The role of terpenes in the olfactory emissions of marijuana.
The various types of CBD cannabis do not all have the same smell. As sommeliers associate the many aromas emanating from wine and beer with distinct fragrances (fresh herbs, grapefruit, truffle etc.), cannabis experts also manage to give an explicit name to the numerous scents of cannabis’ different varieties.
To the question “What does marijuana smell like ?” But we cannot answer with a single term.
Over 120 different terpenes have been detected in cannabis flowers, i.e. biomolecules found naturally in cannabis (but not only). These chemicals are also present in many foods, in many plants and essential oils, and are mainly responsible for the characteristic aromas released by cannabis.
Back to our topic, marijuana flowers have a multitude of trichomes: small translucent mushroom-shaped growths, which produce a sticky resin. The terpenes are found right inside this resin, which also contains CBD, THC and many other cannabinoids.
However, it is possible, that you did not notice the cannabis strains different fragrances, and cannot distinguish – for example – the aroma of Do Si Dos from the White Widow.
Today, before explaining what the most typical perfumes of good cannabis are, and the odours of weed in a bad state of conservation, we will give you some advice to better smell the aromas of the inflorescences. Read on, and you will discover everything, absolutely everything, about marijuana smells!
The most effective way to grasp the “bouquet” of a marijuana bud.
If you intend to go to cannabis festivals, we advise you not to adopt the method you are about to read. At the Amsterdam Cannabis Cup the buds are on display and they are judged by experts. If you mistreat them, you could (rightly) unleash the wrath of the owners.
You should adopt this method: only smell and sniff buds from your supply of CBD flowers. But let’s get to the point … Here is what you should do to better smell all the aromas of a cannabis flower: take the already dried flower, gently squeeze it and, finally, smell it.
The squeezing of the hemp flowers causes the release of terpenes and gas by the trichomes. However, this practice damages the trichomes themselves, so in order not to waste too much marijuana, it would be better to take a small bud.
Touching the plants in full bloom to feel their aromas is not an advisable method, as you could transfer bacteria to the flower or weaken the bud (which could then develop mould and fungi).
Now that you know how to best smell a cannabis flower, let’s see what the most classic nuances of aromas are.
Read also: Cannabis can help the world by saving bees.
The main smells of CBD cannabis.
Avery Gilbert, who describes himself as a “sense scientist” and “sensory psychologist”, together with Joseph DiVerdi, an associate professor at Colorado State University, identified 48 sensory descriptors related to the aromas of the different types of marijuana.
Here is the complete list of perfumes that you could pick by smelling your legal weed:
- Earthy
- Herbal
- Woody
- Floral
- Sweet
- Citrus
- Pungent
- Pine tree
- Greeny
- Sage
- Diesel
- Lemon
- Lavender
- Hazelnut
- Spices
- Skunk
- Tropical fruit
- Honey
- Chemist
- Rose
- Cheese
- Grapefruit
- Orange
- Berry
- Menthol
- Peppery
- Grapes
- Apricot
- Mint
- Tobacco
- Fruit tree
- Blueberry
- Vanilla
- Ammonia
- Pineapple
- Blue cheese
- Mango
- Butter
- Plum
- Violet
- Chestnut
- Coffee
- Apple
- Pear
- Fishing
- Tar
- Strawberry
If you feel one or more of these aromas, then you are sure that you are dealing with excellent inflorescences. You can also train yourself to compare the different types of cannabis, but remember to smell coffee beans between your sniffs, to “reset” the sense of smell and better small the scents.
Do you suspect that your flowers have developed mould and parasites, or that they are not in perfect condition anyway? Then read this next paragraph!
Read also: Medical marijuana: cannabis FM2
Unfavourable odours of cannabis: here it smells when it is damaged, mouldy or attacked by pests.
Here are all the smells you need to pay attention to when opening your marijuana can or bag:
- Freshly cut grass: If your cannabis buds smell like you have just finished mowing the lawn, then you have low-quality grass in your hands. It is the stench of the gases released during the decomposition of chlorophyll and is an indication of cannabis not treated optimally.
- Sweat or urine: ok, some types of marijuana may have a slight hint of ammonia, but beware of strong odours of urine or acres such as sweat. Your cannabis has probably been attacked by mould or fungi.
- Burnt hair: this smell can indicate the use of chemicals during the cultivation of hemp plants.
Do you want to avoid having these odours? Then, store your cannabis buds flawlessly (preferably in a glass jar) and buy only high-quality grass, such as the one you find in the Justbob shop.
In our shop, you can buy the best organic cannabis, grown sustainably and without the use of pesticides, chemical fertilizers and other harmful substances. What are you waiting for? Click here and try it now!