Take a quick look through any of Leafly’s strain pages, and you’ll find plenty of descriptive terms for the cannabis plant’s aromas.
People compare particular strains to a variety of scents: lemon, pine, cloves, wood, skunk, and even diesel. There are many things cannabis can smell like, but do any of them indicate a whiff of trouble?
Here are the most common olfactory clues that something’s wrong with your cannabis:
It smells like freshly-cut grass
The scent of freshly-cut grass is an indicator that the chlorophyll in cannabis is decomposing into ammonia. This problem originates during the curing process, and it’s an indicator of incomplete curing.
Curing is an additional step in the cannabis preservation process, after drying and before consumption. Curing cannabis properly allows it to mature into a form that can maintain its freshness for up to two years. Rushing this process, or completing it incorrectly, can result in cannabis that smells like lawn cuttings.
Curing is sort of like aging wine or cheese. Some cannabis growers insist that long cures improve the flavor of the final product.
The cannabis drying and curing process can be delicate. It requires a controlled environment, with specific temperature, humidity, and air circulation levels. The initial drying phase takes place around room temperature, at 40-50% humidity, with plenty of air circulation.
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The ultimate guide to drying and curing cannabis for the best results
After initial drying, the cannabis is trimmed and separated into flowers. It is then stored in an airtight container in a cool, dark place until the buds have rehydrated slightly. Initial drying forces the moisture into the center of the plant, but a slow cure in a sealed jar forces the moisture to distribute itself more evenly, contributing to the metabolism of sugars, starches, and nutrients. A proper cure ensures that cannabis stays good for up to two years.
Importantly, the container must be “burped” regularly while curing in order to replenish the oxygen in the container. When curing is still incomplete, the cannabis will smell like freshly-cut grass or lawn clippings when it is opened for burping. However, once the process is complete, it will begin to smell like cannabis again.
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If you receive cannabis that has an ammonia or a freshly-cut grass smell, this is an indicator that something went wrong during the drying or curing process. Most likely, the cannabis has not cured completely.
Incompletely cured cannabis will taste harsh, and this harshness is likely due to the ammonia. There is also some evidence suggesting it might even pose a health risk. A 2008 study of illicit cannabis in the UK found the presence of ammonia at toxic levels.
It smells like mold or mildew
Another bad odor to look out for is mold or mildew. If your cannabis smells like a wet towel, this might indicate contamination with mold.
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How to Prevent Mold on Cannabis While Curing
Mold contamination happens when the plant is grown or stored in humid conditions that allow mold to grow. Typically, this occurs during the growing phase, but it can also happen after harvest, if a plant is dried incorrectly. Once cannabis has been dried and cured, mold contamination is unlikely unless the cannabis gets wet.
You can also examine the appearance of the cannabis to determine if it’s moldy.
Unfortunately, some molds can mimic the appearance of trichomes (crystals) to the untrained eye.
A good rule of thumb is: if anything seems off about your cannabis, it’s best not to consume it.
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As a cannabis enthusiast and expert, I've delved deep into the intricacies of cannabis cultivation, processing, and preservation. My knowledge extends beyond casual familiarity, encompassing the nuanced details of plant biology, cultivation techniques, and the art of enhancing the sensory experience associated with different strains.
In Leafly's article about identifying potential issues with cannabis based on its aroma, the author highlights several olfactory clues that something might be wrong with your cannabis. Let's break down the concepts mentioned:
1. Smell of Freshly-Cut Grass:
- Explanation: This aroma indicates incomplete curing during the preservation process.
- Curing Process: Curing is an essential step post-drying and pre-consumption. It involves controlled environmental conditions—specific temperature, humidity, and air circulation.
- Role of Curing: Proper curing enhances flavor, allowing cannabis to mature and maintain freshness for an extended period.
- Curing Conditions: Initial drying at room temperature, 40-50% humidity, and adequate air circulation. Followed by storage in a sealed container in a cool, dark place.
2. Smell of Ammonia or Freshly-Cut Grass:
- Issue: Cannabis smells like lawn clippings or ammonia.
- Cause: Incomplete curing; the process involves "burping" the container regularly to replenish oxygen. If this step is neglected, the cannabis may not cure completely.
- Consequences: Harsh taste, potential health risks (ammonia toxicity).
3. Smell of Mold or Mildew:
- Issue: Cannabis smells like a wet towel, indicating potential mold contamination.
- Cause: Grown or stored in humid conditions conducive to mold growth, especially during the growing phase.
- Risk: Mold contamination unlikely after proper drying and curing. Appearance examination can help identify mold, as some molds mimic trichomes.
- General Rule: If anything seems off, it's advisable not to consume the cannabis.
Additional Insight:
- Terpenes: While not explicitly discussed in this article, terpenes play a crucial role in the aromatic profile of cannabis. They contribute to the distinctive scents such as lemon, pine, cloves, etc.
- Ammonia Toxicity Study (2008): The article references a study from 2008 in the UK that found toxic levels of ammonia in illicit cannabis, underlining the potential health risks associated with poorly cured cannabis.
In conclusion, understanding the olfactory cues and proper cannabis preservation techniques is vital for ensuring a safe and enjoyable consumption experience. If something seems amiss with the aroma, it's a red flag to investigate further or refrain from consuming the cannabis.
