The taste of cannabis – what are the different tastes of cannabis?

The taste of cannabis can be judged in the same way as, for example, beer, wine, cheese, chilli and other foods. Compared to these types of food and drink, cannabis ranks high in the number of possible flavours and combinations.

Terpenes

Terpenes are of great importance to cannabis tasters because they determine the taste of the plant and are also responsible for its aroma. In the end, a scale is created with the same terpenes, which first of all respects the old corporate system and then the taste system. This is why taste and aroma correlate so much.

On the other hand, the role of terpenes in modulating the psychoactivity of cannabis is becoming much clearer as they are no longer considered part of the effects. Various scientific studies have proven this and many experienced growers have thought so in the past. Cannabis contains more than ten terpenes, some of which are always present (caryophyllene, myrcene and pinene), others only occasionally. Let’s take a look at a few of the most common.

Caryophyllene

It carries spicy notes, mostly black pepper and wood, although other scents such as basil, oregano or cinnamon are also present. It affects the endocannabinoid system and has anti-inflammatory effects. It is present in cannabis in such abundance that drug dogs are trained to find this terpene.

Myrcene

It smells of clove and wood, it also has fruity notes that are typical of mango and hops. It is known for its sedative qualities, relaxing the muscles and inducing a heavy buzz.

Limonen

Responsible for citrus flavors. Causes the strongest thought effect and strengthens it, accelerating both body and mind. It has antidepressant and antifungal effects, as well as antibacterial and anticancer effects.

Pinen

It is prominently represented in the resin of pine, and also carries an aroma such as eucalyptus. It improves bronchial clearance. It is common in skunk varieties, where it takes care of their cough irritant effect. It contributes to improving memory and concentration.

Linalool

Typical of lavender, it adds floral elements of freshness to the taste. It has anxiolytic, relaxing and sedative effects, helping to improve sleep.

Terpineol

This terpene is characterized by a floral taste, which is closest to lilac, but overall this terpene is attributed to the aroma of the whole flora. It relaxes the body, soothes and aids sleep.

We can tell you that there are more than 400 types of terpenes in the cannabis plant. Scientists attribute only a fraction of this number to specific tastes. Moreover, they have only been able to link some of these terpenes to specific functions. We can be sure that further effects of individual terpenes will be discovered over time.

Other examples of terpenes are Borneol, Eucalyptol, Citronellol and A-terpineol.

If you are interested in official studies, you may find this study from 2011 very interesting.

What taste of cannabis can we distinguish?

Terpenes can be analysed using a chromatograph, although the perception of the resulting taste may be different, as the taste connoisseur may judge the resulting experience of consuming one variety or another on the basis of his subjective feelings.

We can distinguish between four basic tastes: sweet, salty, bitter and sour, each with its own nuances.

The most famous flavours of cannabis

Sweet: honey, caramel, marmalade, molasses, marzipan, cheesecake or fruit jams.

Herbal: fresh grass, dry grass, bamboo.

Floral: from general varieties such as wild flowers to specific varieties such as violets, lavender or thyme.

Fruity: a wide range of classifications such as oranges, pineapples, green apples, strawberries, cherries or red wine grapes.

Forest fruit: refers to certain types of fruit such as blueberries, blackberries, gooseberries or elderberries.

Citrus: tangerine, orange, grapefruit or lemon.

Earthy and woody: moist soil, moss, sawdust, pine, eucalyptus or hardwood.

Spices and aromatics: frankincense, frankincense incense, camphor, parsley, fennel, pepper, ginger, cloves, saffron, oriental spices, nutmeg, coffee, dark chocolate, cinnamon, liquorice or mint.

Animalic: pungent scents reminiscent of musk, leather, fish, dog, ammonia or the famous skunk.

Dairy: dairy whey, butter, cream, white cheese, niva, aged cheese, rancid cheese

Chemical or mineral: plastic, turpentine, ham, pine-scented liquid cleaner, gasoline, diesel, iron, oxide or meta

Conclusion on the taste of cannabis

Terpene analysis and many experts confirm that cannabis tasting is an area full of small details and surprises in both flavours and aromas. In this article, we wanted to prepare you for the range of cannabis flavours you can expect when smoking it, but in the end, you’ll get the best description by observing and testing for yourself.

Anyway, if you like to test new smells and discover new flavours of cannabis, we recommend you try some of our cannabis varieties that are sure to please your senses.