Patrick Oconnell
Terpenes are chemicals found in cannabis that can influence body functions, from the physical to the psychological. They can also affect our sense of smell, triggering memories and associations with certain foods or experiences. Some terpenes are responsible for the cheesy smell in some cannabis strains. This smell is not produced by cows but by the similar molecular buildup in both cheese and cannabis terpenes. The cheesy smell is not caused by a single terpene but by a combination of many, including octanoic acid, which has a rancid and oily smell, and isovaleric acid, which has a pungent, sour, and sweaty cheese smell.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Number of terpenes found in cannabis | More than 200 |
| Smell | Sour, rancid, pungent, fruity, sweet, barnyard, manure, oily, pear, pineapple, incense, cured cheese |
| Taste | Sweet, sour |
| Effects | Uplifting, stimulating, relaxing, stress-reducing, mood-improving |
| Medicinal effects | Anticonvulsant, antidepressant, therapeutic |
| Other uses | Flavors and aromas for products like flowers, extracts, tinctures, beverages, edibles, concentrates, cannabis extracts |
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What You'll Learn
- The terpene isovaleric acid is the most prevalent in the Cheese strain
- Octanoic acid, methyl tert-butyl ether, ethyl methyl acetic acid, hexanoic acid, and methyl mercaptan are other terpenes in the Cheese strain
- Terpenes in cannabis can influence body functions from the physical to the psychological
- Terpenes in cannabis can make you think of a type of food, flower, or experience
- Terpenes are used to provide flavours and aromas of specific cannabis strains to products like flowers, extracts, and tinctures
The terpene isovaleric acid is the most prevalent in the Cheese strain
The Cheese strain of cannabis is characterised by its intense cheesy aroma, which is the result of a combination of terpenes and other compounds. While isovaleric acid is the most prevalent terpene in this strain, it is not solely responsible for the cheesy smell. Other terpenes such as octanoic acid, methyl tert-butyl ether, ethyl methyl acetic acid, hexanoic acid, and methyl mercaptan also contribute to the overall aroma. Each of these terpenes has its own distinct smell, ranging from rancid and oily to fruity and sweet.
The unique terpene profile of the Cheese strain creates a complex and intriguing aroma that is sought after by many cannabis enthusiasts. The strain's popularity is not just due to its smell but also to the uplifting and stimulating effects it provides. The terpenes in the Cheese strain interact with cannabinoids, enhancing the overall experience for consumers. This interplay between terpenes and cannabinoids is known as the entourage effect, showcasing the importance of terpenes in the overall profile of a cannabis strain.
Terpenes are not unique to cannabis and can be found in various plants and foods. They are responsible for the distinct smells and tastes of many products, including fruits, flowers, and spices. In the case of cheese-smelling terpenes, they are also found in dairy products, contributing to the similar molecular buildup between cannabis and cheese. This similarity in molecular structure leads to the perception of a cheesy aroma in certain cannabis strains.
While the terpene isovaleric acid is the most prevalent in the Cheese strain, it is important to note that the overall aroma is a result of the combination of terpenes and other compounds. The complex interplay between these components creates the distinctive cheesiness that varies in intensity, ranging from a mild aged creamy Cheddar to a more intense full-blown Rottapal. This variation in aroma is influenced by the different quantities and ratios in which the terpenes are mixed.
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Octanoic acid, methyl tert-butyl ether, ethyl methyl acetic acid, hexanoic acid, and methyl mercaptan are other terpenes in the Cheese strain
The Cheese strain of cannabis is known for its pungent and challenging odour, which is the result of a combination of terpenes. While no single element is responsible for the cheesy smell, octanoic acid, methyl tert-butyl ether, ethyl methyl acetic acid, hexanoic acid, and methyl mercaptan are some of the terpenes that contribute to its distinctive aroma.
Octanoic acid, for instance, has an unpleasant, oily, and rancid smell. Methyl tert-butyl ether, on the other hand, offers a fruity contrast with its pineapple-like fragrance. Ethyl methyl acetic acid is sweet-smelling, reminiscent of pear drops. Hexanoic acid brings an animalistic or barnyard scent to the blend. Lastly, methyl mercaptan adds a strong note of rotten cabbage or animal faeces.
The Cheese strain is a step apart in terms of evolution, with a theatre of hybrids that are in high demand in the United Kingdom and Europe. Its unique bouquet and lingering aftertaste are created by the combination of terpenes in the plant's resins, which are detected by olfactory bulbs in the brain and the mouth.
The terpenes in the Cheese strain vary in their olfactory qualities, with some being more savoury and others adding a touch of sweetness. This complexity mirrors the nuances found in a fine cheese plate, where fruit notes complement the savoury, umami characteristics of mature cheeses. The strain's name, "Cheese," aptly reflects this similarity in taste and smell.
While the terpenes in the Cheese strain contribute to its distinctive aroma, Isovaleric Acid is the most prevalent terpene in this variety. It is also responsible for the cheesy, dairy, sweet, creamy, fermented, waxy, and berry notes found in aged cheese and other foods and beverages like wine.
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Terpenes in cannabis can influence body functions from the physical to the psychological
Terpenes are the primary constituents of essential oils and are responsible for the aroma characteristics of cannabis. They are naturally occurring chemical compounds found in plants and some animals. They give plants their unique aroma, flavour, and even colour. While terpenes are found in nearly all plants, they are especially prominent in aromatic herbs, like sage and thyme, citrus fruits, and cannabis.
Terpenes may work with the plant's cannabinoids and other compounds to produce medicinal effects. A 2001 review on the therapeutic benefits of cannabis-derived terpenes suggested that terpenes can have various mechanisms of action, including increasing dopamine, serotonin, norepinephrine, and GABA activity in the brain. Terpenes are also thought to influence mood. A 2003 study found a correlation between mood changes and the participant's odour preferences. A 2004 study also found that when participants were exposed to an odour and told about its therapeutic properties, they experienced physical changes in heart rate and skin conductance consistent with the described effects of the odour.
There are 146 known terpenes in cannabis, but experts have only linked a handful of them to specific effects. For example, beta-caryophyllene, a major ingredient in cloves, rosemary, and hops, could be beneficial for managing symptoms of anxiety and depression. Limonene, one of the most common terpenes, has distinct citrus notes and may have anticancer properties. In mice, it has been shown to have anti-anxiety properties. Myrcene, found in mangoes, has antifungal and antibacterial properties and could also have sedating effects.
Cheese strains of cannabis are known for their pungent and challenging aroma, which is the result of a combination of terpenes in the resins of the plant. The most prevalent terpene in the Cheese strain is isovaleric acid, which has a strong, pungent, sour, cheesy smell. It is also produced by bacteria when it breaks down proteins in sweat, contributing to body odour. Other terpenes in the Cheese strain include octanoic acid, which has an unpleasant oily and rancid smell, and methyl mercaptan, which smells like rotten cabbage or animal feces. Despite the less-than-pleasant aroma of cheese strains, they offer brilliant, uplifting, and stimulating effects.
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Terpenes in cannabis can make you think of a type of food, flower, or experience
Terpenes in cannabis can have a powerful effect on our senses, triggering memories and associations with certain types of food, flowers, or experiences. This is because terpenes are highly volatile and interact with our olfactory bulbs, creating distinct and memorable scent profiles.
One of the most distinctive terpene profiles in cannabis is the "Cheese" strain, which has an intense aroma that people often describe as cheesy, sour, pungent, and even reminiscent of old socks or unwashed linen. The cheese terpene profile is created by a combination of several terpenes, including isovaleric acid, octanoic acid, methyl tert-butyl ether, ethyl methyl acetic acid, hexanoic acid, and methyl mercaptan. Each of these terpenes contributes to the overall scent, with isovaleric acid and octanoic acid providing the characteristic cheesy, sour, and oily notes.
The cheese terpene profile is so unique that it has become a sought-after aroma in the cannabis community, with strains like UK Cheese (Skunk x Afghani) and Blue Cheese (a combination of UK Cheese and DJ Short's Blueberry) gaining popularity. These strains not only offer an intriguing aroma but also provide uplifting and stimulating effects, making them a favorite among cannabis enthusiasts.
While the cheese terpene profile is certainly attention-grabbing, it's important to note that terpenes in cannabis can create a wide range of scent profiles, from sweet and fruity to floral and earthy. With over 200 terpenes found in cannabis, the possibilities for aroma and flavor profiles are endless, allowing consumers to choose strains that align with their preferences and desired effects.
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Terpenes are used to provide flavours and aromas of specific cannabis strains to products like flowers, extracts, and tinctures
Terpenes are a diverse group of organic compounds found in cannabis, with over 200 types identified. They are responsible for the distinct aromas and flavours associated with different cannabis strains. Terpenes are not unique to cannabis and are also found in many other plants, where they play a role in defence against predators and attraction of pollinators.
In the context of cannabis, terpenes are particularly important for their impact on the sensory experience. When it comes to cannabis products like flowers, extracts, and tinctures, terpenes are a key factor in creating desirable flavours and aromas. One of the well-known terpene profiles is the \"Cheese\" terpene, which has an intense, sweet, and sour aroma with hints of cured cheese. This profile is achieved through a combination of terpenes, including isovaleric acid, octanoic acid, methyl tert-butyl ether, ethyl methyl acetic acid, hexanoic acid, and methyl mercaptan. Each of these terpenes contributes a unique scent, from the pungent, sour, and sweaty notes of isovaleric acid to the fruity pineapple scent of methyl tert-butyl ether.
The "Cheese" terpene profile is often used to enhance the sensory appeal of cannabis products. For example, when added to flowers, terpenes can be absorbed to provide a more even and balanced aromatic experience. Similarly, in extracts and tinctures, terpenes can contribute to the overall effect, enhancing the sensory experience and even influencing the psychological effects. The "Cheese" terpene, in particular, is known for producing a giggly, active mental state while also providing physical relaxation, making it a popular choice for those seeking stress relief and mood enhancement.
It is important to note that terpenes are potent and should be handled with caution. They are typically diluted and mixed with other products to create safe and desirable flavour and aroma profiles. The recommended proportion of terpenes can vary depending on the base product and intended use, with different guidelines for edibles, beverages, and e-liquids, among other applications.
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Frequently asked questions
The smell of cheese in cannabis is due to terpenes, which are also found in dairy products. No single terpene is responsible for the cheesy smell, but rather a combination of several terpenes, including octanoic acid, isovaleric acid, methyl tert-butyl ether, ethyl methyl acetic acid, hexanoic acid, and methyl mercaptan.
Some cheese-scented cannabis strains include UK Cheese, Sour Diesel, and Blue Cheese, which combines the aroma of UK Cheese with the sweetness of blueberries.
Terpenes that smell like cheese can be used to enhance the aroma and flavor of various products, including food, beverages, and cannabis extracts. They can also provide therapeutic benefits, such as reducing stress and improving mood. Additionally, they may contribute to the entourage effect, influencing the overall effects of cannabis products.
