Written by Joshua Sosin

Have you ever noticed a distinct cannabis-like scent coming from your sweat? You’re not the only one.

Some people report their body odor smelling like weed, even if they haven’t smoked recently. Why does this happen, though?

There are several possible explanations, including, of course, cannabis use. However, smoking weed isn't the only thing that can cause cannabis-like body odor. Here's what you need to know about all of the potential causes of this issue.

Table of Contents

• The Science of Body Odor

• Cannabis and Terpenes: The Connection

• Your Body’s Metabolism of Cannabis

• The Role of Diet in Body Odor

• Hygiene and Skin Bacteria

• Excessive Sweating and Cannabis Odors

• How to Reduce or Manage Weed-Smelling Sweat

The Science of Body Odor

Sweat itself doesn’t have a strong smell.

What you’re noticing is actually the result of bacteria breaking down the sweat on your skin.

The apocrine sweat glands, found in areas like your armpits and groin, produce a thicker type of sweat that’s rich in proteins and fats.

When bacteria around your apocrine glands eat up these compounds, they create distinct odors. If your sweat smells like weed, it could be due to specific volatile compounds interacting with your body chemistry.

Cannabis and Terpenes: The Connection

Terpenes are natural aromatic compounds found in cannabis, and in a variety of other plants, too. Strains of cannabis have unique terpene profiles, which contribute to their signature scents. Some common terpenes found in cannabis include:

• Myrcene – Earthy, musky, and herbal

• Limonene – Citrusy and zesty

• Caryophyllene – Spicy and peppery

Your body naturally releases terpenes through sweat and breath after you smoke weed or consume cannabis in another form. If you regularly smoke or consume cannabis, some of those compounds may stick around longer than you expect, especially if your body is metabolizing them slowly. This can result in a distinct smell reminiscent of weed.

Your Body’s Metabolism of Cannabis: How It Can Cause Bad Body Odor

Cannabis compounds, particularly THC, are fat-soluble compounds, which means they get stored in fat cells. When your body breaks down fat for energy, especially during exercise or fasting, it can release stored cannabis metabolites. Because of this, your sweat may carry a faint weed-like smell, even days after consumption.

Other metabolic factors that can influence this include:

• Your overall hydration levels

• How frequently you consume cannabis

• Your body fat percentage

The Role of Diet in a Person's Body Odor

Believe it or not, your diet plays a huge role in how you smell — and it can make you smell like weed.

Some foods contain compounds that can alter body odor, making it more pungent or giving it an herbal, skunky smell that's quite a bit like weed.

Foods that might contribute to a weed-like smell include:

• Cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, Brussels sprouts) – High in sulfur compounds

• Spicy foods – Can intensify sweat odor

• Garlic and onions – Rich in volatile sulfur compounds that can mix with body sweat

• Certain herbs and teas – Some herbs contain terpenes similar to those in cannabis, which can affect body odor

If you’re noticing a stronger cannabis smell after eating certain foods, consider adjusting your diet to see if it makes a difference.

Hygiene and Skin Bacteria

Your body’s microbiome, specifically the bacteria living on your skin, plays a significant role in determining how your sweat smells.

Some strains of bacteria break down sweat in a way that creates a skunky or cannabis-like aroma. If you have an overgrowth of certain bacteria, or if your hygiene routine isn’t removing sweat effectively, the smell may become more pronounced.

Maintaining good hygiene can help you get rid of these unwanted odors. Regular showers, antibacterial soaps, and wearing breathable fabrics can all contribute to fresher-smelling skin.

Excessive Sweating and Cannabis-Like Smells

Some people naturally sweat more than others, whether that's due to genetics, physical activity, or environmental factors.

If you’re someone who sweats heavily, you may be releasing more of the terpenes and cannabis metabolites stored in your body. Hyperhidrosis (excessive sweating) can amplify any existing body odor, making it more noticeable to yourself and the people around you.

How to Reduce or Manage Weed-Smelling Sweat

If you’re worried about your sweat smelling like cannabis, here are a few things you can do to reduce or manage the scent:

1. Stay Hydrated – Drinking plenty of water helps flush out excess metabolites and dilute sweat, making it less pungent.

2. Improve Your Diet – Avoid sulfur-heavy foods and experiment with different eating habits to see if it impacts your body odor.

3. Practice Good Hygiene – Regular showers, using antibacterial soap, and changing clothes after physical exertion can be helpful.

4. Wear Breathable Fabrics – Cotton, moisture-wicking materials, and natural fibers help reduce sweat buildup.

5. Monitor Your Cannabis Intake – If you consume cannabis often, consider taking a tolerance break of about two weeks to see if the smell decreases over time.

Staying Fresh While Smoking Fresh Bud

If your sweat smells like weed, it’s probably a combination of cannabis use, diet, metabolism, and natural body chemistry.

While it’s not usually a cause for concern, taking steps to deal with weed-scented body odor can help you enjoy your favorite strains with a bit more confidence. To start, try cleaning up your diet, drinking plenty of water, and dealing with sweat via personal hygiene. These steps should help quite a bit.

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