Cannabis Flower Perfume: Why Some Strains Smell So Incredible

Terpenes in cannabis are responsible for the flower’s perfume-like aroma. Terpenes are organic, volatile compounds that occur naturally in plants (and other living organisms). These include flowers, fruits, herbs and trees. Terpenes contribute to the distinctive aromas of various plants such as; lemons with limonene which provides that zesty lemon taste, lavender with linalool producing the calming and soothing effects we associate with lavender, and pine forests with pinene providing that fresh pine scent.

In cannabis, terpenes play a key role in defining the personality of individual strains. Terpenes create the scent of the plant, and two flowers of the same type, but different strain, could have very different scents based upon the chemical composition of terpenes present in each.

Well known cannabis terpenes include:

• Limonene – citrusy, bright and refreshing
• Myrcene – earthy, musky and herbaceous
• Pinene – fresh, pine-like and clean
• Caryophyllene – warm, peppery and spicy
• Linalool – floral, soft, lavender-like

This explains why one cannabis flower may have the scent of tropical fruit and another has the scent of sweet cream or fresh flowers.

Why do people compare cannabis to perfume?

The same reason high quality cannabis flower can be compared to a fine perfume – both have layers of aroma. When initially opening a new jar of high quality cannabis flower you may notice the initial sweet or fruity “top note”. However, once the flower is broken up, further aromas will become apparent – these may be gasoline/diesel, herbs, spices or wood.

It is this complexity of the aroma that is one reason why cannabis enthusiasts spend so much time talking about the aroma of the flower. Aroma is not simply a detail, it can tell you a great deal about the freshness of the flower, the quality of curing and storage, and the overall characteristics of the flower.

Interesting Fact: There is more to cannabis and perfumes than meets the eye. Both use aromatic compounds and both can have top and base notes. Both evoke an emotional response via the sense of smell.

Why does the aroma of cannabis matter so much?

To many consumers, the aroma of the flower is a major factor in deciding which flower to buy. This can vary greatly depending on the user preference – i.e. some people like loud, gas-like strains while others prefer creamy dessert-like notes or bright citrus freshness. To the consumer, the aroma of the flower can also set the tone for the entire experience prior to consuming the flower.

Strong, pleasing aromas can indicate several factors including:

• Good preservation of the terpenes
• Proper curing and storage of the flower
• Fresh, well handled flower
• An enhanced flavor profile

Premium cannabis flower is often regarded similarly to a high-end fragrance.

Popular “perfume-like” aroma profiles in cannabis:

• Floral – delicate, elegant and slightly sweet
• Fruity – berry, tropical, citrus, orchard notes
• Creamy – dessert-like, rich, smooth
• Herbal – fresh, green, natural
• Spicy – pepper, clove, warm earth

Each of these profiles contributes to the sophistication and memorability of cannabis flower, especially when the buds are fresh and abundant in terpenes.

Final thoughts

Cannabis flower perfume is essentially the complex scents provided by quality cannabis flower. Due to terpenes, each strain is given its unique aromatic identity – ranging from sweet and floral to sharp and citrusy and from creamy and dessert-like to earthy and deep.

For cannabis users in the UK, the aroma of the flower is more than just a detail – it is an integral component of making flower an exciting, expressive and personalized experience. Explore our range of aromatic cannabis strains at Weed Wonderland and find your next favorite cannabis flower today.