All About Cannabis Aromas: The Good And The Bad 

“When in doubt, always follow your nose, Meriadoc,” said Gandalf in The Lord Of The Rings. While he was referring to finding their way through the Mines of Moria, the advice holds true in life, as well. You’ll find many instances where following your nose will save you a lot of trouble. 

Whether you follow your nose to burnt food in the kitchen, someone smoking pot behind your workplace, or your friend making your favorite variety of coffee — your nose is something that will never betray you. Unless, of course, you have a cold. And this holds true even when you open your container full of cannabis buds. 

Cannabis buds have a distinct aroma that many of us enjoy. You’d be lying if you didn’t take a deep, long whiff of the buds before rolling them into your joint. But do you know what that smell is, and which smell is good and which is bad? Cannabis should smell fruity, citrusy, woody, piney, etc., but it shouldn’t smell like grass, ammonia, or damp cloth. Here’s everything you need to know about common cannabis smells and what they mean. 

The Good Aromas: Terpenes In Cannabis Buds 

Think of your favorite cannabis strain and one of the first things that would come to your mind is its smell or aroma, which is a result of the combination of terpenes present on the buds. But what exactly are these terpenes? Let’s get into it. 

Terpenes are compounds that occur naturally in various plants, especially on their fruits, and even some animals have them. These chemical compounds produce the aroma and flavors that are usually associated with various cannabis strains; it’s what makes a strain like Purple Haze smell and taste different from something like the Skunk XL or Girl Scout Cookies. 

The terpenes’ duty is not to just make your favorite strain smell like strawberries and flowers; they serve a significant purpose for the plant during its growth. Terpenes are a defense mechanism for the plant, which protects them from predators (like pests and birds) and harsh weather. 

However, once the cannabis plants are harvested, they serve a purpose for the users. While experts aren’t really sure how they affect us, more studies are coming out to support a few hypotheses regarding terpenes. The most common one is terpenes can come in handy to classify various cannabis strains and their predicted effects and aroma/flavor profiles. 

According to this hypothesis, dominant terpenes on a cannabis plant — known as the terpene profile — work alongside various other cannabinoids (THC, CBD, CBG, etc.) and other phytochemicals present in the buds to produce unique highs and medicinal benefits. This is probably why two different strains with the same THC concentration feel so different — it’s down to the terpene profiles. 

Experts refer to this as the entourage effect or the high that is produced when all these compounds, including terpenes and cannabinoids, act together in the CB receptors on the brain. According to this hypothesis, full-spectrum varieties of cannabis products that contain terpenes, cannabinoids, and other compounds produce better high and medicinal benefits. 

Terpenes and Highs

While terpenes are attributed to aiding the high and producing the entourage effect, it is important to know that terpenes themselves don’t produce any high. Otherwise, even a lime or an orange would get you high! However, some specific terpenes do affect the brain in their own way, so they can be considered psychoactive in nature. 

Even some preliminary studies have come forward to state that some terpenes, while not producing a high of their own, can have potential effects on the brain, including relieving depression, anxiety, or BPD. 

But terpenes are crucial in producing the high, which is why many experts encourage users to place more importance on choosing cannabis strains based on the terpene profile and not the THC content, which is the primary psychoactive cannabinoid in cannabis plants. 

Common Cannabis Aromas 

When picking a strain at a dispensary, you might come across various products with the aromas mentioned in attractive lettering. This is because many cannabis users choose cannabis strains based on not just the high but also how they taste and smell. This aroma and flavor are thanks to terpenes, and here are some of the common terpenes found in cannabis plants:

Caryophyllene 

One of the most popular terpenes found in cannabis is caryophyllene, also known as beta-caryophyllene, and this terpene is also found in cinnamon, oregano, black pepper, hops, clove, and rosemary. Needless to say, cannabis users love that spicy peppery note as soon as they take that first hit.

This terpene gives cannabis a spicy or peppery aroma, and strains that are rich in caryophyllene include Sour Diesel, Sherbet, Gelato, and Do Si Dos. Some caryophyllene-rich strains include AK-47, OG Kush, Jack Herer, and Super Silver Haze. 

What sets caryophyllene apart from other terpenes is its direct interaction with the endocannabinoid system where it targets CB2 receptors. Interestingly, it exhibits the properties of a cannabinoid despite not being one.

Caryophyllene may have the ability to reduce inflammation. This aspect has intrigued researchers enough to study its effects on conditions involving inflammation like arthritis. In addition, this terpene could also alleviate pain, so various studies talk about its characteristics as an analgesic.

Limonene

Limonene is one of the most common terpenes found in cannabis plants, and it produces an aroma that is fruity and citrusy in nature. This terpene is shared by other plants like lemons, juniper, grapefruit, mint, orange, and rosemary. Cannabis strains that are rich in limonene include Banana Kush, Strawberry Banana, Do Si Dos, and Wedding Cake. 

Linalool

Linalool is quite similar to limonene as it also produces a citrusy and sweet aroma but this terpene also produces notes of blueberry, flowers, and spicy musk. This terpene is also found in cinnamon, citrus fruits, lavender, birch, and coriander. And some of the common cannabis strains that include Linalool are Falcon 9, Desert Snow, Dark Matter, LA Confidential, and Zkittlez. 

Myrcene 

Myrcene is one of the most popular cannabis terpenes known for its earthy, spicy, and musky aroma. If it’s found in high concentrations in a strain, it will taste earthy and musky; however, low concentrations may impart a citrusy or fruity taste, making it very special in terms of flavor. 

This terpene is present in cannabis strains like Blue Dream, Purple Urkle, OG Kush, and Grandaddy Purple, and in other plant species like bay laurel, cloves, cardamom, hops, lemongrass, and mangoes. 

However, cannabis is not the only plant that contains this intriguing terpene. For instance, myrcene is found in high amounts in hops, present in beer, which contributes to that distinct hoppy taste in beer. 

Myrcene indeed stands out as a terpene with distinctive traits. As the most abundant terpene in cannabis, it can constitute up to 50% of the terpene content in some strains. As you can surmise, it has a major influence on the effects and fragrance of a specific cannabis strain.

If you’ve ever researched anything about myrcene, you’ve probably noticed that it is usually linked to a relaxing effect. This is because some studies show that it acts as a muscle relaxant, and some users use it for this specific purpose to gain relief from sore muscles. Also, have you noticed why some strains impart a couch-lock feeling more than others? It’s probably because that strain contains myrcene in abundance. 

Myrcene is thought to work with other terpenes and cannabinoids. Suffice it to say that when you combine it with cannabinoids like CBD or THC, myrcene can enhance the strain’s effects. 

Pinene 

Pinene comes in two varieties, alpha-pinene, and beta-pinene, and this terpene is responsible for the earthy and sweet aroma that is present in popular strains like Blue Dream, Haze Berry, Strawberry Cough, and Island Sweet Skunk. This terpene is also present in other plants like oranges, pine nuts, rosemary, and oregano. 

Eucalyptol or Cineole

As the name suggests, Eucalyptol or cineole is a terpene that gives cannabis its camphor-like, fresh, and minty aroma — like eucalyptus trees. Some popular cannabis strains rich in eucalyptol include Super Silver Haze, Dutch Treat, Bubba Kush, and Girl Scout Cookies. 

Carene 

Carene or delta-3-carene gives cannabis a citrusy or piney aroma and it sometimes produces a woody or piney undernote, too. This terpene is also found in basil, cedar, bell peppers, pine, and rosemary. 

Borneol 

Borneol is a terpene that’s found in cannabis, camphor, thyme, ginger, and rosemary. This terpene is associated with a woody menthol aroma — quite similar to camphor — and sometimes, it is present with a woody or herbal note. This terpene is found in cannabis strains like OG Kush, K-13 Haze, Easy Haze, Amnesia Haze, and Golden Haze. 

Camphene 

Camphene is another terpene that produces a camphor-like aroma but it also contains notes of earth, musk, or pine. Cannabis shares this terpene with other plants like rosemary, neroli, ginger, sage, holy basil, and cypress trees. Some popular cannabis strains that are rich in this terpene are ACDC, Ghost OG, Banana Kush, OG Kush, and Strawberry Banana.

Humulene 

Humulene is a relatively common terpene that’s found in many cannabis strains like Girl Scout Cookies, White Widow, Sour Diesel, Skywalker OG, etc. This strain produces an earthy and woody (sometimes spicy) aroma, which is also found in coriander, hops, ginseng, tobacco, and ginger. 

Bisabolol

Bisabolol, which is also known as alpha-bisabolol or levomenol, is found in cannabis and flowers like chamomile. This terpene is responsible for producing a mild and sweet floral aroma in cannabis. This is a relatively uncommon terpene but one of the popular strains rich in bisabolol is Ice Cream Cake. 

When choosing cannabis strains, look at the terpenoid profile of the product and you’ll get an idea about its aromas. And if you already have a cannabis strain at hand and want to know what makes it smell so good, now you know what terpenes to look for. 

The Bad Cannabis Aromas, Part 1: Freshly Cut Grass, Ammonia, or Hay

Cannabis smells like a lot of things, from oranges to mangoes and from wood to diesel, but one thing you don’t want your cannabis to smell like is freshly cut grass. That’s bad and you should be worried. 

Yes, your cannabis can contain some notes of freshly cut grass or ammonia — some strains have that naturally — but it shouldn’t be the base or the primary note your cannabis smells of. It’s an indicator that your cannabis buds are turning bad. More specifically, the freshly cut grass smell is a sign that chlorophyll in the buds is turning into ammonia. 

If your cannabis buds start smelling like freshly cut grass, it is likely that the grower (hopefully not you) didn’t cure the buds properly. Curing is the step that follows the drying process after the buds are harvested, where the buds mature so they can stay fresh for the coming year or two. 

Sometimes, growers tend to rush this process or do not follow it properly, which can result in a grassy smell. In fact, many expert growers recommend curing cannabis buds for as long as possible for the best results. While some growers cure the buds for at least 6 weeks, others do it for as much as 6 months. Although uncommon, some growers do it for a year, but you should try to cure the buds for at least 6 weeks, so you can use it without any problems. And since this process is delicate, making a mistake is easy if it’s rushed or not carefully processed. 

Ideally, curing requires a specific environment with the right temperature, relative humidity, and air circulation. But what happens in the curing process? When the buds are dried, they lose most of their moisture content and some moisture retracts into the core of the buds. 

During the curing process, the buds are stored in airtight jars in a dark space, where they are forced to evenly rehydrate — the moisture is evenly distributed within the buds, which leads to the sugars, starches, and other nutrients being metabolized. During this time, the containers must also be burped on time to replenish the oxygen within. 

When the curing process is underway, cannabis buds tend to smell like grass cuttings, but this smell should disappear completely once they are cured properly. So, if you get a batch of buds that still smell like freshly cut grass, chances are that the buds have not been cured properly. 

Can You Smoke Weed That Smells Like Ammonia? 

Yes, you can still smoke cannabis buds that smell like ammonia, hay, or freshly cut grass, but it’s not recommended. It won’t be a pleasant experience and smoking such buds will burn your throat and nose with an acrid flavor — it will almost feel toxic and harsh. So, avoid smoking cannabis that smells like your lawn grass. 

The best course of action is to toss the buds in the trash and get a fresh new batch of buds. But this time, be careful where you purchase them from. Only purchase cannabis buds from reputable dispensaries and brands that maintain high production standards. 

You can also try purchasing them offline; this way, you can smell the product before making the purchase, so you know exactly what you are getting into. Unless the strain specifically mentions a grassy flavor, avoid any cannabis buds that smell like ammonia or grass even remotely. 

And if you grow your own buds, it’s time for a learning experience. Mistakes happen, so take this as a lesson and learn to cure your cannabis buds properly next time. More likely than not, you need to burp your cannabis buds more often and let them cure for longer — this should eliminate the ammonia aroma from them. 

The Bad Cannabis Aromas, Part 2: Cannabis Buds Have No Smell at All

Sometimes, you may open your cannabis buds container and find that the buds no longer smell of anything. The buds lack the flavor and aroma that they had last week — it’s probably not your blocked nose but buds gone bad. 

As mentioned earlier, cannabis strains get their unique aroma and flavor from terpenes, and these terpenes are very delicate in nature. They have evolved to evaporate and disperse their aromas into the air to invite pollinators and deter pests, but they retain this ability even after the buds are cured. 

In other words, if your cannabis no longer smells like it used to, it has gone bad since the terpenes are gone. This will usually be accompanied by dry cannabis that crumbles in your hand and is harsh to smoke — your weed has gone dry. 

And while you can still smoke these buds, it’s not worth it. The smoke will be harsh and flavorless, and it will not get you high since the cannabinoids will also have degraded along with the terpenes. Rehydrating it may bring back the smoothness of the smoke, but it won’t bring back the potency and aroma profile. 

Instead, what you need to do is, henceforth, store your cannabis buds properly to prevent them from drying out. Follow these tips:

• Always store your cannabis in an airtight, opaque container, and don’t expose it to light for too long 
• Avoid using plastic as it has static that can destroy terpenes on the buds 
• Instead, use glass jars with a sealable lid — they work the best 
• You can even get yourself a humidor that’s usually used to store cigar 

Following the right precautions while storing your cannabis will ensure that it does not dry out and can last a long time without losing its aroma. 

The Ugly Cannabis Aromas: Mold and Mildew

When your cannabis smells of ammonia or nothing at all, it is still smokable but it’s not recommended because the experience will be harsh and not worth it. That’s bad, so what’s worse? 

Worse is something that can actually affect your health, and that’s mold, or cannabis buds that smell moldy. If your cannabis buds smell anything like mold — think wet towel or damp clothes — don’t even think twice. Throw the buds in the bin as mold can severely harm your health in many ways. 

Mold will not kill you — probably — but smoking moldy weed is asking for trouble, and it will more than likely earn you a visit to the doctor. Smoking moldy weed can cause various symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and coughing, so it’s a bad idea to test your luck. 

Some users are affected severely and can develop inflamed sinuses or lungs, which can cause other symptoms like sinus pain, congestion, wheezing, and drainage. People with weakened immune systems can even experience serious health complications related to the lungs, brain, and central nervous system. 

Identifying Mold

The smell of mold may not always be so evident, so you need to look for other signs of mold on your cannabis buds. So, visually, if your cannabis buds have a grayish-white coating that somewhat looks furry or velvety, it’s mold. 

Don’t confuse this white coating with trichomes, which are shiny and sticky crystals that contain terpenes. An easy way to distinguish between mold and trichomes is that the former will have a duller, grayish appearance whereas the latter would be more crystally and sticky. 

Can You Smoke Moldy Weed? 

As mentioned earlier, throw your cannabis buds in the bin. No matter what anyone says, you can’t clean the mold off the buds. If you can see it on the surface, it has probably grown in the core of the buds, too — that’s where it originates. It’s simply not worth it. 

Instead, what you can do is prevent mold from occurring in your buds in the future. Mold is usually caused by exposing the buds to high and humid climates, so follow these steps to protect your buds:

• Avoid storing your buds in the fridge as it exposes the buds to a lot of moisture 
• Try to store the buds at a temperature that’s under 75°F or 24°C
• Store the buds in an airtight glass jar so they don’t get exposed to moisture in the atmosphere 
• Store the buds in a dark place, away from direct light 
• Add a humidity pack to the buds’ container to keep the moisture levels in check 

Remember to always check your buds properly for mold before smoking them if you live in a humid region or suspect the buds may have been exposed to too much moisture. 

Summary: All About Cannabis Aromas: The Good And The Bad

There you have it — the good, the bad, and the ugly of cannabis aromas. So, what should your cannabis buds smell like? Your cannabis buds should smell at least a little like the strain description on their packaging. Depending on the strain you have picked, your buds should smell like flowers, citrus, berries, hops, spices, wood, diesel, mint, etc. 

If it smells anything out of the ordinary, it may be a sign of trouble. Remember, if your cannabis smells like freshly cut grass, your lawn, or ammonia, it wasn’t cured properly, and smoking it will be a harsh, unpleasant experience. On the other hand, if the cannabis buds are devoid of any fragrance, they have lost their trichomes, and smoking them is pointless — you might as well smoke tea at this point. 

And if your cannabis smells moldy or damp, throw it and any buds that it has come in contact with. Moldy cannabis is never worth the risk. Sure, you may get away with vomiting and nausea, but if luck isn’t on your side, you may end up on the wrong side of the hospital bed. Not recommended. 

When consuming cannabis, it is crucial to know how it should smell. The aroma may not be a big deal for you, but it is one of the clearest indicators of a healthy, properly cured, and stored cannabis. Aroma isn’t just a cherry on the top that makes the smoking experience better. 

If your cannabis does not smell like it should, it won’t taste like it should, and likely won’t produce the psychoactive effects it should. And if it feels harsh to smoke, it is probably doing a number on your health. Only stick to high-quality cannabis with a distinct aroma profile.