Researchers at Oregon State University have just proposed something unprecedented in the world of Cannabis sativa: a sensory lexicon with 25 terms to standardized describe the plant's aromas.

The study, published in the journal PLOS ONE, sought to transform subjective perceptions, such as "citrus," "earthy," or "floral," into a reliable system capable of helping consumers, producers, and researchers "speak the same language" when it comes to smell.

A New Language for an Old Habit

To develop the vocabulary, scientists assembled a trained human panel responsible for evaluating 91 samples of intact cannabis flowers.

The methodology used was Check-All-That-Apply, where each participant marked all the descriptors they identified in each sample. Simultaneously, detailed chemical analyses, including chromatography to measure volatile compounds, helped to correlate sensory impressions with the chemical composition of the flowers.

The result was a set of 25 terms that includes descriptions such as citrus, resinous, floral, woody, and even sulfuric nuances.

The proposal is not only to name aromas but to create a standard that allows for comparing samples, communicating quality, and even directing research on preferences and effects perceived by users.

When Smell Speaks Louder than Compounds

Among the findings is an interesting point: what chemistry suggests is not always what the nose perceives. The study identified, for example, groups of samples rich in certain terpenes, such as limonene, often associated with citrus aroma, that were not evaluated as "citrus" by the human panel.

The discrepancy reinforces that aroma results from complex interactions between compounds, not just from the isolated presence of one terpene or another. For the market, this could mean new ways to classify products beyond THC concentration, bringing cannabis closer to sensory categories already established, such as those used in coffees, wines, and perfumes.

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The creation of this lexicon opens doors for future studies that investigate how smell influences the usage experience and how aromatic preferences can guide cultivation and the development of new varieties.