Cannabis fascinates me. There is so much that it can do, and so much more that we have yet to learn about it. This is why I love reading about advancements in cannabis research and cannabis science. This week, researchers have discovered the genes that give cannabis its distinct and delicious odor. That’s right, they discovered what makes your dank smell so dank.

Researchers at the University of British Columbia (UBC) have been able to pinpoint thirty different genes that give cannabis that dank smell. Dr Jörg Bohlmann, a professor Michael Smith Laboratories and forestry at UBC said that the purpose of this research “is to develop well-defined and highly reproducible cannabis varieties.

To identify these genes researchers studied different terpenes present in different strains of cannabis. For those who aren’t aware terpenes are organic compounds present in many plants, including cannabis. You know how you sometimes have to double bag your cannabis because it smells so dank ?That’s because of terpenes. We’ve already known that for a while. What we didn’t know is what genes create which dank smells. Now we know.

Researchers found about 30 terpene genes, which are also what affects flavors and aromas in wine varietals. You know how different types of wine smell fruity, or flowery? The same applies here.

For instance limonene, is what gives some strains that a lemony smell. Myrcene, on the other hand, gives other strains a more earthy odor. The UBC researchers even discovered Beta-caryophyllene, which is the gene allows for cannabis to react with cannabinoids that occur naturally in humans. They found the gene that gets you high, basically.

What does this mean exactly? Scientists will be able to make stronger cannabis strains. Growers could have more control over the consistency of their crops. There are a lot of possibilities here, but a lot more work to be done.

Now you know what makes your dank smell so dank.

Source: CBC
Image Source: Newsweek

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