These days, basically every company that makes hemp-based products offers their own version of CBD oil.  That being said, with such a crowded market, how can we be sure that we’re getting top-quality oil that’s going to satisfy our needs?  Well, one simple way is to smell it.  

What Might the Smell of Your CBD Oil Indicate?

How your CBD oil smells can offer a lot of insight into the quality, purity, potency and even the chemical composition of the product. Every CBD oil is unique in its own way when it comes to the scent that it gives off, which can tell a lot about the origins of the plant, how it was grown, and even what specific strain of hemp that was used in the oil extraction process. 

Reason #1: Whether or Not It Contains Terpenes

CBD oil can be made with one of three types of hemp extracts: CBD isolate, full spectrum, or broad spectrum. CBD isolate means that the CBD oil contains only the cannabidiol compound of the hemp plant, which is non-psychoactive. Cannabinoids like cannabidiol, are flavorless and odorless, as the flavor and aroma of hemp comes from the terpene compounds or terpene profile, which are not present in CBD isolate. 

Meanwhile, full spectrum and broad spectrum extracts contain a rich variety of terpenes, with the difference between the two being that full spectrum contains the trace amount of naturally occurring delta 9 THC in hemp, while broad spectrum does not.  Either way, if you can smell an aroma that matches that of the hemp plant, you can be certain that you have broad spectrum CBD oil on your hands, as the aroma comes from the terpenes that are present in either of these extracts.

Reason #2: Freshness

Terpenes have a pretty pungent smell, as many of us know, but what if your CBD oil smells only weak or stale?  Well, that likely means that the hemp extract is no longer fresh. The terpenes in hemp, like the cannabinoids, degrade over time, especially if exposed to poor conditions like humidity, heat, and bright light.  As terpenes degrade, they lose their potency, so a CBD oil that has a weak or stale aroma can indicate that the hemp is expired and no longer capable of delivering the full capabilities of its effects. It is best to keep your CBD oil in a cool, dark place to ensure the freshness and potency remain consistent throughout use. 

Reason #3: Strain Type

More trained noses may pick up on a specific strain from the smell of a CBD oil alone.  The strain of hemp refers to its breed, which is determined by its distinctive terpene profile.  As each terpene has its own aroma profile, different strains offer a plethora of scents that are completely unique to the genetics of the hemp plant from which the oil was extracted. Those who are experienced in strain science can take a whiff of a CBD oil and figure out which strain a company used, which can be immensely helpful. Different strains have varying chemical compositions that offer a wide spectrum of unique effects. With so many options to choose from there is most definitely a strain that complements each individual’s specific needs based on what it is they are looking to get out of the CBD oil experience. Also, different terpenes promote different responses in the body, so it is important to try a wide variety of oils to see what works best for you. 

Reason #4: Potency Levels

You can figure out the strength of various CBD oils just by smelling too, assuming that you once again have a full or broad spectrum extract on your hands and a nose keen in differentiating various terpenes from one another. The stronger the smell of the terpenes means that the potency tests higher than usual, as this tells you the ratio of hemp extract to whatever carrier oil is used in the formula.  

Reason #5: Was It Heavily Purified?

Some companies put their CBD oils through more rigorous purification processes than others, which ultimately creates an oil that is cleaner and easier for the body to absorb and benefit from. Purification is a process that repeatedly removes specific compounds that the company sees as undesirable, but others argue that every compound in hemp plays a role in the plant’s effectiveness. Whether or not you prefer ultra-purified CBD oil or crude oil, the smell alone can give you lots of insight.  CBD oil that has not been as heavily purified will have a stronger aroma similar to that of an unprocessed hemp plant, while a heavily purified oil will deliver the aroma of the terpenes with a less pungent “earthy” scent that is often compared to grass, or even soil. 

Reason #6: Safe to Actually Use

In very rare cases, CBD oil can sometimes become contaminated by bacteria or fungi, so if your CBD oil just smells off, this is a good sign that there’s something that got into the formula that can be harmful to your health.  If it smells unusually sour, rancid, or chemical-like, this is a sign that it should be thrown away. 

These days, basically every company that makes hemp-based products offers their own version of CBD oil.  That being said, with such a crowded market, how can we be sure that we’re getting top-quality oil that’s going to satisfy our needs?  Well, one simple way is to smell it.  

What Might the Smell of Your CBD Oil Indicate?

How your CBD oil smells can offer a lot of insight into the quality, purity, potency and even the chemical composition of the product. Every CBD oil is unique in its own way when it comes to the scent that it gives off, which can tell a lot about the origins of the plant, how it was grown, and even what specific strain of hemp that was used in the oil extraction process. 

Reason #1: Whether or Not It Contains Terpenes

CBD oil can be made with one of three types of hemp extracts: CBD isolate, full spectrum, or broad spectrum. CBD isolate means that the CBD oil contains only the cannabidiol compound of the hemp plant, which is non-psychoactive. Cannabinoids like cannabidiol, are flavorless and odorless, as the flavor and aroma of hemp comes from the terpene compounds or terpene profile, which are not present in CBD isolate. 

Meanwhile, full spectrum and broad spectrum extracts contain a rich variety of terpenes, with the difference between the two being that full spectrum contains the trace amount of naturally occurring delta 9 THC in hemp, while broad spectrum does not.  Either way, if you can smell an aroma that matches that of the hemp plant, you can be certain that you have broad spectrum CBD oil on your hands, as the aroma comes from the terpenes that are present in either of these extracts.

Reason #2: Freshness

Terpenes have a pretty pungent smell, as many of us know, but what if your CBD oil smells only weak or stale?  Well, that likely means that the hemp extract is no longer fresh. The terpenes in hemp, like the cannabinoids, degrade over time, especially if exposed to poor conditions like humidity, heat, and bright light.  As terpenes degrade, they lose their potency, so a CBD oil that has a weak or stale aroma can indicate that the hemp is expired and no longer capable of delivering the full capabilities of its effects. It is best to keep your CBD oil in a cool, dark place to ensure the freshness and potency remain consistent throughout use. 

Reason #3: Strain Type

More trained noses may pick up on a specific strain from the smell of a CBD oil alone.  The strain of hemp refers to its breed, which is determined by its distinctive terpene profile.  As each terpene has its own aroma profile, different strains offer a plethora of scents that are completely unique to the genetics of the hemp plant from which the oil was extracted. Those who are experienced in strain science can take a whiff of a CBD oil and figure out which strain a company used, which can be immensely helpful. Different strains have varying chemical compositions that offer a wide spectrum of unique effects. With so many options to choose from there is most definitely a strain that complements each individual’s specific needs based on what it is they are looking to get out of the CBD oil experience. Also, different terpenes promote different responses in the body, so it is important to try a wide variety of oils to see what works best for you. 

Reason #4: Potency Levels

You can figure out the strength of various CBD oils just by smelling too, assuming that you once again have a full or broad spectrum extract on your hands and a nose keen in differentiating various terpenes from one another. The stronger the smell of the terpenes means that the potency tests higher than usual, as this tells you the ratio of hemp extract to whatever carrier oil is used in the formula.  

Reason #5: Was It Heavily Purified?

Some companies put their CBD oils through more rigorous purification processes than others, which ultimately creates an oil that is cleaner and easier for the body to absorb and benefit from. Purification is a process that repeatedly removes specific compounds that the company sees as undesirable, but others argue that every compound in hemp plays a role in the plant’s effectiveness. Whether or not you prefer ultra-purified CBD oil or crude oil, the smell alone can give you lots of insight.  CBD oil that has not been as heavily purified will have a stronger aroma similar to that of an unprocessed hemp plant, while a heavily purified oil will deliver the aroma of the terpenes with a less pungent “earthy” scent that is often compared to grass, or even soil. 

Reason #6: Safe to Actually Use

In very rare cases, CBD oil can sometimes become contaminated by bacteria or fungi, so if your CBD oil just smells off, this is a good sign that there’s something that got into the formula that can be harmful to your health.  If it smells unusually sour, rancid, or chemical-like, this is a sign that it should be thrown away. 

Reason #7: Other Ingredients in the Formula

Of course, the smell of the product can also alert you of the presence of other ingredients.  For instance, most CBD oils contain MCT oil as a carrier oil, which has a noticeably light coconut fragrance.  Some contain flavoring extracts which will definitely contribute to the aroma and flavor profiles. Smelling your CBD oil can also tell you if there’s an ingredient that shouldn’t be in there, such as alcohol which has an unmistakable smell.

Bottom Line: Always Give Your CBD Oil a Good Whiff 

Ultimately, whenever you open a bottle of CBD oil, you should give it a nice smell first.  For one thing, it can tell you how fresh the product is, how potent it is and whether or not it’s safe. Further, this can train your nose to detect individual terpenes over time so that you can better appreciate different strains in the future.  Just remember that if you have a CBD isolate oil, you won’t get any terpene smell as terpenes are not supposed to be in the formula. 

Reason #7: Other Ingredients in the Formula

Of course, the smell of the product can also alert you of the presence of other ingredients.  For instance, most CBD oils contain MCT oil as a carrier oil, which has a noticeably light coconut fragrance.  Some contain flavoring extracts which will definitely contribute to the aroma and flavor profiles. Smelling your CBD oil can also tell you if there’s an ingredient that shouldn’t be in there, such as alcohol which has an unmistakable smell.

Bottom Line: Always Give Your CBD Oil a Good Whiff 

Ultimately, whenever you open a bottle of CBD oil, you should give it a nice smell first.  For one thing, it can tell you how fresh the product is, how potent it is and whether or not it’s safe. Further, this can train your nose to detect individual terpenes over time so that you can better appreciate different strains in the future.  Just remember that if you have a CBD isolate oil, you won’t get any terpene smell as terpenes are not supposed to be in the formula.