I always let a customer smell a flower before talking about the CBD percentage on the label. The smell often says much more about the product's real quality than any printed number.
What terpenes really are
Terpenes are the aromatic compounds behind each variety's characteristic smell, whether lemony, spicy or woody. They exist in a huge number of plants, not just hemp, which explains why some CBD flowers remind you of very familiar scents like pine or citrus.
Their role in the effect you feel
Beyond the pleasure of the aroma, terpenes seem to influence how CBD works on the body, shaping its intensity or making it feel more relaxing or more uplifting. It's part of what's called the entourage effect, and it's also why two flowers with the same CBD content can feel very different.
Why a weak smell is a bad sign
Terpenes are volatile compounds that evaporate easily with heat, light or simply time. A flower that smells of little or nothing has probably lost much of its aroma profile, even if its CBD content is still technically correct on paper.
"I always chose the flower with the highest percentage until Cyril had me smell several varieties side by side. Since then I choose by nose first, and I never regret it."
How to judge a flower in the shop
Smelling the flower up close, ideally after rubbing it gently between your fingers to release the aromas, remains the best test before buying. A clear, complex, recognisable smell is almost always the sign of a fresh, well-stored flower, whatever percentage is displayed next to it.
Next time you drop by the shop in Yverdon-les-Bains, take the time to smell before deciding – it's a habit that really changes the way you choose. Browse our Swiss CBD flowers.
