Oregon State University researchers have created a new language, forming the basis of a comprehensive Cannabis Aroma Dictionary. This development is a major step forward, as aroma plays a significant role in the perceived quality of cannabis and hemp products. Consumers frequently judge products based on their smell, yet a universally understood language for describing these aromas was previously missing. This groundbreaking news stems from a study published in PLOS One.
Why Aroma Matters More Than Potency: Introducing the Cannabis Aroma Dictionary
Professor Tom Shellhammer, the lead researcher at Oregon State University, highlighted the critical importance of aroma in influencing consumer judgment of quality. While potency, often measured by THC levels, is commonly emphasized, high THC content carries inherent risks, including impaired driving, severe nausea, and acute psychosis. Shellhammer posits that aroma offers a more reliable measure of quality, transcending potency and its associated health concerns. This new lexicon, a key component of the Cannabis Aroma Dictionary, helps the industry move beyond a singular focus on THC, offering a more nuanced understanding. This nuanced perspective is particularly vital as the cannabis industry transitions from unregulated markets to legal frameworks, necessitating clearer communication and assessment tools like a robust Cannabis Aroma Dictionary.
Developing the Cannabis Aroma Dictionary Lexicon
The creation of this Cannabis Aroma Dictionary involved a dedicated sensory panel of twenty-four participants, aged 21 to 70, with prior experience in evaluating food and drink aromas. These panelists meticulously evaluated 91 distinct cannabis samples, focusing on the aroma of the unburnt plant material to ensure consistent analysis. The data utilized for this research was sourced from Portland’s Cultivation Classic competition, spanning from 2018 to 2020. Through their evaluations, the panel generated a rich set of descriptive terms, which were subsequently refined by the research team to develop a 25-word lexicon. Alongside this sensory analysis, the researchers also conducted chemical analysis, examining both terpenes and volatile sulfur compounds, to better understand the underlying chemical contributors to the aromas described in the Cannabis Aroma Dictionary.
Four Aroma Archetypes Emerge in the Cannabis Aroma Dictionary
The extensive research has successfully identified four primary aroma archetypes, forming the core categories within this new Cannabis Aroma Dictionary. These categories are designed to encompass a wide spectrum of scents and transcend legal distinctions between cannabis and hemp. High-THC cannabis samples were frequently described using terms like skunky, musty, and animalic. Conversely, low-THC hemp often presented with notes of citrus, fruit, and candy. Intriguingly, the study revealed some surprising descriptors within the Cannabis Aroma Dictionary, including categories such as “cheesy + vomit/fecal,” alongside more common fruity, berry, and candy notes. Citrus and chemical descriptors were also prominent, as were earthy, musty, and woody scents, with herbal and woody terms being particularly prevalent across most samples. These findings challenge conventional assumptions, underscoring the inherent complexity of cannabis aroma and its significant influence on consumer choice and purchasing decisions. The development of this Cannabis Aroma Dictionary provides a much-needed shared vocabulary for consumers, retailers, and growers alike.
Challenging Chemical Assumptions in the Cannabis Aroma Dictionary
Traditionally, scientists have largely attributed cannabis aroma to terpenes. However, the research contributing to the Cannabis Aroma Dictionary revealed significant discrepancies. It was found that terpene profiles alone were poor predictors of perceived smell. While certain chemical groupings were identified, they did not consistently align with sensory descriptions. Terpinolene emerged as a rare exception, showing a correlation with citrus and chemical notes. The study also acknowledged the role of volatile sulfur compounds, but concluded that neither terpenes nor these sulfur compounds alone strongly predicted sensory perception. These crucial results highlight the limitations of relying solely on chemical composition as a proxy for aroma quality, a key insight for the Cannabis Aroma Dictionary. The study advocates for a shift in focus, emphasizing that aroma itself is a superior predictor of quality and consumer enjoyment. This understanding is vital for developing more effective quality metrics that move beyond simple THC measurements, fully embracing the insights provided by the Cannabis Aroma Dictionary.
Future Directions for the Cannabis Aroma Dictionary
This pioneering research serves as a foundational step in establishing a universally understood language for cannabis and hemp aromas, paving the way for a more comprehensive Cannabis Aroma Dictionary. The current lexicon is expected to evolve, with future studies planned to expand its scope by including a greater number of samples and incorporating global varieties. This will further refine the aroma descriptors within the Cannabis Aroma Dictionary. A deeper understanding of cannabis aroma has a direct impact on consumers, transforming how they interact with and perceive cannabis products. This significant advancement, originating from Oregon State University, propels the industry toward clearer communication and provides a vital tool for quality assessment. The Cannabis Aroma Dictionary empowers everyone involved by leveraging something consumers already intrinsically use: their sense of smell.
