What Does Weed Smell Like?
“What does weed smell like?” is one of the most common questions raised by those who are new to this drug. All types of weed have a very distinct smell owing to a compound called Terpene (when oxidized, it turns into Terpenoid). Found in all cannabis plants (and other flowering species as well), Terpene appears in varying quantities in different strains, which is how they all have slightly different notes to their aroma. In total, there are 200 different types of Terpenes produced by cannabis plants, each with its own chemical structure. Some common examples include: limonene, terpinolene, pinenes and linalool.
The most commonly occurring terpene in most cannabis buds is called Myrcene. This compound has a very mellow, balsamic-infused aroma that is typical of many Indica strains. Another type known as Caryophyllene, has a very peppery aroma- like that of cloves.
Whether the presence of terpenes influences the THC content or not is a topic that most growers are divided on. While many believe that a bud’s potency is independent of the quantity and chemical composition of terpene, others are of a different opinion. They believe that, together, terpene and THC can increase the potency of a strain because a particularly strong scent has the power to overwhelm the user moreso than a weaker aroma.
Regardless of which school of thought succeeds, it would be correct to say that coupled with its distinct smell, marijuana is able to create an ‘entourage effect’ that is holistic and envelopes the mind and body. Moreover, research reveals that the interaction between THC and Terpenoids inside the body prevents the onset of THC-induced anxiety because it acts as a buffer against the psychoactivity initiated by THC.
One popular notion in the marijuana community regarding the smell of weed is that no particular scent may be perceived as good or bad across the board. For some users, the strong skunky smell is what takes them over the edge when they inhale weed; while for others, the same smell is intolerable. It is partly due to this reason that most weed plants are crossed with each other, or with those that rank high on smell, to produce a strain that has a very pleasant and unique odor.
Did you think all these different terpene compositions are merely for fun and play? Not really. Experts believe that the variation in scents has given cannabis plants a survival edge over and above other species of the botanical world. Flowers with the most pungent and skunky smells repel insects and other predators, while those with notes of Neem and Rosemary are safe from fungus and plant diseases. Terpenes also contribute to the medical value of most cannabis varieties. Limonene, for instance, is believed to relieve heartburn, dissolve gallstones and fight breast-cancer cells as well.
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