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The cannabis plant is complex. With over 500+ chemical compounds there are so many elements to the plant that can be altered and combined genetically to change the taste, effects, and even the smell. And that’s what we’re focusing on below: from terpenes to growing conditions, we’ll explore what causes the smell of cannabis, what can affect it, and if there’s anything you can do to speed up getting rid of it.
What Causes The Cannabis Smell?
Were you ever curious about the reason behind cannabis’ (also known as marijuana) smell? Well it’s unique smell is mainly down to organic compounds called terpenes. Occurring naturally in all plants, terpenes and cannabis smell go hand in hand, because they contribute to the fragrance and flavour of things.
Although they’re still being studied, research suggests that terpenes can offer a vast array of therapeutic properties. This includes altering and boosting the effects of cannabinoids, such as THC and CBD, in the body.
In cannabis, there are around 150 of these aromatic compounds, and they play a vital role in differentiating the scent of various strains.
Most Common Terpenes in Cannabis
Each terpene has a unique aromatic profile. The strain of cannabis you’re consuming and the combination of terpenes it contains, can lead to different effects. We go into a bit more detail about the most common cannabis (also known as marijuana) terpenes and effects here, but below is a brief snapshot of the most common.
Myrcene: This is the most prevalent terpene found in almost all cannabis strains. It has an earthy smell with sedative properties. Some people suggest it can help with their pain relief, anxiety relief and can be a muscle relaxant.
Limonene: This terpene has a citrusy smell and people claim it can help with their stress relief, elevate mood and help with gastroprotective, which is to have a healthy digestion and gut. It’s also antifungal, antibacterial, energising and an antidepressant.
Linalool: This is thought to be great for boosting the immune system, relaxation, anxiety relief, stress relief and pain relief, including neuropathic (nerve) pain. It has a floral smell.
Pinene: Many believe this can be antibacterial, antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, relieve pain, relieve anxiety, relax the lung muscles and widen the airways, and smells like pine.
Beta-caryophyllene: This terpene is unique because it’s thought to be the only one we know of that interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, a messenger and receptor system that is integral to homeostasis (the management of balance) within the human body. It can help with pain relief, anxiety relief, is gastroprotective, antibacterial, antidepressant, antioxidant, neuroprotective and antifungal. It has a woody/spicy smell.
Humulene: With its earthy and woody scent, this terpene is known for its anti-inflammatory properties.
Factors Influencing the Smell
There are a few things that can actually impact the smell of the cannabis plant, from when it first grows, to being packaged up and stored.
Growing Conditions
Cannabis can have a stronger scent if it’s been grown outdoors. This is because the wind acts as a natural ventilator, spreading the scent instead of keeping it in one concentrated spot. This is more effective at weakening the smell than growing it in a well-ventilated indoor facility.
Harvesting and Curing Techniques
Terpenes are most concentrated in the buds - the last part of the cannabis plant to mature. And that’s why, as the plant grows, the smell becomes stronger. So, the later it’s harvested, the more potent it smells.
The end product or form cannabis is manufactured into also affects its scent. For example, dried flower is heated when vaped, which intensifies the aroma.
The way cannabis is cured - which is the process of drying and storing - can also affect the smell. When done properly, it preserves both the quality and aroma of the bud, resulting in a more potent and pleasant-smelling product.
Storage and Packaging
It’s important that cannabis is stored and packaged correctly because contaminants or impurities like mould can give it a musty, stagnant odour overtaking its natural flavour. This can also be extremely dangerous to health, so if this is something you notice, it is a good idea to steer clear.
How Long Does the Smell of Cannabis Last?
This can change depending on lots of different things including ventilation, humidity, room size, the way it’s handled and stored, the quality and form of cannabis - for example whether it's an oil or flower - and which compounds or terpenes it's made up of. And when you take all of these things into account, there’s unfortunately no set time of how long the smell can last. It could be anything from a few hours to several days or weeks.
As you’d expect, if you’re in a well-ventilated room, the smell will generally disappear quicker, sometimes within 1 to 3 hours. In a less ventilated space - like a car or other enclosed spaces - it might linger for up to several days.
Clothes and fabrics can smell of cannabis for several hours to a few days, depending on the fabric type and exposure duration. The smell can linger on hair and skin anywhere from a few hours up to a day, depending on personal hygiene.
The way cannabis is consumed can also change the amount of time the smell lasts. Smoking cannabis tends to produce a stronger smell that lingers. Whereas vaporising typically dissipates a lot faster and doesn’t produce the same intense smell.
It’s important to remember that these are just approximate times. If you’re worried about the smell lingering on your clothes, hair or skin, plan to leave a little bit extra time after you use cannabis before heading out.
Other things you can do to remove the smell include:
- Speed up ventilation by opening windows or using a fan
- Mask or neutralise the smell by lighting a scented candle
- Wash clothes, curtains and any other fabrics in the room as they can hold the smell
- Use a dry herb vaporiser instead of smoking it
Summary
Although we’ve mostly covered how terpenes can alter the smell and taste of individual strains of cannabis, they are so much more than that. Some research suggests that using the whole cannabis plant, including terpenes, as medicine might be more helpful than using just its separate parts. For example, some terpenes may support cannabinoids, and improve how patients respond overall. There’s also evidence that terpenes can help combat inflammation, viruses, parasites and fungal infections.
It’s also important to remember that, like with all medicine, your body might react to cannabis differently than someone else you know. For more information, or to discuss your own health needs, contact Alternaleaf today. There’s lots of help and information on our website, and we’re always here to answer any questions you may have.