Marijuana has often been noted for its musky, peculiar scent. In fact, the smell of cannabis is so pungent that some people are opposed to the plant, simply because of the strong scent.
And one question that a lot of people have asked when catching the whiff of a particularly pungent strain of cannabis is – why does it smell so much like a skunk
It’s true, while each strain has different compositions, and as such, will have a different smell, many types of cannabis have frequently been associated with the smell of skunk spray.
Naturally, this has prompted many marijuana fans to wonder if it may be dangerous since, after all, we go to great lengths to protect ourselves from skunk spray.
So, what makes marijuana smell and skunk spray so similar?
For a very long time, the compounds of what constituted marijuana were fairly unknown, which meant nobody knew why the weed smelled a certain way. But recent research has uncovered a fascinating composition inside the cannabis plant.
For one thing, research has shown that the composition of cannabis is actually, unexpectedly, extraordinarily rich and complex. Some scientists have noted that cannabis may actually have a more complex, overpowering bouquet than choice types of wine.
And while wine has long been the object of study, and aroma breakdown, that has not been the case for marijuana. In the past, most people just thought “that weed smells funny, ” which was pretty much that.
But it turns out the bouquet of marijuana is actually made up of a complex mix of aromas, among which, is a high sulfur component. It’s been revealed that some strains are high in sulfur, which explains why those strains smell disturbingly similar to skunk scent.
What makes skunk scent so pungent?
Many homeowners have wondered why skunk spray smells so awful, and it turns out, it’s not a “bad smell” in itself. But rather, like marijuana, skunk spray is rich in sulfur which, when inhaled, creates a long-lasting burning sensation.
The same is true if skunk spray comes into contact with other sensitive areas, like the eyes.
The sulfur in skunk spray gives you that intensely unpleasant burning sensation, which seems to “embed” itself into the cavities, making skunk spray so challenging to get rid of.
Does sulfur make skunk spray or marijuana dangerous?
Because of this intense burning sensation, many people assume that skunk spray actually does burn, and poses a threat to your health. Luckily for anyone who’s ever been sprayed, that is simply not the case.
While getting sprayed by a skunk will leave a horrible burning sensation, and sting for a while, it won’t have any long-term effects on your health. Even when skunk spray comes into contact with the eyes or nose, it’s mostly an unpleasant feeling, and not generally a hazard.
Similarly, that means that the burning sensation associated with some strains of marijuana is equally harmless, aside from the smell, which is considered unpleasant by some.
Is a high sulfur content actually good?
Interestingly enough, some marijuana connoisseurs will actually actively look for a “skunky” strain of marijuana and will be willing to pay more for skunk cannabis.
This is because, within the marijuana community, there are those who believe that the stinkier the smell, the richer, and more aromatic the cannabis.
And while it remains yet to be determined whether or not that is true, it’s an interesting distinction – while some can’t even stand the smell of skunk marijuana, there are those who actively seek it out.
Can you get rid of the skunk smell?
A question that every homeowner ever has asked themselves at least once – can you get rid of the skunk smell?
And if so, can you use that to deodorize marijuana? First off, let us warn you if you’re worried you might have a skunk problem, hire a professional like Magic Touch Exterminating and Wildlife Control.
Don’t attempt to get rid of the skunk yourself, because that’s how you get sprayed.
As for the skunk spray, some recommend tomato juice to get rid of the pungent stink, while others use a mixture of hydrogen peroxide, baking soda, and dishwasher soap to get rid of the smell.
However, we would not recommend using that on marijuana.
So if you can’t abide by the skunky smell of some strains of marijuana, your best bet would probably be to stay away from those and seek out the least pungent ones. Don’t try deodorants (natural or otherwise) on things you plan to consume – that’s just common sense.