What does CBD smell like and how can you recognize it?
|
|
Reading time 4 min
CONTENTS
If you've ever held a CBD flower in your hands, you know that its scent leaves no one indifferent. For some, it's a soothing, natural scent; for others, it can seem strong, even unpleasant. So what does CBD really smell like, and how can you tell it apart at a glance? Mama explains it all.
Things to remember
- CBD gives off an herbaceous scent, sometimes woody or fruity, depending on the variety.
- Terpenes are the molecules responsible for these unique aromas.
- Smell is a good indicator of the quality of a CBD flower.
The typical smell of CBD
CBD is not a single, fixed scent, but if we had to sum it up, we'd be talking mainly about herbal and vegetal scents.
The scent is reminiscent of nature, a blend of freshly cut grass, sticky resin and occasional woody notes.
Many people compare the smell of CBD to that of THC-rich cannabis. And that's normal, since both come from the same plant, hemp. The big difference isn't really the smell, but the cannabinoid composition. So if you smell a CBD flower, be prepared to find a fragrance very similar to that of "classic" cannabis. You should also be aware that each variety has its own nuances.
The way flowers are grown also influences their fragrance. For example, a flower grown outdoors will often smell more raw, more "vegetal". On the other hand, a greenhouse flower (greenhouse) flower will have a more balanced, herbaceous, fruity fragrance. In contrast, an indoor flower (can release much more intense and precise aromas.
So the smell of CBD is not one and the same, but rather a range of aromas that depend on the variety and the method of cultivation.
Terpenes dictate aromas
Do you know why CBD smells so strong and distinctive? The answer lies in terpenes. These are aromatic molecules found in the hemp plant.
Each terpene has its own characteristic scent, and it's their combination that gives CBD its unique olfactory signature. I'd like to share a few examples of terpenes and their olfactory signatures with you.
- Myrcene: very common in hemp, it gives off an earthy, musky scent, sometimes a little spicy.
- Limonene: adds fresh, lemony notes, ideal for varieties with fruity aromas.
- Pinene: as its name suggests, it recalls the scent of pine trees, resin and forests.
- Linalool: a floral fragrance similar to lavender, which adds a special sweetness.
Terpenes aren't just responsible for the scent, they could also influence the overall experience after consumption, providing a more relaxing or stimulating sensation. What's certain is that without terpenes, CBD wouldn't have such a recognizable, rich scent.
What are the best-smelling CBD varieties?
Some CBD flowers are particularly known for their intense fragrance. Here are a few examples that will get your nose working:
- CBD Lemon Haze A classic with a lively scent of fresh lemon and herbs, perfect for fans of tangy notes.
- CBD Amnesia Amnesia: powerful aromas of lemon, pine and sometimes a hint of floral notes, instantly recognizable.
- CBD OG Kush An earthy, resinous fragrance with hints of lemon-pepper and pine. A deep, complex scent.
- CBD Mango: a tropical, fruity bouquet, reminiscent of ripe mango with a slight sweetness.
- CBD Critical: a sweet, floral fragrance, softened by fruity notes.
These varieties demonstrate the aromatic richness of CBD. Depending on the dominant terpenes, you can go from a woody, musky fragrance to an explosion of citrus or exotic fruits.
How to recognize a quality CBD flower by its smell?
Now that you know what CBD smells like, let's see how it can help you choose a quality flower.
A good CBD flower usually has a pleasant, clean and natural scent. If you open your bag and smell something chemical or too artificial, beware.
Some low-end flowers are "boosted" with artificially added terpenes, giving them an overly pronounced, almost aggressive scent. So avoid chemicals, as an overly artificial scent often conceals a poor-quality flower.
The smell should also be fresh. If your flower smells musty, damp or musty, it's a bad sign. It could indicate a storage problem or poor drying. A good flower should smell of nature, not of a damp cellar!
You can also learn to recognize nuances. There's a whole range: fruity, lemony, floral, earthy, and so on. With practice, you'll be able to distinguish varieties just by smelling them.
Smell is not only a sensory pleasure, it' s also a quality indicator that can help you avoid mediocre products. So the next time you buy CBD, take the time to smell it before you consume it.
Article written by Benjamin Poirel-Nadal
Passionate about natural well-being and plants with multiple virtues, I've been exploring the benefits of CBD and its various forms for several years.
My aim? To share with you clear information, honest opinions and practical advice to help you integrate CBD into your daily life with confidence and serenity.
