Guaiol — the cannabis terpene in depth

Guaiol is a sesquiterpene with molecular formula C₁₅H₂₆O and a boiling point of 92 °C. In cannabis, typical levels are 0.02–0.3 % dry weight. Outside the plant it is found in guaiac wood, cypress, mugwort, neroli, juniper. Within the cannabis aroma landscape, Guaiol is an important contributor, dominant in chemovars such as Jack Herer, Chocolope, White Widow, Liberty Haze. It shapes overall character via the entourage effect.

pine, rose, woody, slight citrus — Guaiol is a sesquiterpene that defines its own chemovar signature.

Aroma

Profile: pine, rose, woody, slight citrus. Perceivable from ~0.3 % dry weight. With limonene: citrus-fresh; with myrcene: earthy-spicy.

Occurrence

In cannabis, Guaiol is produced in the trichomes of the flower. It is quantified by GC-MS and appears on modern COAs. Strains rich in Guaiol include Jack Herer, Chocolope, White Widow, Liberty Haze. It usually co-occurs with myrcene and caryophyllene — the exact ratios determine the sensorial nuance.

Effect

Preclinically documented as antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory; a signature note in woody sativa profiles. Evidence: Andrade et al. 2011 (Chem Biodivers). Legal note: in Switzerland, cannabis with ≥ 1 % THC is a narcotic. CBD flowers below 1 % THC are legal; medical cannabis requires authorisation. Effect descriptions are not therapeutic claims.