One of the many questions on people’s lips is “does CBD smell like weed?” alongside, “What is CBD? Isn’t it the same as weed?!” “What are the uses and side effects?” etc. I bet you’re curious and itching to know, so let’s get a-knowing!
As people become more open to Cannabis, there is an influx of Cannabis-based products in the market. Given that the whole industry is relatively new, and consumers know very little about these substances, they are trying to learn more so they can make the most educated decision.
What is CBD?
CBD is short for Cannabidiol, one of the 113 known cannabinoids in cannabis plants. First discovered in the 1940s, it is the second main cannabinoid in cannabis plants and can make up 40% of the plant’s extract (depending on strain).
You can consume it by ingesting its buds, smoking hemp buds, or separating it into its products. Examples of these products include vaping liquids, edibles, tinctures, topical lotions, pills, etc.
CBD is responsible for the healthy properties of weed and less euphoric than THC. Strains such as Harlequin, Ringo’s gift, Harle-Tsu, ACDC, Pennywise have a higher or equal CBD content. You are probably wondering how to tell these strains apart when they are all cannabis plants.
Well, besides having varying genetic makeup, they smell different because of terpenes.
What Are Terpenes?
Various strains of CBD have different smells and flavors, and this is a result of their different terpene profiles. Terpenes are oily bio-secretions released by plants, including Cannabis, to protect them from predators. They also attract pollinating agents.
Depending on the strain and climate where it is grown, there are specific smells, hence, flavors.
Example: Stephen Hawking Kush is known for its potent berry and cherry flavors with a hint of mint. Purple haze has a distinct peppery, spicy, and herbal flavor.
CBD Oil And Its Benefits
The oil is made by extracting Cannabidiol from the cannabis plant and diluting it with a carrier oil such as coconut, olive, or hemp seed oil. Clinical studies and research are currently ongoing to substantiate medical claims as the substance has become quite popular in wellness communities.
According to this study, the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the human body contributes to regulating sleep, appetite, muscle soreness, and discomfort. Studies have shown that CBD (especially when combined with THC) may positively affect sleep quality, appetite, and discomfort by interacting with the ECS.
Acne is the horror of teenagers and adults alike. Research has shown that CBD oil could be effective in improving skin quality by inhibiting the excessive production of sebum and the activation of acne agents. This inhibition is linked to the anti-inflammatory properties of the substance.
Although more human studies are required, CBD has been shown to ease stress, fatigue, and tiredness.
Does CBD Smell Like Weed?
You are really curious about how CBD oil smells? Maybe because you don’t want to go into a formal setting smelling like weed?
Or because you’re particular about fragrances and don’t want something off-putting? Whatever the case, we are about to answer your question about whether or not CBD oil smells like weed.
Remember the terpenes we talked about earlier and how they are responsible for the smell and flavor of different strains? Well, regardless of the oil being free or having a small quantity of THC, it will have a distinct terpene smell, albeit less intense.
Example: Purple Haze CBD oil will smell like Purple Haze with THC. Also noteworthy is the smell of the oil might be amplified when burned.
However, if the oil is made from CBD isolate (a concentrate made by extracting ONLY Cannabidiol), it will smell nothing like weed. This is because the extract has zero traces of the terpenes.
Conclusion
So, does CBD smell like weed? It will have a similar smell to the weed of the same terpene profile.
This slight similar smell might be intensified when the oil is burned rather than used topically or vaped. The oil doesn’t smell like a weed if it is from an isolate. We hope this answered most if not all of your questions about CBD.
Just as with any substance, there are side effects to using CBD. However, those in medicinal hemp are usually mild and tolerable.
It is advisable to discuss with your doctor before starting with this substance because of its possible side effects and interference with some medications.
Sources:
- Endocannabinoid system: An overview of its potential in current medical practice. Accessed March 11, 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/19675519/
- Pharmacotherapeutic considerations for use of cannabinoids to relieve pain in patients with malignant diseases. Accessed March 11, 2021. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5922297/
- Cannabidiol exerts sebostatic and antiinflammatory effects on human sebocytes. Accessed March 12, 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25061872/
- Differential effectiveness of selected non-psychotropic phytocannabinoids on human sebocyte functions implicates their introduction in dry/seborrhoeic skin and acne treatment. Accessed March 12, 2021. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27094344/