By Arielle Friedman

The cannabis plant is an increasingly common feature in the sectors of well-being, cosmetics, and even clothing. Now, a handful of companies are introducing the herb into the world of perfumes. Read on to discover what cannabis perfume products are currently available, and how to make your own hemp-infused fragrances at home.

The Botanical Roots of Perfume: A History

Worldwide sales of perfume topped $40 billion in 2022. The modern perfume industry is gigantic, and the highly competitive marketplace has fostered innovation in every area, from bottle design and sustainability to biotech research intent on discovering and experimenting with new aromas.

However, perfume itself has much more humble beginnings. The Cambridge Dictionary defines[1] perfume as: “A liquid with a pleasant smell, usually made from oils taken from flowers or species and often used on the skin”. Sounds pretty simple, right?

The simple nature of perfume means that humans have made and applied it for thousands of years. The contemporary word stems from the Latin “per fumus”, meaning “through smoke”. The oldest known written record of the use of perfume reaches back to inscriptions on a Mesopotamian cuneiform tablet dating to 1200 BCE. This archaeological finding speaks of the first recorded chemist—a woman named Tapputi—an overseer at the Royal Palace who developed techniques of scent extraction from plants.

Perfume has also experienced extensive use in South Asia. Here, ancient Ayurvedic texts speak of the distillation of ittar, a fragrant essential oil distilled from botanical sources.

Traditional perfume making

On the island of Cyprus, perfumery dates back to the Bronze Age. Excavations point to a large facility, operational 4,000 years ago, that produced perfume on a large scale on a 0.4-hectare site.

In Europe, citizens of Hungary produced the first modern perfume, drawing inspiration from Islamic tradition. Crafted from botanical scents and alcohol solutions, it became known throughout Europe as “Hungary water” after its formulation in 1370.

A handful of aromatic plants are typically used to make perfume, including the likes of lavender, gardenia, eucalyptus, lemon, tobacco, jasmine, and torchwood. These botanicals are packed with aromatic secondary metabolites produced to fend off pests and diseases and to increase the plant's chance of survival. However, as it happens, many of these molecules smell sublime to the human nose. But many other plant species make good candidates for crafting pleasant odours—including cannabis.

Cannabis: A Source of Aromatic Compounds

Cannabis has gained recognition across the world as a psychoactive herb. The principal constituent THC is chiefly behind the plant's euphoric effect. However, cannabis flowers contain many other secondary metabolites that often get overlooked, including over 100 other cannabinoids and over 150 terpenes.

Anyone who has grown or smoked cannabis is familiar with its distinct aroma. Continue reading to discover the key aromatic constituents of marijuana, before learning about the developing world of weed perfume and how to make it yourself.

Terpenes

Terpenes are a large group of aromatic molecules found throughout nature. Researchers have identified over 30,000 of these molecules in a host of different plants, with over 150 existing in cannabis flowers. Each of these molecules lends a distinct aroma to particular cannabis strains, from sweet and floral to fruity and earthy. Terpenes are categorised into different groups depending on their structure. Below are the two major groups of aromatic terpenes within cannabis:

  • Monoterpenes: Terpenes are made up of smaller structures known as isoprene units—branched chains featuring five-carbon units. Monoterpenes, at their foundation, are made up of two isoprene units, making them the most simple terpene molecules. Monoterpenes are pungent and volatile, and include the likes of limonene—which provides aromas of citrus—and myrcene, which supplies notes of earthiness. Pinene and terpinolene are also monoterpenes found in cannabis flowers. The former smells of pine, whereas the latter exhibits a floral and sweet scent.
  • Sesquiterpenes: This category of terpenes possesses three isoprene units. They are larger than monoterpenes but are also volatile and highly aromatic. These compounds include the peppery caryophyllene and the herbal farnesene.
Trichomes

Volatile Sulphur Compounds

Terpenes get most of the credit when it comes to the unique scent of each cannabis strain. However, volatile sulphur compounds (VSCs) also play a fundamental role. As well as underpinning the skunk-like aroma of many cultivars, VSCs also contribute scents of tropical fruit, sweetness, and savouriness. Some of the VSCs[2] present in cannabis flowers include:

  • Dimethyl sulfide
  • 3-Methylthiophene
  • 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol

Esters

Esters are organic compounds that produce alcohol and organic and inorganic acids when they react with water. Weed flowers are a source of esters, and cannabis researchers are becoming increasingly compelled to investigate them. While largely underlooked until recently, these compounds contribute distinct aromas to certain strains, including scents of banana, strawberry, and pineapple.

The Emergence of Cannabis in Perfumery

As a botanical packed with aromatic compounds, it’s no wonder that perfume companies are turning to cannabis as a source of fragrance. The novelty of cannabis to the industry also serves as an attractive selling point to those who already love the herb, and those who are curious about its unique aromas.

Although cannabis perfumes are just emerging, a handful of products are currently available on store shelves. High-end cannabis perfumes include Fragrance du Bois’ Cannabis Blue, an expertly crafted formula that fetches a hefty price of £249. However, slightly more affordable cannabis fragrances are also available. The aptly named “Cannabis” by Malin & Goetz provides herbaceous hints with notes of flowers and smoke, and sells for £86. Those seeking a more budget-friendly product can still wear the scent of weed by spraying on Cannabis Garden by Dermacol, a formula packed with terpenes found in marijuana that offers notes of cannabis and jasmine, and sells for £18.20.

If consumers display enough preference and demand for cannabis perfumes, we’ll likely see major brands start to incorporate the herb in their formulas, too.

What Are the Effects of Cannabis Perfume?

Given the cannabis plant’s association with the psychotropic cannabinoid THC, there is some speculation over the potential effects of cannabis perfumes. However, these formulations only contain aromatic constituents, which THC is not. Furthermore, cannabis perfume is not ingested, which is how THC exhibits its euphoric effects. It’s understandable that consumers might immediately associate cannabis perfume with getting high, but that’s nothing short of a misunderstanding.

All that said, cannabis perfumes contain a range of molecules that science suggests can produce a subtle cognitive effect, from relaxation to clear-headedness. Inhaled pinene, myrcene, and beta-caryophyllene, for example, are known to impact the biochemistry of the body and brain.

Related story

What is THC?

Can Weed Perfume Get You High?

THC lays the foundations of the cannabis high. While terpenes synergise with THC to steer the effect of each strain, they produce no substantial intoxicating effects themselves. And since cannabinoids aren’t included in perfumes, these products do not produce a psychoactive effect.

How to Make Marijuana Perfume at Home

Now you’re aware of the emergence of cannabis perfume and the key aromatic constituents within the plant itself. If you like the sound of a weed-inspired fragrance, know that you can make your own at home! Check out the ingredients you need below, and find out how to combine them into a fresh and floral fragrance.

Ingredients & Equipment

Grab the following gear and ingredients:

  • Hemp essential oil: You can easily find hemp essential oils online. Hemp and cannabis are essentially the same plant, yet hemp is legal in many countries because of its extremely low levels of THC. However, this oil contains all of the terpenes found in cannabis plants grown for recreational or medical use.
  • Jojoba oil: Derived from the seeds of the jojoba plant, this substance works as a carrier oil within the perfume formula.
  • Alcohol: Use either vodka or perfume alcohol. Alcohol helps to preserve and stabilise perfume and also helps it to disperse throughout the air.
  • Distilled water: This ingredient helps to clarify and dilute the formula.
  • 100ml glass perfume bottle: Get yourself a glass bottle with a screw cap pump so you can use your marijuana perfume right away.
  • Glass mixing bowl: Use this to mix your formula together.
  • Small pipette or air syringe: Useful for transferring your perfume into its bottle.

Directions

Now that you have everything you need, here’s how to put it all together to make your own hemp perfume:

  1. Add 60ml (4 tablespoons) of jojoba oil into a mixing bowl.
  2. Add 4ml (around 80 drops) of your hemp essential oil into the bowl.
  3. Add 30ml (2 tablespoons) of vodka or perfumer's alcohol into the bowl.
  4. Next, pour 6ml of distilled water into your blend.
  5. Stir your formula thoroughly and let it sit for 10 minutes.
  6. Use a small pipette or air syringe to transfer your blend into its bottle.

Make sure to store your marijuana perfume in a cool, dark place to keep it preserved for as long as possible. Feel free to mix up different hemp essential oil blends and carrier oils until you pinpoint a fragrance that really works for you.

Make marihuana perfume at home

Ganja Cologne: The Next Big Thing in the World of Perfume?

The burgeoning cannabis industry has already penetrated the cosmetics sector, and now it’s making waves in the perfume sector, too. A range of ganja colognes already exist on the market, from expensive high-end options to more affordable fragrances. Despite their price differences, these blends share one thing in common: plenty of aromatic cannabis-derived molecules. If you’d rather make your own, you’re now fully equipped to create unique formulas using hemp essential oil and other easy-to-source ingredients.

External Resources:
  1. PERFUME | English meaning - Cambridge Dictionary https://dictionary.cambridge.org
  2. Identification of a New Family of Prenylated Volatile Sulfur Compounds https://pubs.acs.org
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: