SALT LAKE CITY – Cannabis has many identifying features, its unique fan leaves, its ability to adapt and grow in a variety of circumstances, and of course, a unique aroma. The identifiable cannabis smell has been both the bane and boon to many a pot consumer. However, with new strains being developed and popularized every year, recognizing the uniquely identifiable cannabis aroma we’re accustomed to may become hazier.
As was pointed out in a great Westword article, if you were to ask people on the street what weed smells like, the first answer would likely be: “ skunky.” In my opinion, the second would be “funky,” a mere two letters different and meaning basically the same thing. These adjectives hit at the classic-essence of the weed smell.
The adjectives you likely won’t hear, unless you happen upon a Cannoisseur, are ones such as: herbaceous, clean, piney, citrusy, diesely, sagey, tarry, coffee-like, cheesy, the list goes on. Perhaps the popularity of the skunk is due to how easily recognizable it is? Or perhaps it is because many of the classic strains happen to have a high percentage of the terpene myrcene, which is what produces that skunky smell? Regardless, skunky funk is currently king.
Skunk may be king of funk, but there are many suitors clamoring to take the crown. Take for instance the citrus-fruity note so prevalent in cannabis strains that have been available at Utah Pharmacies. Strains such as Ice Cream Man, Maxine, Orange Zkittles, Purple Punch, Orange Creamsicle, and more that I may be missing.
There is variety in the way the citrus-fruity notes display themselves, so this isn’t a catch-all description, but it does bring notice to the increasing popularity of strains that depart from the traditional weed skunk. This departure first caught my attention when a canna-savvy friend smelled a strain I had and genuinely asked if it was weed or not? After thinking a little harder, I realized that many of the strains I had purchased recently could have caused equal confusion.
As medicinal cannabis continues to grow within the state of Utah, and these non-skunky cannabis strains grow in popularity, I wonder if that same street survey from the beginning of this rambling will yield much different results in a few years. The first answer will probably be the same for time immemorial; skunk is king. The second cheap answer of “funky” might just be replaced with a robust vocabulary of absurdly accurate adjectives, like “citrusy,” or “fruity.”
