New Cannabis Aroma Lexicon Features 25 Terms, Challenges Terpene-Scent Link

Oregon State University researchers have introduced a new standardized aroma lexicon for cannabis and hemp, featuring 25 distinct scent terms. Published in PLOS One, this development aims to provide consumers and the industry with a more precise language for describing cannabis aromas, moving beyond generic terms like "skunky" or "strong." The study also significantly challenges the industry-held belief that common terpenes are reliable predictors of perceived smells.

The lexicon includes a diverse range of descriptors such as "candy," "citrus," "vomit," and "black tea." Researchers observed that high-THC cannabis (Type I) was more frequently characterized by "skunky," "musty," and "animalic" notes, while hemp (Type III) tended towards "fruity" and "chemical" aromas. This standardization provides a critical tool for consistent communication among cultivators, product developers, retailers, and consumers.

A key finding from the research is the weak correlation between terpene profiles and sensory perception. "Scientists found no strong link between common terpenes and perceived smells - debunking a major industry myth," as stated by Mario Nawfal. This suggests that the current industry practice of marketing based on terpene content may be misleading, as other volatile compounds likely play a more significant role in a product's overall aroma.

This shift in understanding could redirect consumer focus from solely chasing high THC levels, which researchers compare to "judging wine by alcohol content alone." Professor Tom Shellhammer of Oregon State University emphasized that aroma is a crucial factor in consumer-perceived quality, and over-reliance on THC potency poses public health risks, including impaired driving and acute psychosis. The new lexicon offers a pathway for assessing product quality based on sensory experience rather than just psychoactive compound concentration.

The study's methodology involved a human panel evaluating 91 samples, demonstrating the lexicon's effectiveness in differentiating aromas. This foundational work is expected to support better cultivar classification, improve product development and marketing strategies, and foster a more transparent, consumer-informed marketplace in the evolving cannabis industry.