CBD and aroma: Does CBD smell like “weed”?

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What does CBD smell like?

CBD is a natural substance extracted from hemp, but it does not smell on its own. The characteristic smell of hemp comes from terpenes, and the smell of CBD varies depending on the type of product.

For example, CBD flowers may smell similar to “weed”, while CBD capsules or CBD isolate are almost tasteless and odourless. In CBD oils , the final aroma is influenced not only by the type of extract, but also by the terpene content and the carrier oil used.

Other plant substances can also affect the smell and taste.

Woman smelling CBD oil, with hands holding cannabis and a bottle of CBD to her left, and the Canatura logo at the bottom right

What affects the aroma of CBD?

Terpenes and a mixture of other plant substances are responsible for the aroma of CBD products. This is why one CBD oil may be almost odourless, while another may resemble a herb meadow or squeezed lemon.

Terpenes are organic compounds commonly found in plants (including cannabis). They often serve as protection against pests or as an attractant for pollinators.  They can be found in leaves, flowers, fruits and roots.

Tip: For more information on terpenes, see the article What are terpenes? What are their effects, what are they used for, and what do they do?

Why does CBD smell different every time?

There are more than 200 different terpenes and terpenoids in cannabis, the most well-known of which include myrcene, limonene, linalool, humulene, pinene, terpinolene and beta-caryophyllene.

For example, limonene is commonly obtained from citrus fruits (typically lemon, orange, grapefruit or lime), humulene from hops, and linalool from various plants of the mint, laurel and citrus families.

A woman surrounded by herbs, citrus fruits and other raw materials from which terpenes are obtained, with the Canatura logo in the bottom right corner

Most of the most common cannabis terpenes (e.g. alpha and beta pinene, linalool, myrcene and limonene) can completely evaporate from many cannabis extracts during extraction and decarboxylation.

This is one of the reasons why terpenes are added to cannabinoid products. However, the most difficult part is not the mixing itself, but choosing the right combination – individual terpenes can have different therapeutic effects (some sedative, others stimulating) and also modulate the action of cannabinoids in the endocannabinoid system in different ways.

Tip: The selection of suitable terpenes is based on various studies. You can learn more about the possible therapeutic effects of terpenes in the article Terpenes in cannabis – what they are and how they work.

How can CBD smell and taste?

The most common terpenes found in CBD products – which affect their smell and taste – include:

  • Myrcene – citrus, petrol, fruity and herbal taste and smell, it is the most common terpene found in cannabis and an important precursor to other terpenes.

  • Limonene – citrus, fruity and herbal taste and aroma, obtained from various citrus fruits including grapefruit, lime, lemon and orange.

  • Alpha pinene – earthy, floral and herbal taste and aroma, obtained from hundreds of plants, including basil, cedar, coniferous trees, dill, eucalyptus, oranges (mainly peel), parsley, pine (mainly needles) and rosemary.

  • Humulene – earthy, floral and herbal taste and aroma, obtained from hops.

  • Linalool – citrus, herbal and fruity taste and aroma, obtained from various plants, most commonly from the mint, laurel and citrus families.

  • Beta-caryophyllene – earthy, floral and fruity taste and aroma, obtained from black pepper, cumin, cloves, hops, basil and other spices.

  • Terpineol – a petroleum, earthy, floral and herbal flavour and aroma, obtained from pine.

  • Terpinolene – a petroleum, floral and herbal taste and aroma, obtained from apples, cumin, lilac, tea tree, pine and fir.

  • Geraniol – citrus, fruity and herbal taste and aroma, obtained from roses, lemongrass, peaches, carrots, blackberries, coriander, geranium, lemon and citronella.

You can also find terpene blends on the market that contain several different terpenes:

  • Zkittlez – a fresh floral taste and aroma with tropical, sweet and fruity notes of cherry, grapefruit and pine. Contains alpha pinene, d-limonene, beta-pinene, linalool, terpinolene, d-3-carene, cineol and terpineol.

  • Super Lemon Haze – intense lemon aroma with notes of lemon, lime, grapefruit, spices and tropical fruit. Contains caryophyllene, beta pinene, terpinolene, beta ocimene, alpha pinene, myrcene, d-limonene, linalool and others.

  • Gelato – intensely sweet aroma and flavour with hints of citrus and creamy vanilla notes. Contains caryophyllene, d-limonene, linalool, beta pinene, myrcene, terpinolene, alpha pinene and b-ocimene.

  • Blackberry Kush – aroma similar to Afghan hashish with sweet notes and hints of berries and fruit. Contains caryophyllene, myrcene, pinene, linalool, menthol, nerolidol and cineol.

  • Cheese – an intense sweet and sour aroma with hints of dried cheese and incense. Contains caryophyllene, linalool, limonene, myrcene, menthol, pinene, nerolidol and cineol.

  • Lavender – intense floral aroma and flavour with hints of lavender. Contains caryophyllene, alpha pinene, beta pinene, limonene, myrcene, linalool, terpinolene, terpineol and others.

  • Cotton Candy – aroma of berry fruit, creamy vanilla and powdered sugar. Contains Δ-limonene. 

The higher the terpene content (and the more varied their composition), the more pronounced the scent of a CBD product can be. Terpenes can also be combined in various ways to create different aromatic profiles.

Illustrative image of the 10 main terpenes in a product called ZKITTLEZ, with the Canatura logo in the bottom right corner

What do different types of CBD products smell like?

We have compiled an overview of the most popular CBD products for you – we know which ones have the most distinctive aroma:

The smell of CBD oils

When it comes to CBD oils, full-spectrum and often broad-spectrum oils have the most pronounced aroma. In addition to CBD and other cannabinoids, they also contain terpenes and other natural plant substances.

If you don’t like strong aromas or flavours, you can opt for CBD isolate, or pure CBD without terpenes.

Tip: Broad spectrum, full spectrum or CBD isolate – are you confused by these terms? We explain more in the article Types of CBD oils.

The smell of CBD flowers

CBD flowers are dried buds of industrial hemp, which, like other parts of the plant, naturally contain terpenes.

Flowers grown outdoors benefit from natural sunlight and the outdoor environment – they therefore often have a more natural, earthy aromatic profile. On the other hand, flowers grown indoors tend to have dense trichomes, rich terpene profiles and, thanks to optimal growing conditions, a more pronounced taste and aroma.

In our range you will find, for example:

  • CanaPuff CBD Amnesia flowers – a spicy flavour profile with notes of black pepper, herbs and fennel, complemented by a refreshing undertone of terpinolene.

The smell of CBD when vaping

When vaping, CBD is only heated, not burned – so there is no typical smoke or odour as when smoking. The aroma is therefore often “cleaner” and more in line with the terpene profile – you can smell citrus, herbs and forest notes.

Various CBD concentrates can also be vaporised – for example, wax, shatter, crumble and others. The temperature is set so that the active ingredients are released.

Conclusion: aroma of citrus, herbs and cheese

The aroma and taste of CBD depends on terpenes and other plant substances – whether naturally contained in cannabis or added to a specific product.

You may encounter terpene profiles reminiscent of citrus and herbs, but also surprising “gourmet” nuances such as cheese aroma or the smell of cotton candy.

This allows you to choose a CBD product that suits your preferences, from almost neutral variants to distinctly aromatic ones.

FAQ

1. What does CBD smell like when smoking?

CBD flowers can be vaporised (CBD is only heated, not burned), but also smoked (CBD is burned). When smoking CBD flowers, in addition to terpenes, a typical “smoky” smell is also released. This aroma tends to be more intense and can linger on clothing and in the room.

2. Does cbd oil smell like weed?

It can, but it is not always the case. It mainly depends on the type of extract, terpenes and carrier oil used.

For example, full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils tend to have different smells and tastes depending on the terpenes they contain, while CBD isolate tends to be very mild, with almost no smell or taste.

The carrier oil can also affect the smell – for example, hemp oil tends to be more pronounced, while MCT oil is usually more neutral.

3. How to recognise high-quality CBD oil?

The smell alone is not 100% proof of quality, but it can tell you a lot – especially if it changes significantly. Therefore, pay attention if the CBD oil changes colour or consistency significantly (it is dark and cloudy) or smells and tastes stale.

To maintain quality, it is important to store CBD oil properly (in a cool, dark place and well sealed) and to use it within the period recommended by the manufacturer after opening.

 

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Author: Lucie Schmidtová

  

  

Photo: AI

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