Cannabis typically releases quite an intense aroma. It’s characteristic regardless of which variety of cannabis we’re talking about. Plants rich in cannabinoids and terpenes (including CBD, CBG and THC flower, including medical cannabis) release their scent even when we’re not consuming them. In this article, we’ll explore how cannabis smells, what its aroma resembles, how long it lingers in the air, and whether it can be harmful.
What will you learn from this article?
👉 What does cannabis smell like?
👉 Is the smell of cannabis harmful?
👉 How quickly does the cannabis smell disappear?
Table of contents:
What does cannabis smell like? 🥦
The smell of cannabis is incredibly distinctive and complex, making it quite easy to recognise. It’s primarily due to terpenes, which are organic chemical compounds present in plants. The smell depends on the cannabis variety. Some may have citrusy notes, while others might remind you of pine or spices. This richness of aromas makes cannabis easy to identify, even for non-users.
The aroma is most commonly described as sweet, spicy, fruity-citrusy with pine notes and sometimes sharp undertones. In some varieties, you might even detect additional elements like diesel fuel or sweet cookies.
People who have encountered a cannabis plant know when the aroma is strongest. Generally, the more plants, the more intense the smell will be. It also depends on the freshness of the cannabis – dried plant material loses some of its aroma.
Younger buds have a more delicate smell that becomes more intense over time, often taking on a characteristic “skunky” scent. The aroma is particularly noticeable during vaporisation or smoking.
It’s worth noting that cannabis smoke smell can penetrate clothes, hair, and skin, making its presence difficult to hide. For many people, this aroma is synonymous with relaxation and freedom, while for others, it might be a source of discomfort, especially in places where cannabis use is illegal or socially unacceptable.
What does cannabis smell remind you of? 🦨
It can remind you of various aromas often associated with nature. It’s worth noting that for people who have experienced cannabis overconsumption, this smell often triggers emotions and memories – it stays in your memory. Cannabis typically has a complex aroma that’s very difficult to confuse with other plants.
THC, the main active component of cannabis, doesn’t play a significant role when it comes to aroma. The key players here are terpenes – their combination and content.
For some, the smell might be pleasant, while others might find it irritating, which often depends on personal experiences and context.
Is the smell of cannabis itself harmful? 🥴
The smell of cannabis, although characteristic and distinct, has no psychoactive effects by itself. Terpenes, which are responsible for the aroma, are natural chemical compounds found in many plants, not just cannabis. Inhaling the smell of cannabis doesn’t cause any negative health effects unless someone is allergic to specific compounds.
However, in the context of cannabis use, the smell can be misleading. Many people automatically associate the intense, earthy aroma with smoking the herb, which might raise concerns about negative health effects.
However, it’s important to remember that the smell itself doesn’t contain THC or other cannabinoids responsible for psychoactive effects. Therefore, merely sensing cannabis aroma in your surroundings shouldn’t be a cause for concern.
How long does the cannabis smell take to disappear? 🫥
The time it takes for the cannabis smell to disappear can vary depending on many factors, such as room ventilation or the amount of substance used.
Cannabis smell? It’s a mix of forest, spices, and a touch of rebellion. You can either love it or air out your flat for an hour – it all depends on your nose!
Lucas Cysewski – CEO and founder of VapeFully
It’s worth keeping in mind the matter of cannabis decriminalisation and its legality. The smell of this substance in public places might cause some problems – even if we’re using legal medical flowers.
In well-ventilated rooms, the smell might disappear within a few minutes, but in enclosed spaces, it can linger much longer. It’s worth knowing that the aroma from vaporised cannabis is significantly less noticeable than from burning it. As a result, this smell disappears much faster.
Cannabis smell – summary 🤔
Cannabis aroma is complex, very characteristic, and unique to each variety. It will usually be quite intense – especially for people who don’t encounter cannabis often in their environment. During a T-break or simply when abstaining from cannabis, the aroma might seem even more intense and more noticeable.
Whether cannabis is harmful due to its aroma – this is an occasionally perpetuated myth, which of course remains untrue. The smell doesn’t contain active substances and is also completely harmless to people in the vicinity. It also has no psychoactive effects.
It’s worth noting that cannabis itself (e.g., medical) isn’t harmful. Only the smoke produced from burning it can be described as such. Specifically, the aroma is completely neutral in terms of health.
(4.6/5)