Cannabis can have a wide range of aromas, from fruity to gassy to dank and everything in between. But have you ever opened a bag or jar of weed and thought, “Something smells off”?
Whether it’s the scent of hay, fresh-cut grass, or mildew, some smells may indicate a problem with your pot. Here are some common problematic smells and what they may mean.
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Hay or grass
After harvesting cannabis, you must dry and cure buds to remove any remaining chlorophyll along with other plant compounds. If your weed smells like hay or grass, it may not have been properly dried or cured—or it may still need time. That smell is plant material left behind. Poorly dried or cured cannabis may have a harsh and unpleasant smoke along with a yucky taste.
If you’re growing at home, the dry/cure phase is critical. After drying, place the buds in a mason jar or turkey bag and seal it. Leave it in a cool, dark place, opening it for a few minutes each day to bring in fresh air. Most cultivators take at least a couple of weeks to cure, but some take even longer, comparing the process to fine wine that needs to age and gets better with time.
Mildew
A dank bouquet isn’t unusual for many weed strains, but a musty scent could signal trouble from mold or powdery mildew. It’s not an uncommon problem for cannabis, due to the plant’s moisture content. However, smoking moldy weed could be risky for your health, especially if you have a weakened immune system.
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If your cannabis is giving rank basement, visually inspect it for any signs of mold. This may include gray, brown, or white discoloration on the bud or inside of it. You may want to use a magnifying glass or jeweler’s loupe for a closer look. If you see any signs of mold or mildew, discard the cannabis immediately.
Not all mold is visible to the naked eye, so a clean appearance doesn’t guarantee the flower is safe. Mold can also look like oxidation, which can discolor bud after exposure to light.
Ammonia
Unless you’re smoking the aptly-named strain Cheetah Piss, your cannabis should not have an overt ammonia aroma. If it does, it could mean there’s microbial contamination.
Excess moisture during drying, curing, or storage can encourage microbial growth and contribute to unpleasant odors. An ammonia smell alone doesn’t confirm contamination, but it may be a warning sign, especially if the scent develops over time or the flower feels unusually damp.
Do another visual inspection to rule out contamination. If the strain is a relative of Cheetah Piss, such as Silver Haze, the unique terpene profile may be at play—nothing to worry about.
Weed smells can run the gamut, but certain aromas could signal trouble. As the old saying goes, “the nose knows,” so always trust your instincts if something smells off with your bud.
