Heidi Norton
Cannabis is often said to have an earthy, pungent, and herbal scent. However, there are many different aromas of weed, and these tend to correlate with the terpene profiles of weed strains.
Terpenes are highly aromatic botanical compounds found in flowers and plants, and as many as 140 terpenes have been identified in marijuana, of which 17 are common. Distinct combinations of terpenes create diverse fragrance profiles that can influence marijuana consumers' preferences.
- Myrcene: earthy, musky, herbal aromas comparable to mangos or thyme
- Β-caryophyllene: a woodsy, peppery, clove-like scent
- Α-humulene: earthy tones with spicy notes, similar to beer
- Α-pinene: pine needles, rosemary, and basil
- Limonene: lemon notes, like citrus peel
- Linalool: a floral fragrance also found in lavender and rosewood
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Earthy | Fresh soil, pine, oak, cedar, myrcene, alpha-pinene, camphene, borneol |
| Woody | Oak, cedar, pine, sweet freshly cut wood, alpha- and beta-pinene, humulene, camphene, borneol |
| Gas | Sour Diesel, ChemDawg, fuel, cleanser, decaying plant matter, camphene |
| Floral | Lavender, roses, geraniums, linalool, geraniol, terpineol, alpha-bisabolol |
| Fruit | Citrus, lemon, orange, lime, grapefruit, red grapes, mangoes, berries, tropical fruits, limonene, myrcene, valencene |
| Spice | Pepper, clove, basil, mint, eucalyptus, sabinene, eucalyptol, caryophyllene, terpineol |
What You'll Learn
Earthy and Woody Notes
The terpene Alpha-pinene lends a woody aroma to cannabis, reminiscent of oak, cedar, or pine trees. The scent of pine trees is often described as fresh, like a pine forest or a Christmas tree. On the other hand, Myrcene, while sometimes musky or earthy, can also contribute to the fruity notes found in some strains.
The aroma profile of cannabis with earthy and woody notes can be further enhanced by other terpenes such as humulene, camphene, and borneol. These terpenes add depth and complexity to the overall scent, making these strains particularly appealing to connoisseurs.
The earthy and woody notes in marijuana are not just limited to the raw plant but can also be found in the cured and smoked forms. The curing and harvesting techniques play a crucial role in preserving and enhancing these desirable aromas.
When it comes to the subjective experience of these strains, individuals may describe them as "full-bodied", "robust", or "sturdy". The smell and taste can be likened to walking through a forest, evoking a sense of connection to nature.
The art of smelling and tasting these strains involves taking the time to appreciate the nuanced aromas and flavours. Descriptors such as "earthy", "woody", "natural", and "grounding" are often used by cannabis enthusiasts to convey the unique characteristics of these strains.
The presence of earthy and woody notes in marijuana is a result of the complex interplay of terpenes and cannabinoids. While terpenes play a primary role in creating these aromas, cannabinoids like THC and CBD can also influence the overall olfactory experience by altering the terpene profile of the cannabis plant.
In summary, the earthy and woody notes found in many marijuana strains offer a natural and grounding aromatic experience. The raw, cured, and smoked forms of these strains provide a complex and captivating sensory journey, making them a favourite among cannabis enthusiasts who appreciate the subtle nuances of the plant.
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Citrus and Fruit-like Scents
Terpenes, the primary aroma compounds in marijuana, are responsible for these fruity and citrusy aromas. Limonene, for instance, lends a citrusy, lemony scent, while myrcene can smell like red grapes or mangoes. The presence of these terpenes can greatly enhance the overall experience of smoking marijuana, providing a vibrant and invigorating aroma that contrasts with the more earthy, woody notes often associated with Indica strains.
The terpene valencene, found in Valencia oranges, is what gives the Tangie strain its distinctive orange aroma. Another strain, Strawberry Cough, gets its name from its dominant terpenes, beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and D-limonene, which create a juicy strawberry scent. For a more tropical aroma, the Maui Wowie strain combines the scents of pineapple, lemon, and citrus with earthy elements, thanks to its dominant terpenes, beta-caryophyllene, myrcene, and D-limonene.
The diversity of citrus and fruit-like scents in marijuana is a testament to the complex interplay of terpenes and other compounds within the plant. These uplifting and invigorating aromas contribute to the rich tapestry of fragrances that make the marijuana experience so unique and enjoyable for many users.
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Skunky and Diesel Odors
Skunky and diesel aromas are among the most well-known scents of weed. These aromas are often described as pungent and strong, with a hint of sour and a unique fuel-like fragrance. While some people may find the skunky and diesel aromas of weed unpleasant, others seek them out specifically. The distinct fragrance is created by a combination of terpenes, with myrcene being the most dominant in skunky strains.
Skunky and diesel strains of weed are known to provide an energizing and relaxing high that users feel quickly. These strains are often sought after for their ability to alleviate symptoms of depression, chronic fatigue, anxiety, and pain. Sour Diesel, a Sativa-dominant strain, and Chemdawg are two popular strains known for their strong diesel aroma and taste.
The science behind the skunky aroma of weed was discovered by a team from Abstrax Tech in California. They identified a new family of prenylated volatile sulfur compounds (VSCs) that create the signature skunk-like odour. The most dominant of these compounds is prenylthiol, also known as 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol, which is commonly found in "skunked beer".
When it comes to diesel-scented weed, scientists believe that the aroma is caused by a combination of compounds such as humulene, myrcene, linalool, and pinene. These compounds create the unique jet fuel-like fragrance and taste that diesel strains are known for.
Skunky and diesel weed strains are sought after by many cannabis enthusiasts for their strong aromas and flavours, as well as their potent effects. These strains offer a unique sensory experience that appeals to those who enjoy the distinctive fragrance and taste of these cannabis varieties.
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Floral and Herbal Notes
Terpenes are the largest group of volatile compounds in plants. They are classified as hemiterpenes, monoterpenes, sesquiterpenes, diterpenes, sesterpenes, triterpenes, tetraterpenes, and polyterpenes.
Monoterpenes are the principal constituents of the scents of flowers and fruits. They include limonene, (E)-β-ocimene, myrcene, linalool, and α- and β-pinene.
Flowers and fruits also contain phenylpropanoids and benzenoids, the second-largest class of volatile compounds in plants. Phenylpropanoids are considered volatile when they contain a reduced carboxyl group at C9 or an alkyl addition to hydroxyl groups of the benzyl ring or the carboxyl group. Benzenoids are derived from the amino acid phenylalanine.
Flowers and fruits also contain volatile fatty acid and amino acid derivatives.
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Sweet, Spicy and Diesel Aromas
The world of cannabis aromas is a diverse and fascinating one, with a range of scents that can be identified and categorised. One of the most popular categories is the sweet, spicy, and diesel section, which offers a unique sensory experience. Here is an exploration of these three distinct aroma profiles.
Sweet Aromas
Sweet-smelling cannabis strains offer a delightful fragrance that can enhance the overall experience. These strains often contain terpenes that give off a sugary, candy-like scent, reminiscent of freshly baked goods or sweet floral tones. Sweet aromas can be found in strains like Royal Cheese, which has a unique terpene profile, or those with high levels of myrcene, which can smell like ripe mangoes or red grapes.
Spicy Aromas
Spicy strains provide a sharp and distinctive fragrance, reminiscent of strong spices like pepper and clove. These strains often contain terpenes such as caryophyllene, which is also found in pepper, basil, and rosemary, giving them a sinus-tingling effect. Spicy aromas can range from the herbaceous, with notes of basil and mint, to the more exotic, like eucalyptus. They offer a complex and intriguing scent that can be quite captivating.
Diesel Aromas
Diesel aromas, also known as gas aromas, are characterised by their sharp and pungent scents. These strains may smell like fuel, chemicals, or even decaying plant matter. Terpenes like camphene are responsible for this unique fragrance. Strains like Sour Diesel and ChemDawg are well-known for their diesel aromas, which offer a distinct sensory experience.
The sweet, spicy, and diesel aroma categories showcase the diverse range of fragrances found in cannabis. These aromas are created by different combinations of terpenes and phenols, which interact with our olfactory neurons to create distinct scent profiles. Exploring these aroma categories can enhance one's appreciation of the complex and fascinating world of cannabis fragrances.
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Frequently asked questions
The aromas of weed can be categorised into three main types: sweet, savory, and prototypical. Sweet aromas include fruity or tropical notes, while savory aromas include onion, garlic, or chemical notes. Prototypical aromas include earthy, spicy, or skunky notes.
Sweet-smelling weed may contain terpenes such as limonene, which has citrus notes, or linalool, which has floral notes also found in lavender and rosewood.
Savory-smelling weed may contain terpenes such as beta-caryophyllene, which has woodsy and peppery notes, or alpha-humulene, which has earthy and spicy notes similar to beer.
Prototypical-smelling weed may contain terpenes such as myrcene, which has earthy and musky notes, or alpha-pinene, which has notes of pine needles, rosemary, and basil.
The aroma of weed is often described using adjectives such as musky, spicy, woody, peppery, citrusy, and tropical. These scents tend to correlate with the terpene profiles of weed strains.
