Smells like Skunk: The Science Behind Our Favorite Weed Aromas

Written By Bart Dluhy

“You know it when you smell it, but then again, you can’t just describe one cultivar and have it accurately represent all buds. Some are sweet, some are pungent, there are even unpleasant smelling cultivars with horrific sounding names like “Halitosis.” But what determines the aromas of cannabis buds?

Most cannabis consumers in medical or adult-use legal states have heard of terpenes by now. They are the fragrant, essential oils found in the same resinous material that contains THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids we value so much. But what about Thiols, Esters, Aldehydes, and other chemicals found in your weed that contribute to the complex smells?

Currently, science has identified approximately 550 chemical compounds that may be present in cannabis. Over 100 of those are cannabinoids (many are currently undefined) and more than 200 are terpenes. But what about the other 250 plus chemicals? What are they and how do they contribute to the smell and effects?”