Does Delta 8 Smell Like Weed

Does Delta 8 Smell Like Weed?

Delta-8 is regarded by many as the best-kept secret in the cannabis industry, and it has only recently entered the market. Although very closely related to THC Delta-9, this psychoactive compound produces effects that are only about two-thirds as potent. However, what THC Delta-8 lacks in psychoactivity, it makes up for in added therapeutic benefits. Unlike THC, Delta-8 is a psychoactive cannabinoid that offers subtle effects and makes for an ideal option for those who don’t want anything too intense. But what does Delta 8 weed smell like? Depending on the type of product you purchase, the novel cannabinoid can contain the iconic weed smell that cannabis lovers know and appreciate in some cannabis products, but there are also Delta-8 Products that don’t have a smell at all. In this article, we offer a few notes—no pun intended.

Key Takeaways


  • Delta-8 is one of the most popular cannabinoids currently on the market, offering subtle effects.
  • The aroma of Delta 8 weed ranges and can smell musky, cheesy, sweet, earthy, skunky, and citrusy.
  • Delta 8 products, such as edibles, gummies, and tinctures, do not have a smell and are an ideal discreet option for consuming cannabis.
  • Delta 8 products like vape pens, vape carts, prerolls, joints, blunts, and other smokeables can emit a smell when consumed.
  • A Delta 8 product does not always smell like a weed; some provide the iconic weed smell, while others don't. It depends on the product type purchased.

What Does Delta 8 Smell Like?


Cannabis has a smell that’s famously distinctive. However, the aroma of each unique cannabis strain can vary greatly and depend on the natural terpenes contained inside. Cannabis smells and tastes like terpenes, which produce a variety of aromas. But the smell of Delta 8 is almost always sweet, citrusy, earthy, sweet, skunky, and cheesy. While only found in trace amounts (about less than 1%), delta-8 is typically synthesized. Today, you can find several different kinds of delta-8 products infused with terpenes to produce the iconic weed smell we all know and love. It depends on the type of product you purchase and consume when it comes to the pungency of delta-8 products. We should say, though, that some delta-8 cannabis products smell like weed, and others don’t.

Delta-8-THC Products with a Distinct Smell


There are some Delta 8 products that have little to no scent if you'd rather keep your Delta 8 consumption low-key. There are a number of reasons why people prefer consuming Delta 8 products that don’t produce a smell. In order to avoid smelling like a weed (or being sprayed with weed smells), choose one of the following Delta 8 products:

Delta 8 Tinctures and Oils


Delta-8 Tinctures and oils are concentrated extracts that derive from cannabis plants. This is done by soaking and dissolving the plant matter in a solvent or carrier oil. No matter which extracts you choose, neither of these delta-8 products will let off a weed smell, as they’ve been made to be consumed sublingually or orally. Consuming tinctures and oils requires using a premeasured dropper to drop the extract under your tongue, but they may also be swallowed. After holding the extract under the tongue for 60 seconds, it may be swallowed.

Delta 8 Edibles


Edibles such as delta-8-infused food and beverages are more tactful options that mask the traditional smell of cannabis. Thanks to flavorings (or no flavoring at all for drinks), sweeteners, and other ingredients in baked goods, these goodies smell like nothing but cannabis and may be consumed without being concerned about an off-putting smell. Delta 8 edibles include cookies, brownies, candies, cakes, water, sodas, and other sweet and fizzy drinks.

Delta 8 Oral Capsules and Pills


An easy way to dose delta-8 without dealing with any lingering scent is by way of pills and capsules. Like with all supplements, these Delta 8 products may be consumed with water and typically don’t have any aftertaste or smell. Scentless and discreet, when delta-8 capsules are consumed, they travel directly to the digestive system, with effects felt within 30 minutes or less.

Delta 8 Topicals


From creams and balms to lotions and patches, these kinds of Delta 8 products won’t leave you worried about a foul smell. The release of cannabinoids will occur quickly or slowly into the body over the course of a few hours or even a few days, depending on the topical product you purchase.

Delta-8-THC Products With A Less Discreet Smell


Unfortunately, not all Delta-8 products are as discreet as the consumption methods mentioned above. There are some products made with delta-8 on the market that can emit the smell of weed a bit more intensely, and for a good reason.

Delta 8 Vape Carts and Vape Pens

Because cannabinoids in a vape pen or vape cart bypass the digestive system, they are popularly used products that can offer fast and long-lasting highs. Depending on the design, vape carts or vape pens typically do not smell like cannabis. However, once you start puffing, a smell will be emitted from both vaping products. Delta 8 Vape Carts and Delta 8 Vape Pens with natural Delta 8 vape oil blends will give off a more earthy, herbaceous, cannabis-like scent (and flavor, too). Other blends made with concentrated delta 8 vape oil are made to contain certain terpenes and other chemical compounds that can smell skunky, sweet, citrusy, cheesy, etc.—it all depends. Planning to vape around others? There is some understanding of having some fear about the lingering smell, but the vapor and aroma typically dissipate within minutes. The best way to avoid a pungent smell from consuming Delta 8 vape pens or vape carts is to pay closer attention to your blends and opt for blends that smell like herbs rather than heavily aromatic terpenes.

Delta 8 Flower


This may be pretty obvious, but smoking Delta 8 flowers in the form of a preroll, bowl, bong, blunt, or joint will cause a smell in the air. The raw flower is in its purest form; therefore, it will contain all of the terpenes, cannabinoids, and numerous other phytochemicals that produce cannabis aromatics. While this may be true, flower is one of the most popular and common ways of consuming delta-8 and doesn’t seem to show any signs of stopping, despite its pungent smell.

Delta 8 Distillates


As you might have guessed, distilling Delta 8 produces Delta 8 distillate products. During distillation, with expensive equipment and sharp attention to detail, plant matter is stripped away, isolating the cannabinoid delta 8. While other compounds may also be removed, these kinds of delta-8 extracts are typically found in vape carts, vape pens, tinctures, and even edibles. The shade of delta-8 distillates ranges in color from clear to deep amber and can determine the amount of terpenes and plant matter present. As we said before, terpenes are what give cannabis its unique smell and flavor and can be removed during the distillation process. However, manufacturers have found a way to reintroduce cannabis terpenes back into a distillate product, which can lead to a deeper hue. In any case, this is a Delta 8 product that can either cause a smell or not; it depends on which one you purchase (tinctures, vape pens, vape carts, etc.). It’s important to note that the distillation of these types of delta-8 products may not be done at home, especially without any professional experience, as it can be very dangerous, so please don’t do it. Just make a safe and simple purchase on our website at The Hemp Collect, and stay safe!

The Characteristics of Aromatic Cannabis Plants


Delta-8 may be derived from both hemp and marijuana plants. Hemp, in general, is described as tall and skinny; in fact, your average hemp plant can grow up to 20 feet high with quite sturdy stalks. These long plants produce slender leaves that tend to bunch towards the top of the plant’s stems. The opposite of tall and skinny, then, is marijuana. The marijuana plant grows short, stubby plants that can grow up to about five feet tall. When it comes to the chemical compounds found within the marijuana plant, like THC and CBD, they’re located in the flowers themselves. Depending on the product, some cultivators will aim to increase the aroma or other characteristics of a cannabis plant. The aroma of delta-8 produced by hemp plants is usually not strong. However, Delta-8 can be synthesized to produce a stronger cannabis odor through a multi-step infusion process.


Regarding their iconic smell and taste, while specific cannabis strains tend to have aromatic and unique flavor profiles, differentiating the two plants, hemp and marijuana, just based on smell and taste is something we can probably leave up to the professionals, as they can differ.

What’s The Legality of Delta 8 Weed?


When it comes to the legality surrounding Delta 8, perhaps what confuses people the most is the lack of a regulatory framework surrounding the cannabis plant in general. Since the year 2018, cannabis has no longer been classified as a Schedule I controlled substance and instead has been legalized for cultivation in the US through the 2018 Farm Bill. This came with strict stipulations, most notably the THC percentages. Cannabis that is grown with a concentration higher than the previously mentioned 0.3% is considered marijuana and is, therefore, illegal. Additionally, it is difficult to obtain a license and follow the strict rules, and those who do not risk legal repercussions.


All of these layers make the process muddy and confusing, leaving many unsure of where certain cannabinoids actually stand in regard to legality. All in all, what’s most important to understand here is that Delta 8, which contains less than 0.3% THC, is federally legal to be cultivated and consumed in the US as long as proper procedures are followed. This is not the case for delta-9 THC, however.

Where Can I Buy Discreet Delta-8-THC?


Due to the variety of cannabinoid-rich products available on the market, you can easily find one that will take your experience of vaping CBD from pleasant to "out of this world". Our Delta 8 formulations are made from hand-picked cannabis plants that contain aromatic terpenes, boasting tasty flavors and aromas at extremely good prices. If you don’t want to leave the comfort of your home, at The Hemp Collect, you can conveniently choose from a wide selection of quality cannabis products, including Delta 8 gummies, Delta 8 tinctures, Delta 8 flower, Delta 8 live resin, Delta 8 Dabs, Delta 8 moon rocks, Delta 8 distillates, Delta 8 vape carts, Delta 8 vape pens, and more! Looking for something different? No problem. We offer a variety of products infused with a number of different classic and new cannabinoids, sure to elevate your cannabis experience.

Bottom Line


Certainly, the use and popularity of Delta 8 products are rising along with the ever-growing U.S. legal cannabis industry in a profound way. We hope that after what you’ve learned today, you will better understand what you want from your cannabis experience and why choosing the right product is crucial. Not all Delta-8 products have a smell, while others do. If you’re interested in discreet consumption, perhaps Delta 8 product tinctures or edibles are the best options. But for those of you who prefer the iconic, herbaceous scent of cannabis, a Delta 8 flower or vape pen might be a better fit.


No matter which product you choose, if you are new to the world of delta-8, it’s important you make sure its consumption is allowed where you reside, as legislation is always changing, which may limit or even ban its use. That said, make sure you’re consuming delta-8 where it’s legal to avoid any trouble, no matter which product you purchase.

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About Ashley Dellinger

Ashley Dellinger is a trailblazer in the cannabis and hemp sectors, serving as the Director of Innovation at The Hemp Collect. With a keen visionary mindset, she not only propels advancements in these industries but also showcases her versatility as a seasoned professional writer based in Oregon. As a collaborative force, Ashley works alongside leading brands, processors, and retailers to elevate industry standards. Ashley Dellinger's work not only sets new benchmarks but also inspires others to pursue excellence. For a closer look into her insights and experiences, connect with Ashley on LinkedIn, Instagram, and Facebook.

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