What Weed Shouldn’t Smell Like

Many people compare the smell of different cannabis strains to a variety of scents, including lemon, pine, cloves, wood, skunk, and diesel. However, it is unclear whether any of these smells indicate that the cannabis is of poor quality or likely to cause problems.

If you notice any of the following signs that your cannabis is not in optimal condition, it is best to discontinue use and seek a medical professional.

The fragrance of freshly-cut grass is invigorating and makes one feel closer to nature.

What is Cannabis?

Cannabis is a plant species in the family Cannabaceae. It includes three primary subspecies: Cannabis sativa, Cannabis indica, and Cannabis ruderalis. Cannabis has been used for a variety of purposes, including for its medicinal and recreational effects. It is also known for its psychoactive compounds, such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

It smells like freshly-cut grass

The fresh, grassy smell of cannabis is actually a sign that the chlorophyll in the plant is decomposing into ammonia. This is usually a problem that originates during the curing process, and it indicates that the cannabis hasn’t been cured properly.

Curing is an important step in preserving cannabis. When done properly, it can extend the freshness of the cannabis for up to two years. Skipping this step, or doing it incorrectly, can result in cannabis that smells unpleasant.

Many cannabis growers believe that curing the plant for a longer period of time results in a better tasting final product.

The process of drying and curing cannabis can be quite delicate. It requires a controlled environment with specific temperature, humidity and air circulation levels. The initial drying phase usually takes place around room temperature (40-50% humidity) with plenty of air circulation.

Cannabis that has undergone initial drying and trimming can be stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place. This allows the buds to rehydrate slightly and prevents them from drying out completely. A slow cure in a sealed jar helps to distribute moisture evenly throughout the plant, which contributes to the metabolism of sugars, starches, and nutrients. Proper curing can help to keep cannabis fresh for up to two years.

The container must be “burped” regularly while curing in order to replenish the oxygen. This will keep the cannabis smelling like freshly-cut grass or lawn clippings until the curing process is complete, at which point it will begin to smell like cannabis again.

If your cannabis has an ammonia or freshly-cut grass smell, this means that something went wrong during the drying or curing process. Most likely, the cannabis has not cured completely.

If cannabis is not completely cured, it will taste harsh and this is likely due to the presence of ammonia. There is some evidence suggesting that incompletely cured cannabis may pose a health risk. A 2008 study of illicit cannabis in the UK found toxic levels of ammonia present.

It smells like mold or mildew

If you notice an unpleasant odor coming from your cannabis, be sure to check for mold or mildew. If you detect either of these conditions, you may need to clean your cannabis.

Mold contamination of cannabis typically occurs during the growing phase, but can also happen after harvest if the plant is dried incorrectly. Once cannabis has been dried and cured, mold contamination is unlikely unless the cannabis gets wet.

If you’re unsure whether or not your cannabis is moldy, take a close look at its appearance.

Molds can sometimes resemble trichomes to the untrained eye, but they are actually quite different.

If you have any doubts about the quality of your cannabis, it is best to err on the side of caution and not consume it.

What impacts the smell of marijuana?

The age of the cannabis plant when it is harvested is the most important factor in determining the smell of marijuana. Cannabis that is harvested earlier in its life cycles has a milder, less skunky scent.

Cannabis that is picked and dried at an older age will have a stronger odor and be more powerful.

The organic compounds known as terpenes are found in all plants, including cannabis. Three specific terpenes – myrcene, pinene, and limonene – are often found in cannabis strains.

The presence of terpenes in cannabis can alter the scent of the plant, with some strains smelling more like pine due to the presence of pinene.

How a marijuana plant smells

The scent of a marijuana plant can be very pleasant and inviting. Some people compare it to the smell of fresh-cut grass. Others say it has a more earthy, musky scent. Regardless of how you describe it, the smell of a marijuana plant is often associated with relaxation and good times.

Marijuana plants have a distinct smell that gets stronger as the plant gets older. This slightly weedy, piney “skunk” scent is recognizable during the growing process and when the plant is harvested and dried.

When cannabis flowers and blooms, its potent scent becomes apparent.

When it comes to choosing between indica and sativa, there are a few key things to keep in mind. Indica strains tend to be more relaxing and are ideal for nighttime use, while sativa strains are more energizing and are better suited for daytime use. Ultimately, the best way to choose between the two is to try them out and see which one works better for you.

There are two main types of cannabis plant: indica and sativa.

For many years, botanists and people who are knowledgeable about marijuana have said that indica and sativa are different species that have different effects on the body. Indica strain smells more acrid, while sativa smells more spicy or sweet.

Although it may not be possible to tell the difference between indica and sativa by smell alone, experts believe that there are likely other ways to distinguish between the two. This is because indica and sativa strains have been crossbred quite frequently.

A small study found that participants who had purchased weed within the prior several months were able to smell the difference between several different strains of marijuana.