Blog Post

Monday, April 24, 2023

Preserving Trichomes and Terpenes in Production

Preserving Trichomes and Terpenes throughout the entire manufacturing process of any cannabis product is essential to preserving the potency and purity of the flower. Unfortunately, the industry has been provided with shredding or cutting solutions that are completely ineffective and have caused a sudden inflation of infused products.

It’s important to always remember that the majority of the THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol) in cannabis is contained in the trichomes, which are small, hair-like structures that protrude from the surface of the cannabis plant and contain the plant's essential oils, including the cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD.

Studies have continuously shown that trichomes are the primary site of cannabinoid biosynthesis in the cannabis plant, with THC production occurring primarily in the glandular trichomes. The glandular trichomes are the larger trichomes that have a bulbous head and a stalk, and they are the most abundant in the flowers and leaves of the cannabis plant.

The amount of THC in trichomes can vary depending on various factors, such as the strain of the cannabis plant, the maturity of the plant, and the growing conditions. Typically, the concentration of THC in the trichomes of mature cannabis flowers can range from 15% to 25%, with some strains containing even higher levels. So it is crucial to preserve the trichomes of cannabis during the manufacturing process because they contain the plant's essential oils, including the cannabinoids and terpenes, which contribute to the potency, flavor, and aroma of the plant. 

  1. Potency: Trichomes are the primary site of cannabinoid biosynthesis in the cannabis plant, and the concentration of cannabinoids, including THC and CBD, is highest in the trichomes. Preserving the trichomes during manufacturing ensures that the products are potent and provide the desired effects for consumers.
  1. Flavor and Aroma: The terpenes in the essential oils produced by the trichomes give cannabis its unique flavor and aroma. Preserving the trichomes during manufacturing helps to retain these essential oils, ensuring that the products have the desired flavor and aroma.
  1. Quality: The trichome content is an essential factor in evaluating the quality of cannabis products. High-quality cannabis products should have a high concentration of trichomes, indicating that the plant has not been excessively processed, which can degrade the quality of the product.
  1. Customer Satisfaction: Consumers of cannabis products are increasingly sophisticated and knowledgeable about the plant and its properties. Preserving the trichomes in the products ensures that they meet the expectations of consumers who seek high-quality, potent, and flavorful products.

Unfortunately, the industry standard for terpene preservation has become so poor, and without any innovation in manufacturing solutions businesses are faced with an uphill battle of maintaining high potency to appeal to their customers. This has caused a huge inflation of infused products, especially with pre-rolls. 

We made it our mission at KüngTech to provide the entire industry with solutions that are truly designed for cannabis, like our new VXR Grinder, which preserves all trichomes and terpenes with a perfection even grind that is ideal for both pre-roll production and cannabinoid extraction.