The Science of Scent: How Aroma Plays a Bigger Role Than THC
Did you know that the cannabis plant has over 100 different compounds, each with its unique effects on the human body? The two most popular (i.e., well-known) compounds in cannabis are THC and CBD, which have very different properties. THC is the primary psychoactive component in cannabis, and it's what causes the famous "high" associated with its use. Meanwhile, CBD has non-psychoactive properties and is better known for its medicinal benefits.
But here's something you might not know: there's another essential aspect of the cannabis plant that plays a crucial role in determining its quality and subjective effect – its aroma. And where does aroma come from? Terpenes! If you’ve been tuning in to our blog, you may have seen our terpene blogs featuring popular terps like myrcene, limonene, and pinene.
Yet, what we haven’t covered is recent research out of Oregon showing that terpenes are a vital factor in determining the quality and effects of cannabis. In fact, the scent of a plant has a more profound impact on your experience than the THC content.
So, if you're a cannabis enthusiast or just curious about this fascinating plant, join us as we explore this fascinating research and learn a thing or two about our favorite plant.
Cannabis Terpenes 101
The world of plants is full of surprises, and cannabis is no exception. One of its most intriguing features is the presence of terpenes – magical compounds that determine not only the plant's aroma but also its flavor, potency, and effects.
Terpenes can be likened to the superheroes of the plant world. These remarkable compounds provide essential functions, from attracting pollinators to defending the plant against herbivores and environmental stressors. When combined with other compounds like THC and CBD, they can create a wide range of effects, ranging from sedative to uplifting. This synergistic interplay is known as the entourage effect.
Each terpene brings its own special formula to the table. For example, linalool has a very relaxing and calming effect. It might not surprise you to hear that it’s also the main terpene in lavender, which is used in aromatherapy for those very same effects.
On the opposite end of the spectrum is limonene – widely recognized as the scent of a freshly-squeezed lemon. This bright terpene is bursting with energy and mood-enhancing effects.
Each of these terpenes offers its qualities to us through the plants, herbs, and foods we eat, but in cannabis – terpenes are the secret weapon to a fully robust experience. And, as we are about to learn, they have more to do with our overall experience than we’ve ever known.
The Nose Knows
This clever saying is also the title of a 2022 Oregon-based research study. The full paper, The Nose Knows: Aroma, but Not THC Mediates the Subjective Effects of Smoked and Vaporized Cannabis Flower, takes a deep look at what determines our experience with cannabis. And as you’ve probably sorted out by now – it’s not the THC percentage.
The Basis for the Study
A study conducted in Oregon allowed volunteer judges at the Cultivation Classic cannabis competition to determine the quality of 278 cannabis flower samples over two consecutive annual events. The 276 judges evaluated 144 samples in 2019 and 134 samples in 2020. Each judge was provided with a kit containing 8 to 10 one-gram sealed glass jars of cannabis, and their task was to sample each strain and rate them based on subjective effects and aroma.
To evaluate the various samples, the panel of judges utilized a comprehensive questionnaire consisting of 15 questions. The questions aimed to determine the general impact and fragrance of cannabis through a rating scale. The organizers of the event advised the participants to consume the samples attentively and to inform them about any negative effects they may experience while also sharing their level of satisfaction. Additionally, the judges were instructed to avoid using cannabis for 48 hours before testing the kit to ensure objective and precise evaluations.
What We Learned
The findings of the study were unexpected and informative. The researchers investigated 3,063 separate sessions to explore the correlation between THC, CBD, and terpene levels and their influence on the overall experience. The results showed no connection between the potency of THC or terpene levels and the subjective enjoyment or undesirable side effects of cannabis use.
Instead, the study revealed that the most significant factor contributing to positive experiences among the volunteer judges was the appealing scent of the flower. Interestingly, the participants' subjective experience was not necessarily correlated with the amount of terpenes detected but with the overall aroma.
Moreover, the study revealed that the method of consumption significantly influenced the volunteers' subjective experience. The results indicated that smoking cannabis flower through a joint, bong, or dry herb vaporizer produced distinct effects. In addition, the study found that male and female volunteers had slightly different responses, with males reporting a slightly higher level of enjoyment for high-THC cannabis samples than females.
The role of age in the subjective enjoyment of cannabis consumption was also noteworthy. Older volunteers aged 40 and above reported higher enjoyment levels than those under 40. Moreover, those aged 60 and older reported the greatest enjoyment levels of all the age groups.
Regardless of age group, the study also indicated that “less is more” when it comes to consumption. The judges did not indicate that they enjoyed the high with more consumption. Instead, they reported higher satisfaction with moderate consumption.
How Does This Affect the Cannabis Industry?
There has been a longstanding misconception that the higher the THC percentage, the better the product. Maybe it’s a misstep in cannabis marketing, or perhaps consumers have assumed that this route of shopping offers more bang for your buck. But if the aroma of cannabis has more to do with enjoyment, this approach has been out of place. It would actually favor sungrown cannabis and live resin or other full spectrum extracts instead of distillate or isolate products.
For those with experience with these various concentrates, it’s probably easy to see why. Although a 95% distillate concentrate will certainly kick in some hefty psychoactive effects, the results are usually short-lived. In contrast, while a high-quality live resin might only boast 50-60% THC, it is teeming with high-impact terpenes and a myriad of other cannabinoids to engage a full spectrum experience.
Engage Your Senses
At Cream of the Crop, we’ve always known that a greater terpene and cannabinoid profile means a better experience for our customers. And if you’ve ever tried our incredible flower – your nose knows what’s up. If you haven’t tried our products, let your nose lead the way and shop delivery today.