Cannabis Aroma: New Insights

OG Article By Beard Bros Media

September 29 2025

Unveiling the Scent

Cannabis has a distinct smell.A new study reveals its chemical secrets.Published in the Journal of Agriculture and Food Chemistry.Identifies dozens of odor-active compounds.

Research Approach

Zurich University and Technical University of Munich led the study.Analyzed six CBD hemp cultivars from Puregene AG, Switzerland.Used gas chromatography-olfactometry (GC-O) and aroma extract dilution analysis (AEDA).Focused on compounds the human nose detects.

Key Findings

Found 52 odor-active compounds.38 scents newly reported in dried cannabis flowers.Six compounds never detected in cannabis before.Drying and curing shape the scent profile.

Chemical Symphony

Cannabis aroma comes from multiple families:

• Terpenes

• Esters

• Sulfur compounds

• Phenolic compounds

• Volatile acids

• Furanones

Specific smells include:

• Sweaty: 2- and 3-methylbutanoic acid, hexanoic acid

• Popcorn: 2-acetylpyrazine

• Earthy, bell pepper: 3-isobutyl-2-methoxypyrazine

• Floral, citrus: α-terpineol

• Skunk-like: 3-methylbut-2-ene-1-thiol

Furaneol and sotolon confirmed as odor-active.

Drying and Curing Impact

Post-harvest processes create or release scents.Drying and curing transform compounds.Enzymatic and oxidative pathways need more study.Critical for cultivators to refine methods.

Industry Implications

Legal barriers once blocked research.New access reveals cannabis potential.Breeders can target specific aroma profiles.Enhances products for food, fragrances, therapy.Improves consumer satisfaction, market edge.

Future Research

Quantify odor-active compounds.Study secondary metabolism.Unlock cannabis’s full potential.

Looking Ahead

Cannabis research is just beginning.New discoveries will reshape cultivation, use.Science will drive innovation, benefits.