Cannabis flowers have a distinctive aroma that varies in intensity depending on the cannabis strain. The scent of the plant is also present in medicinal preparations and is commonly perceived by individuals as either pleasant or less agreeable.
The taste and aroma of the flowers often reveal details about the underlying plant strain and its quality. The compounds responsible for these smells, previously thought to serve no essential purpose, are called terpenes. These natural compounds not only determine the smell of cannabis but also contribute to its aromatic potency.
In this article, you will learn everything about the importance of terpenes in plants, whether the smell indicates specific effects, what to consider in daily therapeutic use, and what alternatives exist if you find the smell of cannabis unappealing.
The Aroma of Cannabis Flowers
Although there are significant differences between various cannabis strains, the scent of cannabis plants is often described in the public perception as sweet, earthy, or woody. These cannabis smells are frequently reminiscent of other plants such as hops, oregano, basil, thyme, and rosemary, giving cannabis its particular smell.
The distinction between the types of cannabis strains primarily lies in the terpenoids they contain, which determine the specific aroma of the cannabis. In addition to cannabis flowers, there are also liquid cannabis extracts that either adopt the scent of the carrier medium or exhibit aromas similar to their flower-form counterparts.
If it is a full-spectrum extract, it contains not only the medicinal compounds but also the plant's terpenoids, which intensify the potent odor. This is particularly relevant when dealing with cannabis smoke or aromatic extracts, as researchers often examine how individual components influence or alter the overall smell.
The Meaning of Cannabis Aromas
Terpenoids, the natural compounds responsible for aroma and flavor, play an important role, as they define the unique scent and flavor of each strain. The variety of aromas allows patients to choose from numerous strains with distinct cannabis scents, which not only smell pleasant but may also influence their effects. In Germany, public discourse on the medical and therapeutic benefits of cannabis is increasingly prevalent, as highlighted by Schweiger (2021) [3].
The various available medical cannabis products enable patients to make choices that are tailored to their individual needs and therapeutic requirements. Whether in the form of flowers or extracts, the diversity of cannabis plants with their specific terpene profiles provides options that are suited to both taste preferences and therapeutic purposes.
THC and CBD Content Cannot Be (Directly) Determined by Aroma
The therapeutic effects of medical cannabis preparations are based on the cannabinoids tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) [2]. Both compounds are odorless, which is why there is no aromatic distinction between products with higher THC or CBD content (Elzinga et al., 2015) [2].
However, experienced patients may sometimes infer the strain of a cannabis flower based on its scent. Since cannabis strains vary in their THC and CBD levels, the terpene content and associated aromas can indirectly provide clues about the expected effects. Under optimal cultivation conditions, a high terpene density can result in an intense aroma, which may also indicate product quality. These cues can be helpful for making individually tailored choices when consuming cannabis.
Terpenes and Distinct Aromas
Terpenoids are natural compounds found in all plants. They are not essential for the survival of the organism but perform a variety of useful functions. For example, they can help attract insects to promote pollination or repel predators. Furthermore, they determine the appearance, taste, and smell of the plant. There is a large variety of terpenoids with different chemical properties. The following terpenes represent a selection that may be present in cannabis depending on the strain and odour profile [4]:
Benzene: Produces chemical aromas reminiscent of fuel.
Beta-Caryophyllene: Imparts a spicy aroma similar to pepper.
Caryophyllene: Features woody and clove-like scents.
Eugenol: Creates spicy and clove-like fragrance notes.
Limonene: Produces a citrus-like aroma.
Linalool: Offers a floral fragrance reminiscent of lavender.
Myrcene: Delivers an earthy aroma associated with fresh herbs and musk.
Pinene: Contributes to scents of pine, rosemary, and basil.
Terpinolene: Creates a sweet, floral aroma.
Thiols: Impart a pungent, sweet smell resembling sulfur.
Toluene: Carries a strong chemical note associated with synthetic materials.
Aromas and Their Therapeutic Potential
It is believed that cannabinoids and terpenes, in combination, possess potentially effective therapeutic properties. This phenomenon is referred to as the entourage effect and appears to be particularly beneficial in the treatment of anxiety disorders and depressive symptoms (Ferber et al., 2020) [5].
Individual terpenoids, however, are not used in cannabis therapy for their purely aromatic properties.
Avoiding the Smell of Cannabis
If you find the scent of cannabis unpleasant, there are various ways to make therapeutic use as comfortable as possible. When medical cannabis flowers are used in therapy, the use of a vaporizer is mandatory. A vaporizer allows you to inhale the active compounds without burning the product. This not only reduces odours but also avoids the intake of harmful substances and offers high bioavailability (Gieringer et al., 2004) [6].
Many people prefer this method, as consuming cannabis via a vaporizer is more discreet and produces less odour. To minimise strong cannabis smells when inhaling preparations derived from the cannabis plant, ensuring adequate ventilation with fresh air is recommended. If the unique smell of a cannabis flower or cannabis smoke does not appeal to you, you can consult your doctor about trying a different flower strain with similar active compounds but milder natural aromas and a different terpene composition.
Removing the Smell of Cannabis
The distinctive smell of cannabis, often associated with the hemp plant and cannabis plants, can cling to clothing and other textiles. However, there are several methods to effectively remove it. For quick solutions, specialised odour neutralizer sprays designed for cannabis smells can be used. These sprays mask the smell but do not replace thorough cleaning. Regular washing usually achieves the desired results, often by the second wash cycle, especially when using a strongly scented detergent—a common recommendation within the cannabis industry to address lingering smells.
Hanging laundry outdoors or in a well-ventilated room can naturally dissipate the smells from cannabis sativa strains. Baking soda or vinegar solutions are also considered effective odour absorbers. Many factors, such as air circulation and exposure time, influence their effectiveness. Allow the solutions to work for a few hours before brushing off the residue or letting the item dry.
To remove cannabis odours from rooms, air fresheners, scented candles, and regular ventilation with fresh air are typically sufficient. However, the persistence of the smell depends on the specific conditions of the space. Larger rooms tend to clear cannabis odours more quickly than smaller spaces with limited air circulation (Pape, 2024) [1].
Frequently Asked Questions
What causes the distinctive smell of cannabis?
The smell of cannabis is primarily caused by terpenes, the plant's natural aromatic compounds. These determine the specific aroma, which can vary by strain and be sweet, earthy, spicy, or citrusy.
Can the THC or CBD content be identified by smell?
THC and CBD are odorless, so their content cannot be directly identified by smell. However, experienced users might infer the strain based on its terpene profile and aroma.
What are terpenes, and what role do they play in cannabis therapy?
Terpenes are aromatic compounds in cannabis responsible for its smell and flavor. Studies suggest that terpenes may have therapeutic potential when combined with cannabinoids, a phenomenon known as the entourage effect.
How can the smell of cannabis be minimized or neutralized?
The smell can be reduced by using a vaporizer instead of smoking. Fresh air circulation or odour-neutral cannabis products, such as oils, can also help.
How can the smell of cannabis be removed from clothing or rooms?
Cannabis odour on clothing can be removed by washing or using odour-neutralizing products. In rooms, airing out, scented candles, or odour neutralizers can help reduce the smell.
Why does cannabis smell differently to different people?
The perception of cannabis odour can vary based on the strain's terpene profile and individual sensitivity to certain aromatic compounds. Some people may perceive specific terpenes more strongly, making the smell seem more intense.
How long does the cannabis smell linger in a room?
Depending on room size, air circulation, and humidity, the smell can last from a few hours to several days. Textiles and upholstered furniture retain the odour longer than smooth surfaces.
What does high-quality cannabis smell like, and why?
High-quality, fresh cannabis has an intense aroma, often indicative of good cultivation practices and quality. Fresh flowers exhibit more pronounced terpene profiles, which can also hint at strain purity.
What impact do terpenes have on perception and the consumption experience?
Terpenes influence not only the smell but also the overall consumption experience, as aroma is often associated with the effects and quality of cannabis.
Is there a way to consume cannabis without odour?
Yes, odour-neutral cannabis products such as oils or capsules are ideal for avoiding the typical cannabis smell. These contain concentrated active compounds with little to no terpene content.
References:
1. Pape, N. (2024). Das hilft gegen Cannabis-Geruch. Brisant.
2. Elzinga, S., Raber, J., Fischerdick, J. T. (2015). Cannabinoids and Terpenes as Chemotaxonomic Markers in Cannabis. Natural Products Chemistry & Research, 3(4).
4. Cox-Georgian, D., Ramadoss, N., Dona, C., & Basu, C. (2019). Therapeutic and Medicinal Uses of Terpenes. Medicinal Plants: From Farm to Pharmacy, 333–359.
5. Ferber SG et al. (2020). The Entourage Effect. Terpenes Coupled with Cannabinoids for the Treatment of Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders. Current Neuropharmacology, 18(2), 87-96.
6. Gieringer, D, St. Laurent, J. & Goodrich, S. (2004). Cannabis Vaporizer Combines Efficient Delivery of THC with Effective Suppression of Pyrolytic Compounds. Journal of Cannabis Therapeutics, 4(1), 7-27.
10. Stith, S. et al. (2022). The Effectiveness of Common Cannabis Products for Treatment of Nausea. Journal of Clinical Gastroenterology, 56(4), 331-338.
12. Skelley, J. W. et al. (2020). Use of cannabidiol in anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. Journal of the American Pharmacists Association, 60(1), 253-261.
