Despite how fun and rewarding it is to grow cannabis, the main concern many growers have while growing is the skunky smell the plants give off.
This is especially true for those trying to maintain a discreet indoor garden.
Growing low odor strains may be the best choice if you want to harvest but don’t want the pungent odor of cannabis lingering around your home.
To learn more and maybe find the right strains, continue reading our list of the best low odor strains for indoor growing.
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What makes a marijuana strain low odor?
Low odor strains are those without a strong and distinct “skunky” smell while growing and smoking the weed. To determine if a strain is low odor, consider the following:
- How strong is the smell, or how much odor is there when smoked
- How distinct is the scent of marijuana
- How similar is the odor’s scent to marijuana when smoked or grown
As their name suggests, being low odor strains doesn’t completely remove the pungent smell of weed.
Instead, it reduces the skunkiness from myrcene to a manageable degree, which ensures that the distinct smell of cannabis won’t linger.
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Terpenes and odor – the connection
Usually, a rich aroma is a sign of a healthy and high-quality bud; but if you want to grow discreetly, you’ll need to choose plants with the right terpenes.
Terpenes, as aromatic compounds, are responsible for a strain’s smell. In many cases, terpenes can also determine how pungent and distinct the scent is.
Marijuana plants contain about 400 types of terpenes; each strain has different concentrations of these aromatic oils, giving them a distinct smell.
Here are some of them:
Myrcene
Myrcene is responsible for some stains’ distinct, spicy flavor.
Outside of giving marijuana plants their distinctive skunkiness, this oil can also have an earthy and fruity aroma.
Limonene
Limonene gives certain strains a strong citrus scent and tastes similar to oranges or lemons.
Some claim limonene has therapeutic benefits and helps assist with depressive symptoms.
Alpha-pinene
Alpha-pinene gives marijuana strains the flavor of pine trees with a hint of rosemary and pine nuts.
Alpha-pinene is considered a good antioxidant that can help reduce the risk of diseases.
Caryophyllene
Caryophyllene adds the flavor of cloves or black pepper to marijuana.
Caryophyllene in some strains like Sour Diesel serves as a terpene, giving the buds a distinct diesel-like smell and taste.
When choosing the best low odor marijuana strains for this list, we considered their terpenes and cannabis SEO value to separate the aromatic from the truly skunky.
Top low odor marijuana strains for home growing
Durban Poison
Besides being an award-winning sativa prized for its strong citrus flavor, Durban Poison is also one of the best low odor cannabis strains.
Durban Poison plants are nearly odorless throughout the growing process.
After curing its buds, they give off a spicy, citrusy aroma similar to licorice, which masks the weed’s skunkiness.
Durban Poison’s spicy and citrus flavor complements its uplifting and energizing buzz, making it an ideal morning strain that will help you start your day.
In other cases, it’s also excellent in ridding you of fatigue and some depressive symptoms.
| Plant type | 100% Sativa |
| THC | Up to 20% |
| CBD | Insignificant amount |
| Climate | Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean |
| Plant size | Average |
| Flowers | 8 weeks |
| Yields | 18 to 21 oz per 3x3ft |
| Taste & Smell | Cheese | Citrus | Earthy | Fruity | Skunky | Sweet |
| Effects | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed | Sleepy | Uplifted |
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Northern Lights
Specifically bred for discreet indoor growing, Northern Lights is one of the most well-known low odor weed strains.
Besides being odorless, this excellent indoor strain produces small plants that look unassuming, yet the number of buds it produces may surprise you.
Northern Lights’ buds do not have an overpowering scent like most buds do.
Instead, the strain has a citrusy aroma with hints of pine and spice. When toked, a relaxing body high helps ease pain and tension.
| Plant type | 90% Indica 10% Sativa |
| THC | Up to 18% |
| CBD | Insignificant amount |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Climate | Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean | Mold Resistant |
| Plant size | Average |
| Flowers | 9 weeks |
| Yields | 12 to 16 oz per 3x3ft |
| Taste & Smell | Citrus | Earthy | Lemon | Pine | Skunky | Spicy | Sweet |
| Effects | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed | Sleepy | Uplifted |
| Awards | Cannabis Cup |
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- 90% Indica 10% Sativa
- THC levels up to 18%
- Best indoors and in sunny climates
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Jack Herer
Jack Herer is easy to cultivate despite being a sativa-dominant hybrid.
Part of what makes this strain a grower’s dream is high resistance to diseases and fast flowering— two traits you don’t normally see in sativas.
However, Jack Herer is an excellent strain because it produces odorless plants that will yield buds with aromas that mask its skunkiness.
This mix of piney and earthy scents makes Jack Herer one of the best low odor marijuana strains to grow.
| Plant type | 40% Indica 60% Sativa |
| THC | Up to 20% |
| CBD | Insignificant amounts |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Climate | Indoors | Mediterranean | Mold Resistant |
| Plant size | Tall |
| Flowers | 9 weeks |
| Yields | 16 to 18 oz per 3x3ft |
| Taste & Smell | Earthy | Fruity | Lemon | Pepper | Pine | Spicy | Woody |
| Effects | Creative | Energetic | Euphoric | Happy | Uplifted |
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Master Kush
One of the more popular low odor cannabis strains on this list is Master Kush.
Loved by many for its sweet taste and strong body effect, it didn’t take long for Master Kush to become anyone’s go-to strain.
Different users report mixed reviews on the flavor and aroma.
However, they all agree that its buds’ pungent, smooth, and sweet woody taste complements its stress-relieving and uplifting effects.
| Plant type | 95% Indica 5% Sativa |
| THC | Up to 18% |
| CBD | Insignificant amount |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Climate | Indoors | Temperate | Mold Resistant |
| Plant size | Compact |
| Flowers | 9 weeks |
| Yields | 14 to 17 oz per 3x3ft |
| Taste & Smell | Citrus | Earthy |
| Effects | Relaxed |
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- 95% Indica 5% Sativa
- THC levels up to 18%
- Best indoors and in sunny climates
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White Rhino
White Rhino is a great strain choice if discretion is the main concern. Once cured, the buds give off a smell similar to the air around a woody forest.
Its sweet and earthy smell isn’t just there to mask the scent of the buds but also to complement the relaxing high that it provides.
White Rhino has a high THC content, so first-time smokers should start slowly before experiencing the soothing effect that it’ll have on the body.
| Plant type | 80% Indica 20% Sativa |
| THC | Up to 20% |
| CBD | Insignificant amounts |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Climate | Indoors | Continental |
| Plant size | Average |
| Flowers | 8 weeks |
| Yields | 14 to 17 oz per 3x3ft |
| Taste & Smell | Earthy | Sweet | Woody |
| Effects | Happy | Relaxed |
| Awards | Cannabis Cup | Champions Cup |
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- 80% Indica 20% Sativa
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Bubblegum
Bubblegum is one of the more flavorful, low-odor weed strains on this list.
Its pleasant flowery smell hints at its buds’ sweet and earthy taste. When toked, you’ll detect faint smells of berries and tropical candy.
The creamy and sweet taste reminiscent of fruity bubblegum complements a relaxing full-body high, surfacing uplifting and stress-free feelings.
| Plant type | 50% Indica 50% Sativa |
| THC | Up to 17% |
| CBD | Insignificant amount |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Climate | Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean |
| Plant size | Compact |
| Flowers | 9 weeks |
| Yields | 14 to 16 oz per 3x3ft |
| Taste & Smell | Berry | Earthy | Fruity | Sweet |
| Effects | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed | Uplifted |
| Awards | Cannabis Cup | Spannabis Champions Cup | Expo Grow |
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Trainwreck
While Trainwreck isn’t technically a low odor strain, it still deserves a spot on this list.
Trainwreck has strong cedar, and pine smells that overpower the buds’ skunkiness.
The hints of spiciness and sweetness in its scent complement its woody scents.
Trainwreck also has a surprisingly sharp lemony flavor with hints of earthiness and pine.
Trainwreck lives up to its name when smoked. A surge of happiness and energy mixes with a strong calming buzz.
It’s these slew of effects that could leave many inexperienced smokers confused.
| Plant type | 35% Indica 65% Sativa |
| THC | Up to 21% |
| CBD | Insignificant amounts |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Climate | Indoors | Mediterranean | Steppe |
| Plant size | Tall |
| Flowers | 9 weeks |
| Yields | 18 to 25 oz per 3x3ft |
| Taste & Smell | Earthy | Lemon | Pine | Pungent | Spicy | Sweet |
| Effects | Creative | Euphoric | Happy | Relaxed | Uplifted |
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Granddaddy Purple
A list of fragrant strains isn’t complete without Granddaddy Purple.
This purple indica is famous not just for its purple shade but also for its distinct smell and taste.
After lighting up, notice how it produces a sweet-smelling smoke with hints of grapes and berries.
Its taste is even better. A strong grape flavor provides a mouthwatering acidity that would surely stimulate your appetite.
As for its high, some note experiencing a satisfying buzz while feeling calm and elated.
| Plant type | 100% Indica |
| THC | Up to 23% |
| CBD | Insignificant amount |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Climate | Indoors | Steppe | Mediterranean |
| Plant size | Compact |
| Flowers | 9 weeks |
| Yields | 14 to 17 oz per 3x3ft |
| Taste & Smell | Berry | Fruity | Grape | Sweet |
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Strawberry Cough
The first thing to enjoy about Strawberry Cough is the fruity taste from smoking its buds.
The strain also hints at earthy and herbal flavors as you savor the fresh strawberries from its smoke.
Strawberry Cough offers a mellow, slow-acting high that doesn’t end in couchlock.
There’s often a cough due to the tingling sensation it creates in the throat.
| Plant type | 20% Indica 80% Sativa |
| THC | Up to 18% |
| CBD | Insignificant amounts |
| Difficulty | Easy |
| Climate | Indoors | Temperate |
| Plant size | Tall |
| Flowers | 8 weeks |
| Yields | 14 to 17 oz per 3x3ft |
| Taste & Smell | Berry | Skunky | Sweet |
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Conclusion
Maintaining a discreet garden or finding a discreet strain to smoke is easy when you do your research beforehand.
Remember, it’s less about finding a strain that doesn’t smell and more about finding one that doesn’t ‘smell like weed’.
If you’re ready to grow, you can find all of the strains listed above in my online store.
If you’re concerned about the smell of marijuana while growing, it’s essential to provide proper ventilation. You can also use carbon filters to help mask the smell.
Learn more about setting up your indoor grow space in my free Marijuana Grow Bible.
Happy Growing,
Robert
FAQs about low-odor weed strains
Are low odor strains less potent?
No. A strain’s potency isn’t always dependent on its plants’ pungency or skunkiness. While it is one way to identify how potent its buds will be without smoking it, basing it on aroma alone isn’t enough. Take Durban Poison as an example, it is a potent landrace, yet it’s practically odorless.
Does sativa or indica smell more?
Indica strains tend to be more smelly than sativas. While both strains have unique aromas (sativas have a sweet or spicy smell while indicas have a more woody or earthy scent), indicas smell far more because indica plants can also give off the strong smell of skunk.
What makes a marijuana strain low odor?
A strain is “low odor” if it doesn’t have the distinctive and robust skunkiness of weed while being grown or smoked. Many other factors can also determine whether a strain is low odor or not, such as how pungent it is when smoked and how similar its aroma is to marijuana when smoked or grown.
