Gas

The fuel-like smell in gas strains comes primarily from combinations of caryophyllene, myrcene, limonene, and various sulfur compounds. Strains like Chemdawg, Sour Diesel, OG Kush, and their descendants are the archetypes of the gas profile. These strains often test high in total terpene content, and the sharp, chemical-adjacent aroma indicates a well-developed trichome profile. The more pungent the fuel smell, the more gas the strain is considered to be.

Gas evolved from a specific aroma descriptor into a general quality term. Today, cannabis does not necessarily need to smell like fuel to be called gas. The term has broadened to mean any cannabis of exceptional quality, similar to how dank or fire are used. In hip-hop and social media, gas is used to praise anything excellent, extending beyond cannabis into general slang. Within cannabis culture, however, the term still carries its aromatic origin, and the highest compliment is still to open a bag and have someone immediately declare it gas.