Hemp oil refers to two distinct products: hemp seed oil and CBD oil. Their aromas differ significantly based on their source and processing. Hemp seed oil is derived by cold-pressing the seeds of the Cannabis sativa plant. CBD oil is an extract taken from the plant’s flowers, leaves, and stalks, which is then typically mixed with a carrier oil. The resulting scent profile varies widely, ranging from a strong, herbal fragrance to a product that is nearly odorless.
The Baseline Aroma of Unrefined Hemp Oil
The strongest aroma comes from unrefined, cold-pressed hemp seed oil, which is minimally processed to retain its natural components. This oil is characterized by a uniquely earthy and herbaceous profile, often described as a blend of fresh vegetation and a mild nuttiness. The scent is reminiscent of freshly cut grass or hay, signaling its plant origin.
This strong, natural scent correlates directly with the oil’s deep color, which typically ranges from a rich olive-green to a dark jade. Because the oil is unrefined, the strong aroma and color are preserved. The nutty element adds a subtle layer to the dominant earthy notes, making it a recognizable scent often used in culinary applications and skincare products.
Chemical Sources of the Scent
The intense aroma of unrefined hemp oil originates from two main types of compounds retained during minimal processing. Herbal and woody notes are largely attributed to terpenes, which are aromatic organic compounds found throughout the cannabis plant. These compounds, such as myrcene and pinene, are volatile molecules that easily evaporate, allowing the scent to be readily detected.
The deep green color and the sharp, grassy quality of the smell are primarily a result of the pigment chlorophyll. Chlorophyll is present in the plant material pressed along with the seeds. Its inclusion indicates that the oil has not been subjected to harsh filtration or heat treatments, and it is responsible for the fresh, “green” notes.
Scent Variations and Common Misconceptions
The smell of hemp oil changes drastically depending on how the product is manufactured. Highly refined hemp seed oil undergoes significant filtration and heating, which strips out the chlorophyll and most aromatic terpenes. This process results in a clear or very light yellow oil that is nearly odorless and flavorless, contrasting sharply with the robust scent of its unrefined counterpart.
CBD extract oil, often mistakenly called hemp oil, has a scent determined by its base ingredients. Full-spectrum and broad-spectrum CBD oils contain terpenes extracted from the plant’s flowers, giving them a noticeable earthy, bitter, or grassy smell. Conversely, CBD isolate products, which contain only the pure cannabinoid, are odorless and take on the neutral scent of their carrier oil, such as MCT or olive oil.
A common confusion is the expectation that hemp oil will possess the strong, pungent odor associated with high-THC cannabis. While hemp and marijuana share many aromatic terpenes, legally compliant hemp products contain only trace amounts of the compounds that create the characteristic “skunky” smell. If hemp oil develops an unpleasant, sharp odor, like old paint or crayons, it is a sign the product has gone rancid due to oxidation and should be discarded.