurized CO2 to extract the active compounds from the plant.
Packaging Techniques
Proper packaging techniques are crucial for preserving terpenes in cannabis products. Cannabis manufacturers must choose the right packaging to ensure that the product remains fresh and flavorful. The packaging should be airtight to prevent the loss of terpenes.
Proper storage conditions are also important for preserving terpenes. Cannabis products should be stored in a cool, dark place away from sunlight and heat sources. If stored in the wrong conditions, terpenes can evaporate, leading to low-quality products.
During transportation, it is essential to follow best practices to ensure that the product remains fresh and flavorful. This may include using refrigerated trucks or other methods to control the temperature and humidity during transportation.
Cannabis manufacturers must use proper techniques during every step of the process, from harvesting to packaging, to preserve terpenes and ensure that the final product is of high quality.
Understanding terpenes and the factors that can affect their levels is the first step in terpene preservation. They can then use techniques such as proper harvesting, drying, curing techniques, extraction methods, and packaging techniques to preserve terpenes and ensure that their products are of the highest quality.
As the cannabis industry continues to grow, research and development in terpene preservation will become increasingly important. By using proper techniques and staying up to date with the latest research, cannabis manufacturers can continue to produce high-quality products that meet consumer demands.
