CBD products come in all forms, sizes, and flavors. From oils and gummies to topicals and capsules, there’s something for everyone. But what do they smell like?
Do they smell like weed or do they have a better aroma? Let’s clear this out for you so that you can make better decisions about its use.
What Does CBD Smell Like THC Weed?
CBD smells like THC weed because of the terpene content it has. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that are very common in the plant kingdom and make up a huge component of what you smell and their effects in aromatherapy.
CBD smells like that also because of the way that it is derived. Whether you extract it alone, or you include other compounds, there are several different ways of deriving CBD from cannabis plants.
If you include additional compounds, it may produce the entourage effect, in which multiple different cannabinoids work together to produce a stronger effect.
What Are Terpenes?
Terpenes are compounds that are found in all sorts of plants and make cannabis smell the way it does. But they do something more than that, you know what? They play a big role in the plant’s effects on our bodies as well as their strain identification.
Different terpenes work with our bodies in different ways and some may even enhance the effects of CBD.
For example, the terpene myrcene may increase the permeability of cell membranes, allowing CBD along with other compounds to enter the cells more easily and promote relaxation.
Apart from myrcene, there are plenty of other terpenes in cannabis, each with its unique set of effects such as:
Limonene
This citrus-smelling terpene may boost mood and energy levels for those who are usually irritable and exhausted.
Caryophyllene
This terpene has a spicy nature and may relieve anxiety and inflammation.
Pinene
This pine-scented terpene may improve focus and memory for those who struggle with them.
While these terpenes are still being studied, there’s a good chance that they play a significant role in the therapeutic effects of CBD.
Effect of Terpenes in Cannabis
Terpenes are aromatic compounds that yield plants their usual smells. They also protect them against pests & herbivores, attract pollinators, and regulate temperature, thanks to their crucial role in the physiology of plants.
Moreover, terpene production is one of the biggest factors that allowed plants to grow on land and dominate the vegetation forms on earth. So remember that the pleasant CBD bud smell is the result of millions of years of evolution.
Although terpenes offer several benefits that help plants thrive, the accurate reasons for why plants make them are still being studied.
What Is the Difference Between Hemp and Marijuana?
Hemp and marijuana both are varieties of the cannabis sativa plant but are known for different applications. Hemp is useful because of its oil, seeds, and fiber whereas marijuana is popular for its psychoactive properties.
Hemp has low levels of THC (<0.3%) but high levels of CBD whereas marijuana is the exact opposite. Hemp requires outdoor conditions to grow whereas marijuana can be grown indoors.
Hemp plants can go up to 20 feet whereas marijuana plants are shorter and bushier. Having these differences doesn’t mean that they don’t have their similarities. In fact, you may find it hard to differentiate between a hemp strain and weed.
The difference lies inside and the effects they produce. Both hemp and marijuana have their potential benefits but the latter is likely to make you high. So if you want to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without the risk of any psychoactive effects, put your faith in CBD.
Factors that Can Affect the Smell of CBD
There are several factors that affect the smell of CBD. The first is the strain of hemp from which it is derived. Some strains might have stronger, more potent smells like marijuana while some have a milder, less noticeable fragrance.
The second is the method of extraction. If your CBD is extracted through CO2 methods, it might retain more of its organic terpenes which will result in a stronger odor as compared to those that are extracted with butane or ethanol.
The next is whether or not your CBD product has other flavorings or additives. Many manufacturers mix additional components such as herbal extracts or essential oils into their products to improve their taste and add more benefits.
Next is whether you are using a pre-rolled joint or loose flower buds. Loose buds give off a stronger scent due to higher terpene concentrations whereas pre-rolls are subtler as they often contain fewer flowers.
Lastly, how you store your CBD products might play a significant role in affecting their smell. Factors such as exposure to air & light and temperature changes can all contribute to altering the smell of your supply.
Why Do People Smoke CBD?
Here are some notable reasons for why do people smoke CBD:
Relaxation
If you want to relax after a long and hectic day at the office, smoking CBD might give you that much-needed relaxation. CBD has relaxing qualities that can help you to say goodbye to your unnecessary anxieties and tensions.
Reduce inflammation
Smoking CBD can also relieve inflammation in your body, thanks to its working with the endocannabinoid system which regulates several important functions in the body.
If conditions like Crohn’s disease or arthritis have made your life hell, smoking CBD might alleviate some of your symptoms.
Improve your sleep
Are insomnia and other sleep disorders making you miss out on those precious hours of night’s sleep?
Smoking CBD might put an end to that needless suffering. CBD is celebrated for its calming effects that relieve anxiety, promote relaxation, and ultimately improve the quality of your sleep significantly.
Moreover, CBD is non-addictive and doesn’t have any major side effects which can let you enjoy it with more optimism.
Treat pain
Smoking CBD can also relieve pain in your body. If you have conditions like multiple sclerosis or arthritis, smoking CBD might make your life easier.
Reduce anxiety
Anxiety can be a nasty issue to deal with. Luckily we have CBD that might help to relieve anxiety symptoms. Its anti-anxiety qualities can kick your tensions away and give you that much-deserved relaxation.
So if you are stressed out or feeling anxious, don’t think too much. Just reach out for some CBD and you are set.
Prevent nausea
Nausea is as frustrating as it is uncomfortable. So here comes CBD to the rescue with its anti-nausea effects to relieve your symptoms and boost the much-needed appetite.
Reduce seizures
Some seizure patients have reported that smoking CBD relieves their symptoms to a great extent. They also reported that they enjoyed its anti-seizure qualities and the calmness they brought with them.
Types of CBD
There are 3 different types of CBD namely full spectrum CBD, broad spectrum CBD, and CBD isolate. Full spectrum CBD is the broadest of three as it includes terpenes, THC, and several other parts of the plant.
The terpenes are responsible for the weed-like smell full spectrum CBD has. Broad spectrum CBD is the most balanced one and includes many parts of the plant including terpenes.
It’s filtered in a way that removes most of the THC content, eliminating any possibility of users testing positive in a drug test. Broad spectrum CBD smells like weed because of its terpenes content but not as strong as full spectrum CBD. This is because the refinement procedure may also have filtered out some of the terpenes.
Finally, CBD Isolate is the purest form of CBD that eliminates all other parts of the cannabis plant and leaves just this single cannabinoid. CBD Isolate doesn’t have a smell of its own because of the absence of terpenes in it.
The Takeaway
So finally we come to the conclusion that CBD doesn’t smell like weed or anything else. However, if it’s paired with terpenes, it’s a different story as they give cannabis its scent and flavor.
Marijuana and hemp have a unique weed scent as they have the same terpenes, both being the varieties of cannabis plants.
But don’t worry that you will get high from CBD products and hemp because they smell like a weed—the psychoactive ingredient of marijuana is THC not terpenes, although terpenes have their unique benefits, none of them are intoxicating. So relax, and enjoy.
FAQs About Does CBD Oil Smell Like Weed?
Can Smelling Weed Make You High?
No, smelling weed cannot get you high as the psychoactive component of marijuana is THC, not terpenes. Terpenes also have their set of benefits, but none of them will make you high.
Does CBD Smell Like Weed When Smoking?
Yes, CBD smells like weed when smoking because of its terpenes content which has a strong, easily recognizable odor.
What Does CBD Taste Like?
CBD has an earthy and grass-like taste which is easily recognizable.
What Does CBD Flower Smell Like?
CBD flower, also known as hemp smell like weed because of the terpenes concentrate its resin glands contain.
Some popular terpenes are myrcene, limonene, and pinene. Each strain of cannabis contains a unique blend of terpenes that makes it smell and taste distinctively.
Are Weed Edibles Smelly?
No, unlike smoking marijuana, weed edibles don’t have a strong smell as it is masked by certain ingredients, making them less noticeable.
Does weed smell like skunk?
No, weed doesn’t smell like skunk. The cannabis smell comes from strains that are high in THC and terpenes present in the plant. CBD products, mainly those that are isolates or broad spectrum usually have a mild aroma.