If you’ve ever noticed how some cannabis smells like lemon, others like pine, and some like sweet berries or even fuel, you’re not alone. That strong, sometimes skunky scent is one of the first things people notice about cannabis. But what causes these unique cannabis flower aromas, and why do different strains smell so different?
Let’s break it down in a simple, easy-to-understand way.
What Gives Cannabis Its Smell?
The main reason cannabis smells the way it does is because of terpenes. Terpenes are natural oils found in plants, including cannabis. They give each strain its own unique scent and taste.
Here are some common terpenes and what they smell like:
- Myrcene: Earthy, herbal, and musky (often found in relaxing strains)
- Limonene: Bright citrus or lemon (associated with uplifting effects)
- Pinene: Pine or fresh forest (can help with alertness)
- Linalool: Floral and lavender-like (soothing and calming)
- Caryophyllene: Peppery or spicy (may help with stress)
Kristina, co-owner of ROLL’D Cannabis Co., explains, “Terpenes are nature’s fingerprint on each strain. They not only shape the smell, but also influence how the cannabis makes you feel.”
Why Do Different Strains Smell Different?
Each cannabis strain contains a unique mix of terpenes. That’s why smell of strains can range from sweet and fruity to earthy or skunky. Think of it like mixing different fruits and spices together—some combinations smell light and fresh, while others are strong and bold.
Some examples of cannabis strains with strong aroma include:
- Strains with a citrus cannabis scent from limonene
- Strains with a fruity aroma from myrcene or linalool
- Strains with a gassy or diesel smell from caryophyllene and other rare terpenes
Tyler, co-owner of ROLL’D Cannabis Co., adds, “When customers shop cannabis with unique aromas, they’re also choosing how they want to feel. A strong smell often means a rich terpene profile, which can really guide your experience.”
How Terpenes Affect Your Cannabis Experience
Terpenes do more than smell good. They work together with THC and CBD to shape your cannabis experience. This is often called the entourage effect. For example, a strain that smells citrusy might help boost your mood, while one that smells earthy might help you relax.
Here’s a quick guide:
- Fruity or citrusy aroma = Energizing
- Earthy or musky aroma = Calming
- Spicy or herbal aroma = Balanced or focused
Choosing Flower by Aroma
If you’ve ever wondered how to find cannabis by smell profile, here’s a simple tip: smell before you buy—if it’s legal and possible at your local shop. The scent gives clues about the strain’s terpene content and potential effects.
When shopping, look for:
- Terpene-rich cannabis flower for sale
- Weed strains based on aroma
- Top aromatic cannabis strains 2025
You can also ask your budtender for the best smelling weed strains or for flower with a specific profile like citrus, sweet, or gassy.
At ROLL’D Cannabis Co. in Kanata, Kristina and Tyler say, “We love helping customers explore cannabis by aroma. It’s one of the most fun and personal ways to shop for flower.”
Final Tips for Picking Cannabis by Scent
- Trust your nose. The best scent for you is the one you enjoy most.
- Ask about dominant terpenes to better understand the aroma.
- Look for brands that test and label terpene content.
- Try new aromatic cannabis strains to discover what works for you.
Ready to explore cannabis flower by aroma?
Visit ROLL’D Cannabis Co. in Kanata, Ontario and talk to our team about the top-smelling strains we carry. Whether you’re looking for a weed with fruity aroma near you or want to buy cannabis by aroma, we’ll help you find the perfect match.
