Hate the Smell of Cannabis? Here Are 5 Odor-Free Ways to Use It
Not every cannabis user likes the smell — here’s what you can do about it. Image Credit: By Doug Shutter on shutterstock.
Do you want to take advantage of the many health benefits that cannabis has to offer without the pungent aroma? If so, you’re in luck, because your list of options seems to grow longer by the day.
Over the past several years, cultural attitudes towards cannabis have changed dramatically. Thanks to the efforts of researchers across America (and further afield), we know more about the medicinal qualities of the plant than ever. Legal cannabis culture is on the rise and becoming more inclusive by the day, and a booming industry is growing as a result, proving employment and generating so much (theoretical) value that it’s being compared to a modern-day gold rush. Cannabis isn’t just for hippies and rebellious teens anymore — the “typical cannabis user” looks much different than they did a few decades ago.
But many people are still struggling with the smell of cannabis. Maybe it conjures up associations with outdated stereotypes, or maybe it’s simply not a pleasant smell to some folks. Either way, we don’t have to let the plant’s pungent fragrance get in the way of its medicinal qualities anymore. There are so many new, innovative, and nasally neutral ways to enjoy it.
Why Does Cannabis Smell?
The smell of cannabis is unmistakable and this is thanks to the terpenes it contains. Terpenes are chemicals that give all plants (and essential oils) not just their odors, but also their flavors. Each plant species contains a unique profile of various terpenes, and these are what give them their smell and taste. For example, limonene causes a citrus flavour, while a-pinene has more of a pine-like note.
Of course, terpenes do more than just dictate the flavour and fragrance of the cannabis plant. Studies have shown that many have powerful effects on the body.
For example, it’s not the CBD in CBD oil that promotes sleep, but the presence of a specific terpene called myrcene, according to researchers. This is why full spectrum CBD oil is seen as more beneficial to the body than “pure” or isolate varieties. Full spectrum oils contain all of the terpenes that isolates don’t, and their health benefits, too.
Even still, lots of people find the smell of cannabis more than a little overpowering, and for others, it can be an easy giveaway of the fact that they’re cannabis consumers — something that many are not keen to share with everyone, even in states where it’s legal. Luckily for them, there are a number of ways they can have their cannabis cake and eat it too, both literally and metaphorically.
5 Odor-Free Ways to Use Cannabis
- Try Vaping
Vaping is thought to be the fastest way to get the effects of cannabis into the bloodstream, so it’s an appealing option for people using it for things like pain relief. Cannabis vape oils are common and come in a range of flavors and scents, so there’s something for everyone.
Trying out a couple of different varieties could be a great way to use cannabis without enduring the odor. But be warned though — some vape oils have been found to contain toxic chemicals so do a little research and make sure the ones you try are clean.
- Use Soft Gel Capsules
Just like your multivitamin capsules help to support your immune system, cannabis capsules help to boost the body’s endocannabinoid system, a network of receptors that controls important functions like mood, appetite, and sleep. Capsules don’t have any smell and they’re easy to work into your daily routine. These are an ideal, fuss-free way to enjoy cannabis if ever there was one — as long as you don’t mind swallowing pills.
- Opt for Topicals
One of the most popular methods of using cannabis today is cannabis-infused skin care products. Topicals (i.e. any product that’s applied directly to the skin) won’t come with a strong cannabis smell either. But their favorable fragrance isn’t the only reason to choose them. High quality cannabis topicals have been proven to reduce inflammation, prevent fine lines and wrinkles, fight off infections, and minimize breakouts.
- Try a Different Strain
Just as different plant species boast different terpene profiles, so too do the various strains of cannabis. Cannabis plants come in a dizzying variety of shapes, sizes, and (you guessed it) fragrances. These hybrid species have been painstakingly developed over the years to produce different effects. For example, some are thought to be more effective for treating pain, while others are believed to increase creativity.
According to experts, the five most pleasantly scented strains are Lemonder, White Tahoe Cookies, Gummo, Blueberry Pancakes, and Golden Ticket. If you’re struggling with the smell of the plant, playing around with different strains could help you find one whose fragrance you enjoy.
- Experiment With Edibles
Cannabis edibles have come a long way since the early days of “special brownies.” Today, some of the biggest companies in America are incorporating the plant into their products, and the nation’s top chefs and restaurateurs are predicting that cannabis edibles are going to continue to grow in popularity.
The range of edibles is now staggering, with everything from pizza to jelly beans now available on menus and store shelves around the country.
