Delta 8 THC products are easy to find on the hemp market, and there are seemingly endless amounts of different types of formulas that use delta 8 as their primary active ingredient. This is why it’s so difficult to answer a common question: “what should delta 8 THC smell like?” We recognize that the smell is usually used to determine the quality of a product, as well as whether or not it’s authentic and high in quality. Ultimately, there are a number of factors that play a role in how delta 8 THC will smell.
The Delivery Method
The delivery method of delta 8 THC will have an impact on its smell. For instance, delta 8 vaping products typically contain no filler ingredients or additives whatsoever, and so will therefore, smell like the hemp plant. Meanwhile, delta 8 edibles such as gummies will have a distinctively sweet smell.
Terpenes or No Terpenes
Terpenes are naturally occurring compounds of the hemp plant that offer their own properties alongside cannabinoids, and for this reason, many delta 8 products contain terpenes. Beyond providing useful properties to the body, terpenes are responsible for the aroma and flavor of the hemp plant. Therefore, when you smell a delta 8 THC product that smells like hemp, this means that the product contains terpenes.
That being said, some delta 8 THC products do not contain terpenes. Delta 8 THC on its own is odorless and flavorless, as are all cannabinoids. So, if your delta 8 product smells like nothing at all, this is a good way to know that it doesn’t have terpenes.
Type of Strain
Delta 8 THC products that are made with terpenes can still vary in aroma from one formula to the next, because of the strain of the product. The breed of hemp is referred to as its strain, and even has a unique configuration of terpenes. Because each terpene has its own aroma notes, each strain has a distinctive aroma profile that can be anything from sweet and fruity to sour and earthy.
Potency Level
Delta 8 THC products that do contain terpenes will have a stronger plant-like aroma the more potent they are. Delta 8 products come in different milligram strengths, and this strength number reflects the amount of pure hemp extract in the formula. The more potent the product, the stronger the smell of terpenes will be.
Other Ingredients Being Used
Of course, the other ingredients in a delta 8 product will have an effect on the smell. Gummies will smell like their flavor, for example, which can vary greatly from one gummy to the next. Note that delta 8 gummies should never have a strong artificial or chemical smell, as this can indicate that the gummies are made with low-quality ingredients.
A Product’s Age
As a delta 8 THC product ages, its aroma will naturally get weaker and weaker as the compounds begin to break down due to oxidization. Not only will the terpenes in the product become fainter, but so will the smells of any other ingredients, such as the flavoring ingredients found in gummies. Note that different delta 8 products have their own shelf life. Vapes usually last for up to 2 years, as the compounds of hemp are stable for about this long. But, edibles have a shorter shelf life because of the non-hemp ingredients that can break down sooner, with most gummies being good for 4 to 6 months depending on the specific ingredients used in the formula.
How It Was Stored
How a delta 8 THC product is stored also makes a difference. While each product does have a shelf life, ultimately, improper storage methods can make the product expire sooner by introducing factors into the product that cause the formula to break down more quickly. Delta 8 products stored in hot, bright or humid environments will degrade faster, as will products that are not properly sealed in an airtight fashion. Further, products that have somehow become contaminated can have a mildewy or rancid odor that is a clear sign that the product should be discarded immediately.
Purification Process
Companies that make delta 8 THC products can employ a variety of unique purification processes to remove specific unwanted compounds found in the plant material from the final extract that will be used to make their formulas. Some companies undergo more involved purification processes than others. The more intensive the purification process, the weaker the “plant-like” smell of the product will be.
Final Scented Delta 8 Thoughts
Not all delta 8 THC products smell alike, as there are a whole number of factors that play a role in the aroma of a specific formula. Ultimately, your delta 8 THC product should smell fresh, and should not have a stale, rotten or mildewy odor of any kind. If you detect that your delta 8 THC product is not fresh or has “gone bad” in some way, we recommend contacting the manufacturer.