Sesquiterpene Class

Sesquiterpenes are a large class of volatile aromatic compounds built from three isoprene units (C15H24), found across cannabis and many plants. Common sesquiterpenes in cannabis include caryophyllene, humulene, and β-myrcene, each contributing distinct aromatic profiles ranging from spicy-pepper to woody-herbal notes. These molecules are heavier than monoterpenes, evaporate more slowly, and often persist longer in cured flower. Breeders and chemotaxonomists study sesquiterpene ratios as markers of cultivar identity and stability across generations. The sesquiterpene profile is influenced by genetics, environment, harvest timing, and post-harvest handling, making it a key focus in strain characterization and breeding programs.

Breeders select parent plants and stabilize lines based on sesquiterpene expression patterns, using gas chromatography and organoleptic assessment to identify and maintain desirable profiles. Sesquiterpene dominance is often linked to specific landrace origins and is used to verify genetic stability in F1, F2, and inbred lines.