It’s in a fancy box, in a glass jar and as soon as you break the seal, you get a whiff of a sharehouse garage in Brunswick, but somehow even better. It is no secret that marijuana has a distinct aroma, but different strains and species give rise to different smells, and today we want to explore exactly where this unique pot perfumery comes from.
Some cannabis strains feel relaxing just to smell, while others are so pungent that there is an immediate recoil as soon as you take a closer sniff. From fruity to floral, to gassy diesel aromas, the smell of marijuana can fill a room even before being lit. This is due to a number of compounds present in the plant. The most significant compounds that contribute to the smell, taste, and even look of the strain are chemical compounds called terpenes.
What are terpenes?
Terpenes are a class of naturally occurring compounds in essential oils, and are commonly found in a variety of different plants and animal products. Strains of cannabis will have primary and secondary terpenes, where the former will have a major influence on the aroma, taste, and appearance, while the latter adds depth and layers to these attributes.
Myrcene is the most common terpene found in cannabis strains, including strains like OG Kush and Girl Scout Cookies, and can also be found in hops and some breeds of mangoes, and it is described as having an earthy aroma similar to cloves.
Limonene, is often the next major terpene encountered in the common strains of cannabis, such as Wedding Cake, and as you might have guessed, is found in citrus fruit and is what contributes to that characteristic citrusy smell.
Pinene is another common terpene, found in strains such as Blue Dream and OG Kush, and as the name suggests it is responsible for the smell associated with pine trees. It is contained within the resin of pine trees and other plants like sage and rosemary. Its aroma is often described as earthy and outdoorsy. Many strains that contain pinene, often also contain terpineol which produces lilac and lime blossom aromas.
Caryophyllene, found in many spices like black pepper and cloves is what contributes to the so-called spicy flavour.
Borneol, a terpene found in strains like Super Silver Haze, produces the aroma of mint and camphor.
Linalool is one of the terpenes that produces a floral smell and is also present in lavender and spring flowers. Linalool can be smelt at very low levels, and is common in strains such as Grandaddy Purple and Do-Si-Dos. Another terpene with floral tones is Phytol. This terpene may be found in the undertones of strains like Blue Dream and Sour Diesel.
The main ingredient of eucalyptus oil is a terpene aptly named Eucalyptol and it is responsible for the characteristic minty smell we associate with Eucalyptus trees and is also found in small amounts in marijuana strains such as Girl Scout Cookies and Headband.
These are but some of the terpenes contained within cannabis strains and it is reflective of just how dynamic a plant cannabis can be. Beyond its therapeutic use, there is a lot of inspiration that can be drawn from the cannabis plant. Whilst we often associate its smell with the characteristic pungent chronic smell, as you can see, different strains offer a variety of different and complex aromas.
These terpenes have inspired the creative minds at flowrclub to create a line of cannabis-inspired scented candles. Check out the flowrclub range of cannabis inspired candles at Astrid Alchemy now.
In addition to the spectacular smells of cannabis we have discussed, there have been some studies that report the potential medicinal benefits of different terpenes. There is no conclusive evidence in human studies to confirm these claims, but for more information on this, you can check out our blog on the wonders of terpenes.
