A Better Way to Choose Cannabis
Emerald Cup Cannabis Classification
For decades, cannabis has been labeled as Indica, Sativa, or Hybrid. While those terms are familiar, they don’t actually tell you how a product will smell, taste, or make you feel.
The Emerald Cup Cannabis Classification System, introduced in 2022 in partnership with SC Labs and PhytoFacts®, was created to fix that problem. Instead of grouping cannabis by plant shape or old-school labels, it groups flower by chemical profile — especially terpene patterns — because chemistry is what truly drives your experience.
The 6 CULTIVAR Classes
OGs + Gas
True "Hybrid" varietals
Aroma: Fuel-like, earthy, citrus, pepper
Common Terpenes: Caryophyllene, Limonene, Myrcene
Typical Experience: Uplifting at first, balanced relaxation later
Sweets + Dreams
Mostly "Indica-leaning" varietals
Aroma: Fruity, sweet, slightly woody, herbaceous
Common Terpenes: Myrcene, Pinene, caryophylene
Typical Experience: Deep relaxation, body ease, "couch lock"
Desserts
True "Hybrid" varietals
Aroma: Sweet dough, desserts, citrus zest, spice
Common Terpenes: Limonene and Caryophyllene
Typical Experience: Uplifting, stimulating, mood-enhancing, comforting
Exotics
True "Hybrid" varietals - rare combinations
Aroma: Unique, uncommon combinations
Common Terpenes: Rare terpene blends
Typical Experience: Varies by profile
Tropical + Floral
Mostly "Indica-leaning" varietals
Aroma: Sweet, floral, tropical fruit
Common Terpenes: Ocimene and Myrcene
Typical Experience: Calm, smooth, relaxing, stress relief
Jacks + Haze
Mostly "Sativa-leaning" varietals
Aroma: Bright, citrusy, piney
Common Terpenes: Terpinolene, Caryophylene, Myrcene
Typical Experience: (NOT FOR THOSE WITH ANXIETY) Energizing, uplifting, mentally stimulating, creative
Predictable Effects
Similar terpene profiles often produce similar experiences.
Aroma = Experience
The way it smells tells you a lot about how it may feel.
Tested & Verified
Categories are based on lab-tested terpene patterns.