Cannabis users describe the scent of Delta-8 THC products as being herbal, with notes of citrus or pine. Pure Delta-8 THC has little to no smell, but the natural terpenes infused into it create an aroma similar to weed.
The intensity of scent significantly depends on the type of Delta-8 THC product used and the terpenes included in it. In this blog, we’ll discuss whether Delta-8 really smells like weed. Let’s get into the details!
What is Delta-8 THC?
Delta-8 THC is a cannabinoid found in trace amounts in hemp and cannabis plants. It provides a balanced and manageable high with milder effects compared to Delta-9 THC. Delta-8 THC binds to endocannabinoid receptors in the body and influences functions such as mood, appetite, anxiety, and pain.
What does Delta-8 smell like?
Delta-8 THC does not have a smell in its pure form, but the scent comes from terpenes and other natural compounds, such as chlorophyll, in plants. The aroma of Delta-8 THC depends on how a particular product is made since most Delta-8 products contain terpenes and flavoring ingredients that contribute to the scent of the final product.
So, the simple answer is that the smell of Delta-8 THC depends on the terpene profile, type of Delta-8 product, and formulation of a particular product. These factors collectively influence the scent of the Delta-8 cannabinoid and make the product smell like weed.
Let’s look at how these elements affect the scent of Delta-8 THC.
What factors affect the smell of Delta 8 THC?
Delta-8 THC can smell like weed, but it tends to be less pungent than Delta-9 THC. Several factors contribute to the distinct aroma of Delta-8 products, including:
- Terpene Profile
The terpene profile of a cannabis plant consists of terpenes that are mostly responsible for the aroma and flavor of the herb. Each terpene has a different aroma depending on the strain and dictates the smell of the weed. For example, the Delta-8 strain, which is abundant in myrcene terpene, tends to release a fruity, earthy aroma.
- Consumption Method
Delta-8 products that are consumed via smoking have the most pronounced aroma that resembles the smell of weed. Similarly, Delta-8 vaping products also have subtle aromas of weed but are slightly impacted by the added flavors.
Delta-8 edibles and tinctures have little to no scent because they are consumed differently.
- Extraction Method
Extraction of Delta-8 THC involves two main methods: solvents and solventless extraction.
Techniques like chromatography and isomerization use solvents to refine or convert other cannabinoids into Delta-8 THC. These techniques reduce the amount of natural elements and aroma of the final product. Other extraction methods that use distillation processes preserve the natural terpenes of the plant and create a strong aromatic experience.
So, the extraction techniques that use no solvent to make the concentrated form of cannabis are more likely to preserve the natural terpenes of the plant and produce a strong aroma.
- Formulation of the Product
After the extraction process, the substance undergoes synthetic processes that can impact the smell of the final product. You can get many different flavors of Delta-8 THC products. These flavors and additives can significantly impact the odor of the product. For example, if you are using a flavored Delta-8 THC vape, then it will create a smell of the added flavor along with the mild aroma of weed.
How do different terpenes affect the aroma of Delta 8?
Terpene | Aroma | Effects |
Myrcene | Musky, earthy aroma | Sedative effects |
Limonene | Citrusy, fruity aroma | Stress-reducing and mood-enhancing effects |
Pinene | Pine-like aroma | Improve focus and alertness |
Caryophyllene | Spicy, peppery aroma | Anti-inflammatory effects |
Linalool | Floral, spicy aroma | Calming and sleep-inducing effects |
Terpinolene | Woody, herbal aroma | Enhances the therapeutic benefits of cannabis |
What Delta-8 products have a weed-like smell?
Delta-8 THC products that emit the smell of weed include the following.
- Delta-8 Vape Cartridges
Delta-8 vape cartridges can be a good option for getting a fast and long-lasting high. These vape cartridges smell vaguely like weed when the Delta-8 THC inside is inhaled. Some Delta-8 vape cartridges emit a more weed-like smell, while others give off fruity or sweet notes that reduce the aroma of hemp inside the product.
- Delta-8 Flowers
The raw cannabis flower in its pure form contains all the natural terpenes, cannabinoids, and other phytochemicals that are responsible for producing a weed-like aroma. When you light a Delta-8 flower, you’ll notice the pungent aroma of the cannabis plant. That scent is exactly what people associate with weed.
- Delta-8 Distillate
Delta 8 distillate is used in products like vape cartridges, vape pens, tinctures, and even edibles. It ranges in color from clear to dark, which determines the amount of terpene and other plant matter present in it. During the distillation process, sometimes terpenes are removed, but manufacturers often add them back later to the distillate product to improve its taste and smell. This can also make the product a bit darker in appearance.
Delta-8 THC Products with a Discreet Odor
Some Delta-8 THC products have little to no scent, such as:
- Delta-8 Edibles
Delta 8 edible products do not have a herbal or weed-like smell. The dominant aroma in edible products primarily comes from adding flavors and other ingredients. So, Delta 8 edible products have an aroma of the added flavor.
- Delta-8 Capsules
Just like many other supplements, Delta 8 capsules can be consumed with water and usually do not have any aftertaste or smell. These capsules enter your digestive system directly, and their effects are felt within 30 minutes.
- Delta-8 Tinctures
Delta 8 tincture products are generally odorless. Manufacturers sometimes add terpenes that can make it smell like weed.
- Delta-8 Topicals
Delta 8 topical products like cream, balm, and lotion do not produce any scent. These products are added with scents like mint, lavender, or citrus to mask any cannabis like smell.
Conclusion
Delta-8 THC can smell like weed, but it depends on the type of product and how it’s made. Products like vapes, flowers, and distillates can have a weed-like smell because of the terpenes they contain. On the other hand, edibles, capsules, tinctures, and topicals usually don’t smell like weed at all, especially when flavors or scents are added. So, if you’re looking for a Delta-8 product with little to no scent, you have plenty of options to choose from!
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Delta 8 THC legal in the United States?
Delta 8 THC is federally legal in the United States. The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp and hemp-derived products, including Delta 8 THC, containing less than 0.3 THC by dry weight. State laws regarding cannabis may vary, therefore, you need to be aware of your local laws before purchasing Delta-8 products.
How long does the scent of Delta 8 THC linger?
The smell of Delta 8 THC products can last for a long time, depending on the amount used. However, these products have a less pungent smell and may dissipate quickly.
What does Delta 8 flower smell like?
Delta 8 flower smells like regular weed with an earthy, skunky, or pine-like scent when it is smoked. This is because it has natural terpenes that give it a weed-like smell.
Does Delta-8 show up on standard drug tests?
Yes, drug tests look for THC metabolites in the body. These tests might not differentiate between Delta 8 and Delta 9-THC and could result in a positive drug test.
