FORT COLLINS, Colorado, August 12, 2020 – Headspace Sensory founder Avery N. Gilbert, Ph.D. today delivered a 30 minute virtual presentation to the annual conference of the Institute of Cannabis Research. The ICR, based at Colorado State University at Pueblo, is one of the world’s leading forums for scientific research on all aspects of cannabis. Gilbert’s talk, titled “The aroma of Cannabis: Chemical, commercial, and legal aspects,” brought listeners up to date on the sensory science of weed and its practical implications.
Gilbert spoke about the emerging picture of cannabis aroma profiles. Individual strains exhibit consistent scents, and at the same time tend to fall into two markedly different clusters. One cluster smells citrus, lemon, sweet, and pungent; the other smells earthy, woody, and herbal. While these aromas are likely attributable to the naturally occurring volatile terpenes in cannabis flower, Gilbert cautioned that chemical analysis is not a substitute for quantitative odor description. This is because the most abundant terpene may have very little odor impact, while a terpene present in trace amounts can have a major impact.
Gilbert discussed how sensory evaluation can play a key role in product development, claim substantiation, and consumer segmentation in the cannabis industry. He then described results of a new study on the ability of consumers to smell cannabis through various forms of packaging. The results showed that some forms of packaging are quite effective at sealing in the smell, others less so. Gilbert addressed the legal implications for cases where a police officer conducts a warrantless search of a vehicle based on the alleged smell of weed. If the material is doubly vacuum-sealed, the basis for the search may be challenged.
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