News: Scientists Develop New Glossary Of Marijuana Aromas That Industry Could Use To Better Inform Consumers.
- Manuel Basegla
- Nov 14
- 2 min read
Published 9AM EST, Fri Nov 14, 2025
Researchers at Oregon State University recruited a 21-judge panel to assess 91 samples of unburnt marijuana flower. The panel was tasked with smelling the varieties and checking off aroma descriptors that they felt applied.
Researchers at Oregon State University have developed a new 25-term aroma lexicon for cannabis, aiming to create a standardized, evidence-based framework for describing the scent of unburnt flower. Using a 21-judge sensory panel to evaluate 91 samples, the team identified common descriptors—most notably “herbal,” “citrus,” and “woody”—and demonstrated that the lexicon can reliably differentiate varieties. While not intended as a definitive system, the lexicon organizes existing terminology into a coherent, data-driven structure that can be refined through future research.
A central finding of the study challenges a longstanding assumption in cannabis science and marketing: terpenes alone do not reliably predict aroma profiles. Although terpene analyses produced clear chemical clusters, these did not align well with sensory evaluations. Only one terpene, terpinolene, showed consistent associations (“citrus” and “chemical”). Total terpene concentration also failed to correlate with aroma intensity or descriptor frequency, suggesting that other chemical classes—such as esters and aldehydes—may be more influential in shaping scent.
The researchers also found meaningful sensory differences tied to cannabinoid profiles. High-THC, low-CBD samples were more often labeled “skunky,” “musty,” and “animalic,” while low-THC, high-CBD varieties tended to be described as “citrus,” “fruity,” and “candy-like.” The study emphasizes that traditional labels such as “indica” and “sativa,” as well as potency-driven marketing, are poor predictors of aroma, enjoyment, or experience. Instead, aroma itself remains the strongest known predictor of subjective enjoyment.
These findings highlight a major gap between current industry marketing practices and the actual sensory science of cannabis. As legal markets mature—and scrutiny over potency inflation, inaccurate labeling, and product safety increases—a standardized aroma lexicon could provide consumers with a more reliable indicator of quality and experience than THC percentage or strain names. For producers, breeders, and retailers, understanding the complex chemistry behind aroma may inform better cultivation, post-harvest handling, and branding strategies. Ultimately, this research pushes the industry toward more transparent, science-backed classification systems that can improve consumer trust and product differentiation. Source: Marijuana Moment
