Which plants smell like marijuana?

Have you ever noticed a strong smell of weed when there’s no cannabis plant around? This is more common than you think — and there’s a fascinating explanation: there are different plants that smell like marijuana but doesn’t belong to the Cannabis genus.

That unmistakable scent isn’t exclusive to cannabis. Other plants share it because of terpenes — aromatic compounds found in many plants that can easily cause confusion. What if that weed smell isn’t coming from a grow, but from a completely legal plant? In this article, we’ll show you the most common plants that smell like marijuana, why it happens, and what you can do if someone mistakes them for cannabis.

Why some plants smell like marijuana

There’s a scientific reason why some plants that smell like marijuana have a similar scent: terpenes. These volatile organic molecules are the main drivers behind plant aromas.

Terpenes are aromatic compounds present in many plants, fruits, and spices. They not only define smell but also play roles like pest protection and pollinator attraction. This is why plants like hops, mango, or citronella can smell like cannabis — they share similar terpenes with the marijuana plant.

The food and fragrance industries even use concentrated extracts known as liquid terpenes to recreate specific smell and flavor profiles — proving just how versatile these compounds are.

Two key terpenes often responsible for this confusion include:

• Myrcene: The most common terpene in cannabis, with an earthy, musky, sometimes spicy smell. It’s also found in high concentrations in hops, mango, and thyme.
• Caryophyllene: Known for its peppery, spicy scent, this terpene is present in black pepper, cloves, and rosemary. In cannabis, it gives certain strains their distinct spicy kick.

The difference between a similar smell and the real thing

While individual terpenes can create similar aromas, the real cannabis smell is a complex blend of over 100 terpenes and other aromatic compounds working together.

When you smell a plant that smells like marijuana, you’re likely just picking up one or two of these terpenes in a high concentration. The cannabis aroma is much richer and more layered, ranging from citrusy and floral notes to fuel-like ones — thanks to the synergy of all its compounds. In short, a plant might smell like one component of weed, but it will never fully match the complexity of cannabis aroma.

Plants that smell like marijuana

When your nose tricks you, you may come across a plant that smells like marijuana even though it’s not cannabis. As we’ve seen, this happens because of terpenes. Even if they look nothing alike, these plants share some of the same aromatic compounds that make cannabis smell so unique. Here are the most common plants with weed-like scents:

Hops

The most famous one on the list. This key beer ingredient is actually a close botanical relative of cannabis. No wonder its cones smell similar — they’re packed with myrcene, one of the main terpenes in many cannabis strains.

Thai basil

This basil variety has deeper, spicier notes than sweet basil, with a smell that can remind you of cannabis — especially when crushed. The similarity comes from their shared terpene profile.

Rosemary

This Mediterranean herb has a strong, herbal smell that can sometimes be mistaken for cannabis, thanks to its high caryophyllene and piney terpenes. In enclosed spaces, it can easily be confused for some pungent weed strains.

Neem tree

Known for its medicinal uses and as a natural pesticide, neem gives off a strong, earthy scent that can sometimes remind people of a plant that smells like marijuana, even though it’s unrelated.

Cleome

Also called Cleome spinosa or “spider flower,” it has showy blooms and a strong odor that’s easily mistaken for cannabis. Many people grow it without realizing it’s a plant that smells like marijuana.

Lantana camara

A common ornamental plant thanks to its bright flowers. When you crush its leaves, its aroma can surprisingly mimic some citrusy, earthy weed strains.

Can having a plant that smells like marijuana cause problems?

Owning a plant that smells like marijuana can be tricky — even if it’s completely legal. If you live in a neighborhood or apartment complex, its scent could raise suspicions or unwanted attention.

If someone questions you about the smell, stay calm and clearly explain what plant you’re growing. Show its nursery tag, look up an official info sheet, or provide pictures and the scientific name to clear up any misunderstandings.

Tips to avoid misunderstandings

• Avoid growing too many strong-smelling plants together if you live in sensitive areas.
• Keep pungent plants indoors or in less visible patios if you know they smell strong.
• Inform your neighbors if the smell could be intense — this can prevent suspicion.
• Don’t mix these plants with real cannabis if you’re legally growing weed, since it can complicate inspections.

The smell of weed may seem unmistakable, but nature is full of surprises. There’s more than one plant that smells like marijuana because they share aromatic compounds like terpenes. Now that you know the main culprits, you can confidently identify where the smell is coming from… and avoid unnecessary trouble with neighbors or authorities.