Oregon State University researchers have developed a groundbreaking standardized aroma lexicon for cannabis and hemp, aiming to revolutionize how these plants are evaluated and understood. This initiative, the first of its kind, moves beyond traditional potency metrics like THC content, establishing a unified language within the Cannabis Aroma Lexicon to describe the complex scents associated with these botanicals. The development promises to enhance industry communication, provide consumers with more detailed product information, and potentially contribute to safer cannabis experiences through a robust Cannabis Aroma Lexicon.
Introducing the Cannabis Aroma Lexicon: A New Language for Cannabis Aromas
For decades, the cannabis industry has largely relied on THC potency as the primary indicator of quality. However, this approach has limitations, as high THC levels can be associated with adverse health outcomes. Recognizing this, Oregon State University (OSU) researchers have pioneered a standardized aroma lexicon, providing a more holistic framework for assessing cannabis and hemp. This new system, published in the journal PLOS One, introduces a comprehensive vocabulary to capture the diverse aromatic profiles of these plants, which are influenced by various compounds, including terpenes. The development of this Cannabis Aroma Lexicon is a significant step forward.
Tom Shellhammer, professor of food science and technology at OSU, emphasized the significance of this development. “Aroma plays a key role in how consumers judge cannabis quality, yet until now there’s been no standardized language to describe it,” Shellhammer stated. “This research lays the groundwork for a shared vocabulary that benefits consumers, retailers and growers, forming the basis of the Cannabis Aroma Lexicon.”
Challenging Established Norms with the Cannabis Aroma Lexicon
The research challenges a long-held assumption in the cannabis industry: that terpene content alone dictates a strain’s aroma. A panel of 21 to 24 trained judges evaluated 91 samples of unburnt cannabis and hemp flower, meticulously assessing their scents using 25 standardized descriptors. The study found that terpene profiles were surprisingly poor predictors of the actual scent experienced by the panelists. This finding underscores the complexity of cannabis olfaction and highlights the need for empirical sensory analysis alongside chemical profiling, making the Cannabis Aroma Lexicon essential.
Instead of relying solely on chemical composition, the OSU lexicon offers a data-driven structure for describing aroma. This approach is akin to the sensory lexicons long established in industries like wine and beer, providing a common language for meaningful quality discussions, a core function of the Cannabis Aroma Lexicon.
Key Findings and Aroma Profiles within the Cannabis Aroma Lexicon
The newly developed lexicon comprises 25 distinct aroma terms, refined through extensive sensory evaluation and input from industry professionals. Data collected from Portland’s Cultivation Classic cannabis competitions between 2018 and 2020 provided the foundation for these descriptors, contributing to the comprehensive Cannabis Aroma Lexicon.
Four distinct aroma profiles emerged from the research:
* Fruit, berry, candy
* Citrus and chemical
* Cheesy and vomit/fecal
* Funky, earthy, musty, straw, fuel, black tea, woody, and nutty/toasted
The study revealed overlapping sensory profiles between hemp and cannabis. However, distinct patterns were identified: cannabis was more frequently described using terms like “skunky,” “musty,” and “animalic,” while hemp samples leaned towards “citrus,” “fruity,” and “candy-like” aromas, all documented within the Cannabis Aroma Lexicon.
Implications for Consumers and Industry: The Power of the Cannabis Aroma Lexicon
The development of this standardized aroma lexicon has significant implications for the cannabis industry and consumers alike. It offers a more nuanced way to assess product quality, moving beyond the reductive focus on THC content, which can sometimes be linked to negative health effects such as impaired cognitive function and cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome. The Cannabis Aroma Lexicon provides a much-needed tool for better cannabis evaluation.
By providing a shared vocabulary, the lexicon aims to improve communication between growers, retailers, and consumers. This can lead to more informed purchasing decisions and a better understanding of product characteristics. The research also suggests that aroma might be a more reliable indicator of enjoyment and product quality than potency alone, a key insight from the Cannabis Aroma Lexicon.
As the cannabis industry continues to evolve and transition into more regulated frameworks, this initiative from Oregon State University provides a critical tool for assessing product quality beyond simple chemical markers. The lexicon sets the stage for greater innovation, clearer product labeling, and a more sensory-focused understanding of cannabis and hemp. Further research is expected to refine and expand this framework, potentially establishing it as a global standard for discussing cannabis aromas and a vital component of the Cannabis Aroma Lexicon.
