Long before we see marijuana, we usually smell it. Whether wandering close to home, relaxing at the beach, or strolling through a park, the aromatic sensation we experience from nearby consumers is a pleasure for some. But for others, the scent causes confusion. Let’s dive into the many delicious aromas of marijuana and how to appreciate them—whether you’re a cheese or a diesel lover.
The aromas of marijuana can be off-putting to the average person who has never explored cannabis and the wide assortment of high-quality strains available. However, a true connoisseur of flower understands the variety and appreciates the treasure trove of scents these plants emit.
The aromatic layers of marijuana fragrances are intimately connected to taste. Similar to coffee beans or wine grapes, each strain provides a unique experience. For growers who enjoy cross-breeding cannabis plants, the aromatic possibilities are almost limitless. But what aromas should you expect from high-quality marijuana strains? Let’s move past the science of it all and define the most marijuana aroma descriptors.
The Classes of Marijuana Aromas
Earthy
Earthy marijuana strains offer the aroma of fresh soil. This is a natural scent comparable to taking a shovel and plowing through some semi-moist earth. Earthy scents from cannabis are not overwhelming. Instead, the smell is warm and inviting, like how the air smells after it rains. Cannabis flower with an earthy aroma is perfect for staying home and unwinding with a good book or binge-watching your favorite Netflix series.
Floral
Floral marijuana aromas are generally comparable to flowers. Some familiar floral scents include lavender or roses. But other floral aromas can characterize buds depending on the strain’s genetics. This aroma promotes a relaxed feeling. The scents are similar to resting in fields of flowers while puffing away without a care in the world.
Fruity
Marijuana can have several fruity aromas, but citrus is the most common scent buds offer. Like cutting open a fresh lemon, orange, or grapefruit, some marijuana strains give off a citrusy smell. However, some strains have a fruity smell more comparable to ripe berries or fresh tropical fruits. Other strains might have a strong mango or red grape scent. Regardless of the comparison, these fruity scents provide additional pleasure while consuming high-quality buds.
Gas or Diesel
Some might describe the scent of marijuana as a gas- or diesel-like odor. These aromas are experienced with popular strains like ChemDawg, Sour Diesel, and hybrids containing similar genetics. These scents smell similar to fuel or chemical cleansers. Some people say it’s comparable to decaying plant matter. Flower with a gas or diesel aroma usually packs a potent punch, providing a sharp and pungent scent that’s especially appealing to connoisseurs of these strains.
Skunky
Skunky marijuana strains bring a powerful scent to the table – some people compare this aroma to a skunk’s spray. While this might sound unappealing, and appreciative canna-consumer sees it as a sign of potency – the stronger the smell, the more powerful the strain. Next time you’re walking in the woods or at the park and smell something skunky, it might be someone enjoying a particularly potent strain of cannabis.
Spice
Spicy strains won’t make your eyes tear, but they do provide unique scents characteristic of specific strains. Some spicy strains smell similar to basil, while others bring to mind eucalyptus or mint. For those who enjoy variety in the smell and taste of their bud, spicy marijuana strains are the go-to.
Woody
You’ll love woody strains if you’ve walked in a forest and enjoyed the innate scents. These aromas evoke oak, pine, and cedarwood. If you’ve ever been around freshly cut timber, you can expect a similar sweet aroma. Some people describe the scent as a reminder of Christmas or a pine forest. Woody strains ease the mind with aromas characterized by nature vibes.
How to Minimize an Overpowering Aroma
Tips to Remove Cannabis Scent from the Air
- Use an air purifier: For those who smoke indoors, an air purifier will handle the smoke as it’s being produced. This prevents the stale cannabis smoke scent from accumulating on your upholstery, carpet, and walls.
- Location, location, location: Avoid smoking in an enclosed area. If you can find a smoke spot that’s well-ventilated, the smoke won’t linger, and neither will the aroma.
- Use a sploof: A “sploof” is something you can make on your own. While some similar products exist, there’s nothing like this classic home-made device for handling cannabis smoke. Take a toilet paper or paper towel roll and stuff it with dryer sheets. You can also use fabric that’s dampened in Febreze. Each time you inhale your cannabis, exhale the smoke through the device to cover the scent.
- Switch to vaping: Vaping is an excellent alternative to smoking cannabis. You’ll bypass the carcinogens as you steer clear of the potent cannabis aroma. All in all, this cannabis consumption method is a win-win and is highly recommended.
Tips to Remove Cannabis Aroma from Skin, Hair, or Clothing
Sometimes, a shower or a wardrobe change isn’t feasible. For these times, consider
- Bodysprays and essential oils can cover the scent of cannabis on your body and clothes.
- Chewing gum and brushing your teeth/tongue as soon as you finish your sesh will remove the smell from your breath.
- If you have long hair, keep it pulled back while you’re smoking. This will prevent the smoke from attaching so readily to your hair.
- Go outside and let the UV rays remove the cannabis residue from your body and clothes. This usually takes 30 to 45 minutes.
What’s Your Favorite Marijuana Aroma?
At the end of the day, there is no “best” or “worst” aroma. It all comes down to personal taste and preference. The same goes for food. Surely, you have a friend who absolutely loves the flavor and smell of blue cheese…and then you have a friend who could not be less interested. What’s your favorite aroma in the weed world? Are you the fruity type? The spicy type? The earthy type? So many delicious aromas to choose from!
