Why Doesn't My Weed Plant Smell? Terpenes and How to Boost Bud Aroma

Cannabis gets its smell from terpenes, the same family of aromatic compounds behind the citrusy smell of oranges, the sweet smell of chamomile and the fresh scent of pine. If your weed plant doesn't smell yet, it's usually because it's still in veg, its genetics are low in terpenes, or the grow environment is holding it back, and the right climate, harvest timing and cure will bring the aroma out.

These compounds serve important purposes in plants and possibly in humans too. Research still hasn't painted a clear picture of what terpenes do in our bodies, but the proposed benefits range from better immune function to reduced inflammation. For example, researchers are currently looking at the potential of limonene, a common terpene, as an antioxidant.

Often mentioned in the same breath as cannabidiol (CBD), terpenes are aromatic compounds that give plants their signature smells. Part of the reason they get linked with CBD is that cannabis plants carry extremely high concentrations of terpenes, which explains their powerful aroma.

Lots of plants besides cannabis contain terpenes, and you can usually tell just by smelling them: lavender, rosemary, mint and citrus are all loaded. In a plant's life, terpenes usually have specific jobs, like attracting pollinators, fending off predators and helping the plant recover from damage.

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Hundreds of different terpenes have been identified (cannabis alone has more than 100), but only a handful have been studied in depth. Myrcene, linalool, caryophyllene, limonene and pinene are being researched for possible health benefits like reducing inflammation and managing allergies.

A lot of people mix up terpenes and cannabinoids, or use the two words interchangeably.

Terpenes are just the aromatic compounds that give plants their distinctive scents, while cannabinoids are compounds that act on the endocannabinoid system and produce physical or mood-altering effects. For example, THC is the cannabinoid that gets you high, and CBD is the one people mostly use for its pain-relieving properties.

Although both terpenes and cannabinoids are bioactive (meaning they affect the human body), your body processes them differently.

On their own, terpenes probably don't add to the head high or produce measurable physical effects, although some research suggests terpenes may boost the effects of CBD.

Terpenes are why essential oils smell so strong, and they're said to offer a range of benefits, like helping you sleep or giving you an energy boost.

Here are the four most common terpenes you'll find in cannabis:

Myrcene: also found in hops, mangoes, citrus essential oils and pantry herbs like thyme and bay leaves. It's often said to make cannabis kick in faster. Its aroma is earthy and herbal, and it's associated with pain-relieving, anti-inflammatory, sedative and relaxing properties.

Pinene: found in pine resin, pine trees and some citrus. In cannabis, it may take the edge off THC. It smells like pine and is associated with anti-inflammatory and expectorant properties.

Limonene: a major component of citrus peels, rosemary and mint. It's absorbed easily and shows up in the bloodstream quickly. It smells bright and citrusy and has antifungal properties.

Linalool: found in mint, bay leaves and cinnamon, and used in bath and body products for its calming, relaxing effect. This terpene smells floral, like lavender, and people use it to help with sleep and anxiety; some research points to immune-boosting effects.

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Why Doesn't My Weed Plant Smell?

A plant with no smell can be worrying for growers. Cannabis is famous for its strong, distinctive aroma, but there are several reasons a plant might not smell at all.

One possible reason is the growth stage. During the vegetative stage it's normal for a plant not to have a strong or distinctive smell, since most terpene production happens during flowering. So if your plant is still in veg, it may simply not be stinky yet.

Another possible reason is genetics. Some strains naturally have a milder aroma than others. If the plant you're growing comes from low-terpene genetics, it may never smell that strong.

On top of that, environmental factors like humidity, temperature and lighting can influence terpene production and affect how your plant smells. Air that's too dry or too humid, the wrong temperature or not enough light can all cut terpene production and tone down the smell.

How to Make Your Buds Smell Stronger

Step one is dialing in your grow environment. Humidity, temperature and lighting all affect terpene production and how your plant smells. Keep conditions right for the flowering stage: relative humidity around 40-50%, temperature between 20 and 28 °C (68-82 °F), and lighting that matches the strain you're growing.

Next, pick the right strain. Different strains have different terpene profiles, and so different aromas. If you're after a specific smell, choose a strain known for it.

Harvest timing matters too. Harvesting early can leave you with buds that have fewer terpenes and less aroma. Harvesting late can also cut the aroma, since terpenes break down over time. So harvest at the right moment, when the buds are mature and ready.

Last but not least, dry and cure your buds properly. A good dry and cure can make a huge difference in how your buds smell. Dry and cure them with the right humidity and a controlled temperature to preserve terpenes and bring out the best aroma.

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