I had a friend tell me they could tell if my flowers were sativa, indica, or a hybrid with a whiff of the bud’s perfect fragrance. Was he right or exaggerating? Is it possible to determine if a strain is Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid just by the smell? Let’s dive into the aroma of cannabis for the best answer.
Where Does the Potent Plant’s Fragrance Originate?
Terpenes! Terpenes are a class of hydrocarbons found in the essential oils of many types of plants and flowers. Researchers have identified between 100 and 200 terps in various cannabis strains. In nature, there are at least 20,000. You use these in products every day—the lavender scent you love—linalool or that refreshing citrus fragrance? That’s limonene.
The aromatic molecules give cannabis its signature aroma. These are common in everything from food and beauty products to cleaning items. Terpenes form in the trichomes, producing THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids and compounds, such as flavonoids and various nutrients.
Cannabis is well known for its variety of sweet scents and pungent fragrances. These come from the terpenes.
What Do Terpenes Mean for Sativa, Indica, and Hybrid Distinction?
First, an overview of the different plant varieties.
Sativa: Consumers classify sativa as the plant of choice for providing mental clarity, focus, and energy. The appearance is tall, thin, and has long, narrow leaves.
Indica: Indica is best for being active indoors or enjoying some quiet time on the couch. It has a stocky appearance, short height, and broad leaves.
Hybrid: Hybrids are a combination of sativa and indica. It combines the benefits of both types to make a balanced appearance and provide the perfect mix of medication. Hybrids also share a blend of the physical look between the two.
Now, a note about the above distinctions. Sativa, indica, and hybrid are terms with little scientific backing. They are often used to refer to the effects that come with consumption, but not the plant species.
You can’t look at a plant and determine how it will affect you. In addition, if it’s a pure THC wax, the plant variety doesn’t matter. These products only contain THC, no terpenes or other cannabinoids.
With that said, is there a way to determine if a bud is sativa, indica, or hybrid?
Those terms are antiquated and no longer valid. There are more precise ways to determine the genetics of a plant, its effects, and how it will affect you. The formula involves the cannabinoid and terpene profile and the plant’s parentage.
How Does Smell Affect My Choice of Indica, Sativa, and Hybrid?
Research shows there may be a way to determine the type by its scent. If you’re curious about what terpenes contribute to the flavor and fragrance of cannabis, here’s another comprehensive look at the standard cannabis terpenes.
- Limonene
- Linalool
- Pinene
- B-caryophyllene
- Humulene
- Ocimene
- Terpinolene
You might be able to find the best type of concentrate to dab by reviewing different terpene profiles.
Terpenes, Cannabinoids, and the Entourage Effect
These components in cannabis work together in harmony to offer the most effective treatments, but in many cases, the terpenes make the difference. The entourage effect theory suggests that the sum of these parts is more significant than each part. However, you won’t experience the entourage effect if the dab THC percentage is over 90%.
The smell can tell you a lot about the type of plant, but it’s not 100%. There are more accurate ways to determine if your cannabis is an indica, sativa, or hybrid. The most reliable way to detect what kind of strain you’re smoking is by examining its terpene and cannabinoid profile and parentage.