Does CBD Flower Smell Like Weed? [A Study on Terpenes]

CBD Flower looks like weed. It tastes like weed. And it offers a lot of the same benefits without the negative side effects associated with weed. But does CBD Flower smell like weed? This is a question many people have, especially if they don’t want the skunky smell of marijuana in their house or on their clothes.

CBD Flower does smell like weed but not as strongly, although there are variables like the type of strain and how you plan to use it (smoking vs. vaping). The similar smell is due to the terpenes in hemp, which are the same terpenes found in marijuana. As you may have guessed, terpenes are a component of cannabis that controls the plant’s scent and taste. Both hemp and marijuana are variations of cannabis which is why they share similar traits like smell. Let’s take a closer look at what those variables are and what CBD flower strain is right for you!

What is CBD Flower?

CBD Flower comes from the hemp plant. Cheef Botanical’s CBD Flower comes from premium hemp plants that were bred specifically to be rich in cannabidiol (CBD). This is a non-intoxicating phytocannabinoid found in hemp that won’t get you high. You’ll be able to experience the benefits of hemp without the negative side effects of THC.

THC is another phytocannabinoid found in hemp. But CBD Flower is low in THC since hemp only contains 0.3% or less of it. While you won’t get high, the addition of THC and other phytocannabinoids found in hemp — along with terpenes and flavonoids —gives you an “entourage effect.” Essentially, full spectrum CBD flower is very effective because all of these components of the hemp flower work together and synergize.

How it works is quite simple. Our body has an endocannabinoid system (ECS) that promotes balance and overall health by positively impacting all of the systems in our body. That includes the nervous system, digestive system, brain, and more. The ECS has receptors in each of our body’s systems which CBD interacts with. This allows CBD to have a lot of powerful effects throughout our body and mind:

Promotes comfort: CBD provides a soothing sensation that calms your mind. If you’re experiencing aches or discomfort, CBD can provide comfort and leave you feeling rejuvenated.
Promotes peace: Troubling thoughts will often slip away when you consume CBD Flower. Unlike marijuana, CBD Flower won’t leave you feeling foggy. But you will notice your mind calming down, reducing stress and other negative feelings.
Promotes sleep: CBD is known to promote deep sleep, which is essential to your overall well-being. You’ll often wake up feeling refreshed and well-rested.

Is All CBD Flower the Same?

The short answer is: No. The variety of options is what makes CBD flower even more exciting! There are two grades of hemp flower on the marketplace today: biomass and premium. Cheef Botanicals’ CBD flower is premium grade, meaning farmers used greenhouse and light deprivation grow technologies to produce award-winning hemp flower. They then select only the finest buds, which are then trimmed just right.

CBD Flower buds also come in different sizes. Smaller buds are available, which can be a cost-effective way to get the same great experience and benefits for less cash. They still have the same cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids as larger nugs, meaning they still have the same potency. Some people consider smaller buds to have less bag appeal, hence the lower cost.

But what really makes CBD Flower exciting is the variety of strains. Each strain has a different amount of CBD, meaning the potency is a bit different. They also carry different terpene and flavonoid profiles, meaning the effects vary quite a bit as well.

Popular CBD Flower Strains

Northern Lights: This is a highly sedative strain that is legendary due to its ability to quell feelings of discomfort. It has a sweet and spicy smell along with an earthy taste.
Sour Lifter: This strain provides a sense of serenity like no other. You’ll feel stimulated yet calm. A combo of diesel and fruit means the flavor packs a punch.
Goliath: This strain has an earthy fragrance blended with sweet fruity accents and spicy undertones. Its benefits are just as varied as the aroma, making some people feel creative, and others sedated.
Grape Soda: This is the strain for you if you want to feel completely clear-headed and focused. You’ll definitely feel calm and relaxed. The yummy grape flavor doesn’t hurt either.
Tangie: Are you a morning person? Give Tangie a shot! It’s made for people who want to feel alert and uplifted. You’ll feel refreshed from its layered, citrusy taste.
Golden Sour: This is a strain that will put a smile on your face and make you feel happy.
OG Kush: Long day? Wind down with some OG Kush. These are dense, sticky buds with a zesty, woody taste.
Sour Space Candy: This is a popular strain due to its ability to make you feel uplifted and light. It also has a distinctly unique flavor.
Skywalker OG: Fruity? Check. Piney? Check. Citrusy? Check. You can’t go wrong with this strain that makes you feel calm and relaxed.
Special Sauce: This is a powerful strain that soothes users with its potency. It also looks beautiful, thanks to a pop of purple and reddish-orange hairs.
Hawaiian Haze: This strain has a sun-kissed taste and leaves you feeling invigorated and refreshed.

What Can Impact the Smell of CBD Flower?

Every strain of CBD Flower is different due in part to its terpene profile. Terpenes are responsible for the CBD Flower’s strong aroma as well as its flavor. When you smell flowers, food, and even some cleaning products, you are experiencing terpenes! Terpenes are natural compounds found in every plant on earth, including hemp. They are specifically found inside the oils of the plant. Cannabis is said to contain the most terpenes of any other plant in the world.

Terpenes make up only around 1% of collective cannabis samples, yet they contribute to 10% of the trichome content. That’s what makes each strain unique. Hemp is so effective due to the combination of hundreds of cannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. Research has suggested that there are over 20,000 terpenes in existence, with more than 200 recognized in cannabis. They make up half the compounds in cannabis! Let’s take a look at some of the more popular ones.

Popular Terpenes in CBD Flower Strains

Borneol: This terpene helps people fight tension and fatigue, making it popular in Chinese herbal medicines. It has a minty smell.
Pinene: This is a terpene that might make you feel energetic. It smells like pine and fir trees. It can be found in anti-inflammatory medicines.
Nerolidol: You’ll notice an earthy or woodsy aroma. Some studies suggest it may contain antifungal properties, but this still needs further research.
Myrcene: This terpene has fruity undertones and an earthy taste. This is the most common terpene in hemp, favored for its ability to relax muscles. You’ll find it in the majority of strains.
Linalool: You will immediately think of lavender or fresh flowers when you smell its floral scent. This is a calming terpene.
Terpineol: If you want to feel well-balanced, this is the terpene for you. It also has a very distinct piney taste.
Limonene: You might notice improved energy levels with this terpene. It helps calm the body and mind, providing an impactful citrusy aroma.
Caryophyllene: This terpene has a spicy and peppery taste! It’s one of the most abundant terpenes in decarboxylated CBD products because it’s very heat-resistant. People use it to reduce swelling and balance digestion.
Eucalyptol: Minty fresh! This terpene, found in eucalyptus oil, can relieve discomfort and help you maintain inner balance.

Does CBD Flower Smell Like Weed?

Here’s the quick answer: CBD Flower does smell like weed! While each CBD Flower strain has its own unique scent and flavor profile, they usually have the same terpenes that are found in marijuana buds. Since they share the same terpenes, CBD Flower and marijuana often share the same aromas and flavors.

What’s interesting is that you can recognize CBD Flower strains the same as you would with weed. For example, OG Kush CBD Flower has the same flavor and scent profile as OG Kush marijuana. It won’t be exactly the same, but it’ll be recognizable. Even though CBD Flower may smell like weed, CBD Flower doesn’t have THC, so the experience of smoking CBD flower is quite different from cannabis.

How Strong is the Smell of CBD Flower?

CBD Flower doesn’t have a smell as strong as high-quality marijuana. But hemp breeder’s talents and consumer’s preferences over time have made CBD Flower’s smell quite comparable to marijuana.

The strength of the CBD Flower’s smell will vary depending on the strain. That’s because each strain has a different mix of terpenes. But in general, you’ll notice they are relatively similar, aside from their unique flavor hints.

Does the Smell of CBD Flower Change When Smoking it?

The strength of the CBD Flower’s aroma will also vary depending on how you use it. Smoking CBD Flower will often make it smell a lot stronger and smell like weed a bit more. Smoking CBD flower amplifies the smell because of the smoke it creates during the combustion process. You’ll notice that the specific terpene combination’s scents will become more noticeable as well, whether it’s pine or citrus.

Vaping CBD flower won’t make it smell like weed as strongly. Since you’re not burning the plant, vaping will minimize the distinct smell associated with each strain. Vaping results in a much quicker dissipation, producing vapor instead of smoke.

Which CBD Flower Strains Are the Best?

So there’s really no “best” CBD Flower strain. Each CBD Flower strain has its own terpene and flavonoid profile that gives it a different aroma and taste — and you might prefer certain flavor notes more than others. Individual strains also have different amounts of CBD, so some are more potent than others. Every strain gives you a different array of effects, so certain strains are better for certain situations or preferences.

Here are some of our most popular CBD Flower strains, all of which have the highest amount of CBD out of all of our varieties:

Sour Diesel

Also known as Sour D, this is a Sativa dominant strain known for making users feel energetic and focused. Your body, meanwhile, will feel relaxed. Sour Diesel has bright green buds with orange pistils. It’s a classic look that isn’t too flashy. But it has a quite pungent scent. The buds are dense and sticky.

Sour Space Candy

This is a popular strain due to its potency. It will make you feel airy and uplifted. Buds are medium in size, showcasing light green flowers sprinkled with wispy tangerine-colored hairs. You’ll also notice deep purple highlights. Its bright looks are as unique as its flavor.

Northern Lights

This CBD flower strain is legendary in the CBD market due to its effectiveness. You’ll feel comforted by Northern Lights and notice a lot of your discomfort melting away. It’s a great choice for people with busy or demanding schedules. This is a strain that’s also potent when it comes to its smell. It has sweet undertones that make it an interesting blend of sweet and spicy. The taste, meanwhile, is deep and earthy. The buds are lime green with bright orange hairs.

Suzy Q

This hybrid strain definitely packs a punch. Expect to feel focused and uplifted. Suzy Q has a distinct pine flavor profile with herbal and peppery undertones. The buds are dense and sticky.

OG Kush

This premium strain will help you feel calm when you need it most. The scent of this mid-sized plant is zesty and woodsy. It has large leaves and a beautiful flower with dark green hues. You’ll also appreciate its orange twirls and white feathery trichomes. It’s a dense and sticky bud.

Skywalker OG

This hybrid CBD Flower strain ensures you will feel calm and relaxed, thanks to its potency. This highly-regarded strain is a cross between Skywalker and OG Kush. You’ll notice a blend of both in its appearance. It also has a kush-like flavor that’s fruity, piney, spicy, and citrusy.

Final Thoughts – Does CBD Flower Smell Like Weed

CBD Flower may not contain THC — and it won’t get you high — but it still has a lot of the same characteristics as cannabis. And that includes its flavor and scent profile. Thanks to terpenes, CBD Flower strains smell very familiar to marijuana strains, although maybe a bit less intense.

Each CBD Flower strain has its own unique scent and flavor profile based on the terpenes present within the plant. But that’s not all. Individual strains also have their own benefits and effects. Some are better for relaxation or soothing discomfort, while some are made to energize you.

We have a variety of high-quality CBD Flower strains you can try to see which is right for you. Just keep in mind that most CBD Flower strains will smell similar to weed when smoked.