The signature skunky cannabis smell— once a telltale sign of a potent strain — may be fading into history. As legal cannabis markets mature and consumer preferences evolve, growers are increasingly breeding plants with more diverse, and sometimes more pleasant, aromas. From citrus to lavender and even freshly baked cookies, today’s cannabis smell far different from the pungent varieties of the past.
NPR science correspondent Pien Huang recently explored this aromatic evolution during a visit to District Cannabis, a cultivation and retail company operating in Washington, D.C., and Maryland. During her tour of their grow facility, Huang got a firsthand look — and cannabis smell — at how plants are bred and cultivated with specific scents in mind.
The cannabis smell comes from a complex mix of chemicals known as terpenes. These are the same compounds that give other plants — like pine trees, oranges, and mint — their distinctive aromas. Cannabis plants can produce over 100 different terpenes, each contributing to a unique scent and potentially affecting the plant’s effects on the body.
Historically, the skunky cannabis smell was linked to strains high in certain terpenes like myrcene and skunky thiols. These strains became popular during the underground days of cannabis, when strength and smell often went hand in hand. But with legalization and a broader customer base, preferences have changed. New cannabis consumers — including those using it for wellness or medical purposes — often prefer milder, more inviting scents. As a result, breeders have begun selecting for strains that cannabis smell like fruit, herbs, or even dessert.
This shift doesn’t just reflect changing tastes; it’s also part of how cannabis is marketed today. In dispensaries, cannabis is now treated more like wine or gourmet food — with product descriptions highlighting “flavor profiles” and “aromatic notes.”
The change in scent may also affect perception. A softer-smelling product might appeal more to curious new users, older adults, or those who were once put off by the stereotypical stench of marijuana. It’s all part of how the cannabis industry is evolving — cleaner branding, scientific cultivation, and a more refined consumer experience.
For a deeper dive into this subject and the broader safety and science of cannabis, check out Pien Huang’s full reporting in NPR’s special series, “How Safe Is Your Weed?”
