The High Life: A Modern Guide to Cannabis Fragrances
In the ever-evolving world of perfumery, cannabis has emerged from the shadows to take center stage as one of the most intriguing fragrance notes. Gone are the days of simple head shop aromas – today’s cannabis-inspired scents are sophisticated symphonies of complex notes that challenge our perceptions and delight our senses.
Listen to the podcast recap on these fragrances
Cannabis Patchouli by Dries Van Noten
Smelling Notes: Opening with bright bergamot, transitioning to earthy patchouli and cannabis, finishing with deep musk and vetiver
Like a rebel who cleaned up their act but kept their edge, Cannabis Patchouli proves that cannabis can indeed wear a tuxedo. This fragrance walks the fine line between refinement and rebellion, offering a sophisticated take on what many consider a controversial note. Some wearers praise its smooth, mature character that manages to avoid the sweetness trap many modern fragrances fall into. Others, however, claim it has a certain… human quality that might remind you of post-workout moments. But isn’t that the beauty of perfume – its ability to tell different stories on different skins?
Oro Verde by Bō
Smelling Notes: Fresh bergamot and watermelon opening, cannabis and mate heart, drying down to vetiver and ambergris with subtle moss
Picture yourself at a luxury wellness retreat in Northern California, where the morning mist mingles with garden herbs and fresh fruit. Oro Verde captures this essence perfectly, creating what some users call their “signature scent.” The cannabis note here isn’t trying to recreate that familiar smoke shop aroma – instead, it adds an intriguing wildness while maintaining its sophistication. Though some find the cannabis note overwhelming, comparing it to an ashtray, others celebrate how it brings that perfect touch of untamed nature to an otherwise refined composition.
Mary Jane by Borntostandout
Smelling Notes: Icy mint and grapefruit top notes, cannabis and rhubarb heart, finishing with pine and caramel woods
If a cannabis shop opened next to a haute patisserie, this might be the result. Mary Jane is like that friend who can’t decide whether they want to be sophisticated or playful, so they choose both. The combination of frozen mint, rhubarb, and cannabis creates either a masterpiece of contrast or a sensory overload, depending on who you ask. While some herald it as the holy grail of cannabis perfumes, others suggest it’s like walking through a Christmas tree lot while eating tropical fruit – interesting, but perhaps not for everyone.
Italian Kush by Boy Smells
Smelling Notes: Bright limoncello and pomelo opening, herbal cannabis and basil heart, grounded by sandalwood and patchouli base
Welcome to a Mediterranean herb garden where someone’s definitely not just growing basil. This fragrance is what happens when Italian sophistication meets California cool – think of it as your worldly friend who can quote both Dante and Cheech & Chong. The blend of citrus, herbs, and cannabis creates what some users describe as “a walk in a lush garden with a spritz of fresh citrus.” Others, however, find it reminiscent of “a boy with slight BO who was smoking pot while playing in the dirt.” Either way, it’s undeniably unique.
Music Festival by Maison Margiela
Smelling Notes: Fresh apple and violet leaf opening, cannabis and patchouli heart, leather and tobacco base
This is Woodstock in a bottle – minus the mud, but with all the spirit. Music Festival captures that precise moment when the bass drops, the crowd moves as one, and the air is thick with more than just excitement. It’s got that bad boy energy that makes parents nervous and teenagers curious. While some users mourn its discontinuation like a favorite band breaking up, others note its waxy, pungent opening – though many agree the dry down reveals a more complex character worth waiting for.
Whether you’re a fragrance connoisseur looking to expand your horizons or simply curious about how mainstream perfumery is interpreting this once-taboo note, cannabis fragrances offer a fascinating olfactory journey. Each perfumer’s interpretation reveals different facets of this complex ingredient – from its fresh, green aspects to its deep, incense-like qualities. Just remember: unlike their inspiration, these perfumes are completely legal to wear in public, though depending on your choice, you might still get some interesting looks from your grandmother at Sunday dinner.
