Are you smoking hemp flower or CBD oil and wondering if people will think you are smoking weed? Probably!
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a chemical compound found in all cannabis plants. CBD has been steadily becoming more popular thanks to its potential medicinal properties. While hemp and marijuana come from the same cannabis sativa plant species, they have chemically distinct profile and have different effects on the body.
However, there's one common question that people have about CBD. And that's whether or not does it smells like weed when smoking. In this article, we will answer this question once and for all. We'll also dig deep about how CBD smells and tackle what is the weed smell like. Read on.
Article Highlights
- Hemp flower and some CBD oils smell like weed
- If you are looking for CBD oil that does not have a marijuana smell, try CBD isolate vape products, or ones with a flavor to mask the smell
- Terpenes often contribute to the weed smell, so if your CBD oil is high in hemp terpenes, consider one that has low or none
Understanding Hemp and Weed
Hemp is among the many strains present in the cannabis family. Hemp is grown specifically for industrial uses and manufacturing purposes in the supplement industry. Some strains of hemp contains a high concentration of CBDA (which converts to CBD) and trace amounts of the psychoactive compound tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).In the United States, hemp and hemp CBD are legal as stated in the 2018 Farm Bill. This law removed hemp from the list of controlled substances. On the other hand, marijuana, which contains a high concentration of THC, remains illegal under federal law. Although it's good to note that some states have legalized marijuana for medicinal and/or recreational use.
Hemp and marijuana both come from the same plant species but they are from distinct strains that are grown for different purposes. Marijuana is grown for its psychoactive properties and is used for recreational and medicinal purposes usually around pain and sleep.
In terms of chemical components, both hemp and marijuana contain many different terpenes and some similar fatty acids. These are compounds found in the cannabis plant kingdom that contribute to their distinctive smell. Many CBD oils, such as full spectrum CBD products also contain these same terpenes. Whereas broad spectrum CBD oil has the same chemical compounds as full spectrum CBD oil, except for the THC content, which has been removed.
Does CBD Smell Like Weed When Smoking?
CBD users need to be aware of the distinctive odor of the hemp flower and its potential consequences. This is because the scent of hemp flowers has a strong smell and it can and will be mistaken to smell like weed. This distinct odor can lead to misunderstandings or legal issues in some areas.
While the scent of hemp flowers may be a concern for some CBD users, it is a natural smell of the hemp plants. It does not necessarily indicate the presence of THC or other illegal substances. But to ensure a pure and safe product, users should purchase high-quality CBD products from reputable CBD companies. There are many CBD product options, such as pure CBD isolate or full-spectrum CBD product, and for the least "weed" smell, we would recommend CBD isolate products.
It is important to note that the odor of hemp flowers can also vary greatly based on the hemp strain used and the extraction method employed. Some may have a more earthy and herbal scent, while others may have a slightly skunky odor.
Hemp flowers sold at CBD stores will look just like weed buds or flowers. It may help to have a receipt if you are in a state that does not have recreational or medical marijuana laws.
The Science Behind the Smell
The odor of CBD and weed comes from terpenes in the plant. Terpenes smell are produced in the plant's glandular trichomes and serve as a defense mechanism against herbivores and pathogens.
There are many different terpenes found in hemp and marijuana plants. Each one with its unique odor profile. The most common terpenes in hemp and marijuana include myrcene, pinene, and limonene. In addition to terpenes, other compounds found in hemp and marijuana can also contribute to the plant's odor. These other compounds include flavonoids and cannabinoids.
While individual hemp and marijuana strains may smell slightly different due to their unique terpene profile, the average person will not be able to tell the difference.
Other Factors that Contribute to the Smell of Smoking CBD
There are multiple reasons that hemp may smell like weed, but there are also some differences that contribute to changing smells that can be picked up by conosours.
How the strain of cannabis plant used changes smell
The strain of hemp used to produce CBD oil can significantly impact the odor of smoking CBD. Different hemp strains have distinct odor profiles, ranging from earthy and herbal to slightly skunky. The scent of smoking CBD oil will be influenced by the specific strains of hemp extract used in the product. Hence, that is why CBD oils may smell like weed.
The strain can also affect the smell of CBD flower that is being smoked. However, we should note that we have not run across CBD flower smells that cant be mistaken for weed by the average person.
The Method of Extraction Used to Produce the CBD Oil
The method of extraction used to produce CBD oil can also affect the odor of smoking CBD and how closely it smells like weed. There are various methods of extracting CBD oil from the hemp plant. Extractions vary from CO2 extraction, ethanol extraction, press and oil extraction.
Each process produces a unique odor profile due to the ratio of what compounds it preferentially extracts, which can impact the overall odor of smoking CBD making it smell like weed.
For example, CO2 extraction is a popular method for producing high-quality CBD oil. It is often associated with a clean, mild odour. Whereas ethanol extraction can have a stronger, more pungent smell, which is largely the result of ethanol being a strong extracting solvent that captures many of the hemp plant compounds.
The Carrier Oil Used
The distinctive scent of smoking CBD can also vary greatly depending on the type of carrier oil used. Some of the most common carrier oils include vegetable glycerin and propylene glycol. These carrier oils for vaping should not be confused with carrier oils for tinctures, such as olive oil, coconut oil, hemp seed oil, and MCT oil, and other essential oils.
Tinctures should never be smoked, as they could cause lung damage.
These different carrier oils have their own unique aroma profile. The addition of these carrier oils can contribute to the overall odor of the CBD oil being smoked
Type of CBD oil confers different odors when smoking
If you are concerned about smoking CBD and it smelling like weed, see the list below to determine what may work best for you:- CBD isolate - a vape product with CBD isolate will have a neutral smell unless the company adds terpenes to the product. Check the label for these additional ingredients.
- Full spectrum CBD - a vape with this CBD oil could smell like weed, but it depends on if the manufacturer was able to keep the terpenes in the oil. Not all companies do that.
- Flavored CBD oil - many CBD vape products have additional flavors that may mask the smell of weed.
What Does This Mean for CBD Users?
As CBD becomes increasingly popular, the odor of the hemp flower used to extract CBD oil has become a growing concern for many users. The scent of hemp flower can be potent and is very similar to that of weed, which can cause problems for users who want to smoke hemp flower in public. In some areas, the odor of hemp flowers may also be seen as a sign of illegal drug use, leading to misunderstandings and legal issues.
For those who want to conceal the odor of CBD when using it in public, a few strategies may help. CBD products derived from hemp isolate, will not produce the same scent as hemp flowers. Additionally, consuming CBD in gummies, capsules, or topical products may help reduce the odor.
When using CBD products derived from hemp flowers, it is also important to consider the type of product and the way it is consumed. Smoking hemp flowers, for example, will produce a strong odor similar to weed. On the other hand, using CBD oil that has been extracted from hemp flower and consumed orally may create a less noticeable scent.
It is also important for users to purchase CBD products from reputable sources. Products from unreliable sources may contain impurities or contaminants that can affect the odor and safety of the product. By purchasing from a trusted source, users can ensure they get a high-quality product that meets industry standards.
Summing It Up: The Final Thoughts on the Smell of CBD and weed
The odor of CBD, whether in the form of CBD cigarettes or other hemp-derived CBD products, is an important consideration for both experienced users and those new to the CBD market:- Hemp CBD oil is from the cannabis sativa plant species, which includes the marijuana plant.
- High-quality full spectrum CBD oil from reputable manufacturers contains compounds similar to weed, so you can expect a similar smell as weed.
- If smoking CBD vapes, we recommend either a flavor masking type or one that uses CBD isolate if you are concerned about a weed smell.
- The scent of hemp flower is typically milder and less noticeable than that of traditional cannabis, but it will still look and smell like weed.
- Purchasing from trusted sources is important to ensure a high-quality product free of residual solvents and other impurities. If necessary, the odor of CBD can be concealed through scented products or airtight containers.