A New Shared Language for Describing Cannabis and Hemp Aromas Is Finally Here

Researchers have taken a major step toward building a standardized language for describing the aromas of cannabis and hemp—an area that has surprisingly lacked structure, even though smell plays a major role in how people judge quality. This new work introduces a detailed aroma lexicon, a set of 25 descriptive terms, and a clearer understanding of how different cannabis and hemp samples can be grouped based on scent alone. The study doesn’t just tidy up vocabulary; it has implications for consumer experience, product labeling, research, and even public health.

Below is a clear, straightforward walk-through of the key findings, how the research was done, the differences between hemp and cannabis aromas, and some additional background information so readers can fully understand why this matters.

Why Researchers Wanted a Shared Aroma Language

For years, the cannabis industry—both legal and unregulated—has leaned heavily on THC levels as the primary indicator of quality. But THC, the psychoactive compound, is far from the whole story. High THC levels are linked with several negative effects such as impaired driving, cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (intense vomiting), and acute psychosis when consumed irresponsibly or in high doses. Yet many consumers still judge a product almost entirely by its THC percentage.

Researchers argue that this is similar to assessing wine or beer based solely on alcohol content. The alcohol boom after Prohibition included wines spiked with extra alcohol and beer styles designed to emphasize potency. But modern beverage industries moved toward valuing aroma, flavor, and ingredient origin—and cannabis is now following that same path.

Aroma, especially during “dry sniffing” (smelling the plant material before smoking), is incredibly important to consumers. Despite this, there has been no standard way to describe those aromas consistently. One person’s “skunky” might be another person’s “earthy.” This study is designed to change that.

How the Study Was Conducted

The research team worked with 24 trained panelists who ranged in age from 21 to 70, with a median age of 32. Fourteen were female and ten were male. All had some previous experience with sensory analysis of food or beverages. Their familiarity with cannabis and hemp varied, with the group almost evenly split between being slightly familiar, moderately familiar, and extremely familiar.

Because cannabis and hemp fall under different legal categories in the U.S. (hemp is anything with 0.3% THC or less, while anything above that is regulated as cannabis), the evaluation took place in two locations. Hemp samples were analyzed at Oregon State University, while cannabis samples had to be evaluated in a facility legally owned by a cannabis dispensary. Importantly, the study focused only on the aroma of the raw plant material, not the smell of smoke or vapor.

Panelists used a carefully structured descriptive method to assess the aroma of each sample. Their evaluations were then used to define and refine the new aroma vocabulary.

The New 25-Term Aroma Lexicon

The study produced a 25-term descriptive lexicon—essentially a dictionary of aroma descriptors that anyone evaluating cannabis or hemp can use. These terms were developed from earlier data collected between 2018 and 2020 at cannabis competitions in Portland. The research team built upon that earlier work, expanding and validating the vocabulary.

This new lexicon is designed to help consumers, growers, and retailers communicate more clearly about aromas. It also provides a foundation for future scientific research exploring the relationship between chemical composition and sensory perception.

Key Findings on Aroma Profiles

One of the biggest insights from the study is that hemp and cannabis aroma profiles overlap, but also have distinctive tendencies.

The most common descriptors for cannabis (THC-rich)

• Skunky
• Musty
• Animalic (a savory, slightly funky quality)

The most common descriptors for hemp (low-THC)

• Citrus
• Fruity
• Candy-like

The research also identified four major aroma clusters that appeared consistently in the samples:

1. Fruit, berry, candy
2. Citrus and chemical
3. Cheesy and vomit/fecal
4. Funky, earthy, musty, straw, fuel, black tea, woody, nutty/toasted

The first three clusters appeared mostly in hemp samples, while the fourth cluster was mostly associated with cannabis.

These profiles will likely evolve as more studies add more samples, but they already give the industry a clearer way to compare different products.

Chemical Analysis and Why It Didn’t Predict Aroma

The researchers also analyzed terpenes and volatile sulfur compounds, which are often promoted in cannabis marketing as the source of specific smells. However, the study found that neither terpene content nor sulfur compounds predicted the aroma descriptions chosen by panelists.

This is a major discovery because it contradicts a widely held belief in the cannabis industry—that certain terpenes automatically correspond to specific aroma categories. While some loose associations exist, the link is nowhere near as straightforward as people often claim.

The study does note one exception: terpinolene showed a stronger connection to citrus and chemical sensations. But overall, chemical profiles were poor predictors of human sensory experience.

This reinforces the idea that sensory panels and standardized language are essential tools for understanding cannabis quality.

Why This Work Matters for the Industry

This new aroma lexicon could have several long-term impacts:

Better consumer guidance

By shifting attention away from THC levels, consumers might choose products based on aroma and overall experience, promoting a healthier and more mature market.

Improved labeling and product consistency

Growers and retailers can describe their products more clearly, leading to better trust and more accurate expectations.

Stronger public health guidance

Consumers pursuing the “highest THC possible” can encounter severe side effects. A focus on aroma and broader sensory quality gives people safer ways to evaluate products.

Stronger foundations for scientific research

The lexicon provides a consistent framework for future studies on cannabis chemistry, sensory science, and how aroma connects to user experience.

Additional Information About Cannabis Aroma Science

What Are Terpenes, Really?

Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants, not just cannabis. Lavender, pine, citrus fruits—all owe much of their scent to terpenes. In cannabis culture, terpenes have become a buzzword, but this study suggests the relationship between terpenes and actual perceived aroma is much more complex than most explanations imply.

What Are Volatile Sulfur Compounds?

These are highly potent scent chemicals that appear in tiny amounts. In cannabis, they are often responsible for strong “skunky” or “funky” notes. But again, chemical presence did not perfectly line up with human perception.

Why Dry Aroma Matters

Before lighting anything, people often inspect cannabis by smell. This “dry sniff” experience influences expectations, enjoyment, and purchasing decisions. A clearer aroma language helps make that experience less subjective.

Looking Ahead

The researchers acknowledge that the lexicon will likely grow over time. As more cultivars are bred and more data is collected, the industry may need more specific aroma categories. But this first standardized vocabulary is a major milestone. It marks a shift away from marketing-heavy descriptions and toward scientific clarity, helping everyone—from consumers to scientists—talk about cannabis and hemp with more precision.

Research Paper:
https://journals.plos.org/plosone/article?id=10.1371/journal.pone.0335125