Do THC Vapes and CBD Vapes Really Smell the Same?

Ever smelt someone vaping and wonder what in the world they’re smoking? You’re not alone. It’s possibly the most popular question we receive — and the answer is far from simply a “yes” or “no.” Before I dive into the chemistry of this subject matter, take a look at our complete selection of THC vapes UK and see the differences for yourself, flavor by flavor, strain by strain.

How Vapes Smell

There really is little connection between the type of vape an individual is consuming (THC/CBD) and its scent. In fact, there is a direct correlation between the amount of terpenes an individual is vaping and the scent it produces. Terpenes are the aromatic compounds produced by the cannabis plant (as well as numerous other plants), including citrus fruits, pine trees, lavender, black pepper. As an aside, cannabinoids (such as THC/CBD) contain virtually no odor. Therefore, when someone states that a vape smells like ‘weed’ they are in reality experiencing the terpene profile of that vape juice.

Several factors determine the overall scent of any given vape:

1. Terpene profile — the unique blend of terpenes derived from (or re-introduced to) the vape juice
2. PG/VG base — the propylene glycol and vegetable glycerin carrying agent used in vape juices. The PG/VG base itself does not produce much of an odor; however, it may affect how thick/thin the vapor appears to be
3. Added flavors — many disposable vapes use food grade flavorings along with natural terpenes to create a stronger tasting/flavoring experience.
4. Strain origin — sativa, indica and hybrid strains each possess their own unique terpene fingerprint. For example, limonene (a citrus-based terpene) is associated with sativa strains while myrcene (an earthy terpene) is associated with indica strains.

In theory, two vapes containing the same terpene profile could potentially smell identical regardless of whether they contain THC or CBD. It is entirely feasible for a CBD vape to smell just like a classic skunk strain with zero psychoactivity.

What Is a THC Vape?

Vapes intended for recreational use are based upon psychoactive potency. Most commonly, these vape juices contain distillate or live resin infused with terpenes (either obtained directly from the cannabis plant or added after). Popular scents for THC vape include those typical of recognizable cannabis aromas — herbal/pungent, often fruity/gassy depending on the strain. Brands emphasize strain names on packaging because the terpene profile represents the entire appeal of the product.

CBD Vapes: A New Player in Town

CBD vapes are created in the same manner as THC vapes; except, instead of being psychoactive, they offer none. Since CBD does not impact an individual’s mental state, brands often utilize CBD vapes as a platform to develop unorthodox flavor profiles — sweet/dessert notes, tropical/fruity blends, mint/confectionary flavored profiles that bear no resemblance to traditional cannabis terpenes whatsoever. Some CBD vapes are developed using full-spectrum extracts (containing trace amounts of terpenes) so individuals can obtain that authentic cannabis smell without obtaining high.

Quick Comparison Table for THC Vape vs CBD Vape

How Well Can You Trust Your Nose?

Honestly? Not completely. What else to watch out for if you want to be able to tell exactly what you’re vaping:

The smell may help guide you in the right direction, however it will never confirm what you are actually vaping. The only confirmed method of knowing what is inside of your vape is by looking at product detail information. That’s why we show all of this information for each and every product on our website. If you would like to see how different strains compare, please take a look through our full disposable vapes collection and pick the best match for your desired profile.

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