Delta 8 is credited with having many benefits, like being federally legal and having milder uplifting effects than Delta 9 THC. But just how deep are the differences between Delta 8 and Delta 9? Do they have the same smell?
Key Takeaways:
- Delta 8 is an analog of Delta 9 THC.
- In its purest forms, Delta 8 has little to no scent
- The smell of Delta 8 is influenced by the terpenes it contains, which create specific aromas.
- Most Delta 8 carts and flowers smell almost like weed.
What is Delta 8?
Delta 8 is a cannabinoid found in small amounts in cannabis plants. Its uplifting effects are weaker than those of Delta 9, making it a great entry point for people looking to try out uplifting compounds. Because it is an isomer of Delta 9, it shares many similarities with Delta 9. This is why most people wonder if Delta 8 smells the same as Delta 9.
Does Delta 8 Smell Like Weed?
The smell of weed is infamously distinctive. However, the scent of each unique strain differs depending on the natural terpenes it contains. These terpenes can produce various scents commonly defined as earthy, sweet, cheesy, or citrusy.
In its purest extracted form, Delta 8 has little to no scent. But there are Delta 8 products infused with terpenes found in cannabis plants that produce an aroma similar to that of traditional weed.
The potency of the smell depends on the type of product you’re consuming. Not all products smell like weed. You can find some Delta 8 products with little to no scent if you prefer to keep your consumption low.
What Does Delta 8 Smell Like?
Delta 8 products come in a spectrum of options. Whether you're hoping for a scent-free experience or want a loud aroma, you can find a Delta 8 product that meets your expectations. The options range from nearly scent-free to strong scents.
Why not also read: Does Delta 8 Make You Hungry?
The Delta 8 product will have varying scents based on how Delta 8 and its products are made and whether terpenes are infused into the products to enhance flavor and aroma.
How Terpenes Affect the Smell of Delta 8 THC
Terpenes are organic compounds produced by various plants, including cannabis plants. They are responsible for the unique aromas and flavors of different cannabis strains and also have some therapeutic benefits.
Therefore, we infuse terpenes into Delta 8 products to give them an identity, aroma, and flavor. Because each terpene has a different aroma, the smell of Delta 8 depends on the terpenes added. Some of the commonly added terpenes include;
Myrcene
Myrcene is one of the most common types of terpenes found in cannabis. It is also present in other plants, such as hops, thyme, and bay leaves. It has a musky, earthy aroma and is known for its soothing effects, and it can help relax the mind and body.
Pinene
Pinene is another common terpene found in cannabis and other plants, such as rosemary and pine trees. It has a strong, pine-like aroma. Besides its unique aroma, it can also help improve focus and alertness.
Limonene
Limonene is found in hemp and other citrus and mint plants. It has a citrusy, fruity aroma and is known for its mood-enhancing and stress-reducing effects.
Linalool
Besides its presence in hemp and marijuana plants, linalool is also found in lavender and coriander. It has a floral, spicy aroma and is known for its calming and sleep-inducing effects.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene is found in other plants, such as black pepper and cloves. It has a spicy and peppery aroma and is known for having anti-inflammatory properties.
Terpinolene
Terpinolene is present in cannabis and other types of plants like nutmeg and tea trees. It has a woody, herbal aroma. It is also known for reducing anxiety and promoting a sense of calm.
In general, terpenes are a class of organic compounds found in cannabis and other plants. They are responsible for the unique aromas and flavors. Your Delta 8 products will depend on the terpenes infused in the product, which will determine the aroma it produces.
Do Delta 8 Carts Smell Like Weed?
Aside from the flower, the Delta 8 product cartridges have the strongest scent. This might be a huge concern for Delta 8 fans who are still in the closet about their consumption.
Typically, Delta 8 carts smell the same as Delta 9 carts, but the carts' scent depends on the terpenes infused during the conversion process. The Delta 8 cart may smell like weed, depending on the composition.
The unique scent of each cartridge depends on the specific terpenes infused into the concentrate.
What Does Delta 8 Flower Smell Like?
Delta 8 flower smells the most like traditional weed flowers. It is crafted through a multi-step infusion process. This process involves coating premium hemp flowers with Delta 8-infused kief and Delta 8-infused distillate oil. After multiple coats, the Delta 8 buds will have a frostier look, similar to the naturally grown cannabis flower.
During the process, terpenes are mixed to enhance the flavor and aroma. Therefore, the flower will smell and also taste a lot more like weed. Other aromas of the Delta 8 flower include earthy, herbaceous, musky, citrusy, and skunky.
Smoking Delta 8 flowers is your closest experience to smoking Delta 9 buds. Like Delta 8 carts, the flower is perfect if you prefer fewer uplifting effects but still want to feel like you’re smoking weed.
Do Delta 8 Tinctures and Capsules Smell?
Delta 8 Tinctures and capsules have no scent, making them the most discreet way to take Delta 8. Even if the product contains terpenes, they won’t produce any scent when the package is closed.
Generally, tinctures are odorless, but they might taste like weed if the natural terpenes are added back to the tincture.
Capsules are also odorless and tasteless. They have the Delta 8 enclosed in a gelatin capsule that dissolves in your stomach.
Do Delta 8 Edibles Smell?
Most Delta 8 edibles don’t carry herbal scents of hemp or cannabis flowers. The dominant smell in most edibles, like Delta 8 gummies, comes from adding flavoring, sweeteners, and other ingredients. The gummies will then have an aroma of the added flavor.
But it’s not unusual to find edibles that taste like weed if they’re spiced with terpenes from the cannabis plant.
Delta 8 Products with a Discreet Smell
If you prefer Delta 8 products that don't smell like weed, you should opt for an edible or a tincture.
In general, most edibles don’t smell like cannabis because they don’t contain much leftover plant material and instead will smell like the flavoring, sweetener, or other ingredient used to make them edible.
Tinctures don’t smell like cannabis, either. Some might contain terpenes that give them an herbal aroma, but that’s about it. Others contain flavoring and sweeteners and smell more like an edible. They can be pretty discreet since they also don’t leave behind any weed smell.
Delta 8 Products That Are Less Discreet
For loud and proud Delta 8 fans, Delta 8 Flower is a great option. Its strong herbal fragrance perfectly mimics the aromatic experience of traditional cannabis flowers.
Delta 8 carts are somewhat on the fence. Some added ingredients make them sweet and may not smell like weed. However, some take a more natural approach, including only the oil, hemp distillates, and terpenes. These have an herbal smell that resembles cannabis but not intensely. It’s also worth noting that the smell from a vaporizer dissipates faster than when hemp flower is smoked. This sometimes makes carts a more discrete dosing option.
You can buy Delta 8 products based on how you want them to smell or taste. Some smell like Delta 9 THC and taste like it, and there are more discrete options that don’t have a smell or have alternative artificial smells. If you’re worried about Delta 8 smelling like weed when you take it, you can choose options with alternative smells and aromas.
