Ever catch a whiff of something on a walk that makes you double-take, thinking, “Is that…weed?”

Turns out, cannabis isn’t the only plant with that distinct, earthy and skunky aroma. Some plants share similar compounds that give off a familiar scent, making you wonder if there’s more herb around than you thought.

The intriguing phenomenon of some plants emitting fragrances that resemble the characteristic odor of cannabis is due to the presence of shared chemical compounds called terpenes.

Terpenes are volatile compounds that are released into the air and can be detected by the human sense of smell.

Any time you smell a plant, whether it be a rose, a sprig of basil, or some good ol’ bud, you’re smelling terpenes. Cannabis is incredibly rich in these aromatic compounds. And, some plants have evolved to release cannabis-like terpenes as part of their defense mechanism or to attract pollinators.

Lemon Verbena is a fascinating plant that is often associated with cannabis because of its distinctive aroma. Although not related to the cannabis plant, Lemon Verbena emits an earthy, citrusy scent that may remind you of the characteristic aroma of marijuana. This similarity in odors is a result of the terpenes that both plants share in their fragrance profile.

Lemon Verbena is prized for its fragrant leaves, which are the main part of the plant used for culinary and medicinal purposes. Its leaves are commonly used to prepare teas and infusions that offer a pleasant citrus flavor and relaxing fragrance.

This plant, partly due to its aroma, may resemble some varieties of marijuana. Hyssop emits a distinctive earthy smell with subtle notes of pine, reminiscent of the characteristic aroma of certain strains of cannabis. However, it is important to note that these similarities in fragrance are not related to the presence of psychoactive compounds, as hyssop contains no cannabinoids.

Hyssop is a plant with remarkable qualities that transcend its cannabis-like odor. It has been valued for centuries for its medicinal properties, and its leaves and flowers are used in the preparation of essential oils.

Holy Basil (Agastache foeniculum): This plant is often mistaken for cannabis because of its earthy, spicy aroma. Although it does not share the psychoactive compounds of marijuana, its fragrance can be surprisingly similar.

Holy basil, also known as anise hyssop, is prized in both gardening and cooking. Its leaves and flowers emit an aroma that evokes earthiness and spice, sometimes leading to comparisons with cannabis.

Despite its similarities in odor, holy basil has a distinctive anise flavor profile that makes it popular in cooking.

Although not commonly used in cooking, salvia divina is often compared to cannabis because of its earthy, slightly pungent aroma.

This plant, native to Mexico, is known for its psychoactive properties and has been used in shamanic and spiritual rituals for centuries.

Salvia divina contains a psychoactive compound called salvinorin, which produces hallucinogenic effects when consumed. Despite their similarities in aroma, these two plants have very different purposes. While cannabis is known for its recreational and medicinal use, salvia divina is used primarily in spiritual and ceremonial contexts.

Hops, known for their use in brewing beer, display an earthy, herbal aroma that can be reminiscent of marijuana.

Despite this similarity in odor, hops have outstanding qualities of their own. It is one of the main ingredients in beer production, where it contributes to flavor, bitterness, and aroma.

Plectranthus australis, a plant prized for its hardiness and ease of indoor cultivation, has leaves that emit an earthy, mossy aroma, occasionally evoking the smell of marijuana.

Despite this similarity in scent, plectranthus australis is distinguished by outstanding qualities that make it popular for indoor gardening. It is a very hardy and low-maintenance houseplant, making it an ideal choice for those looking to add greenery to their homes without undue hassle.

Cleome, also known as spider flower, is a plant that, in particular, is reminiscent of marijuana in appearance, especially because of its leaves. It also exudes a cannabis-like odor with a hint of mint.

Although cleome can be mistaken for marijuana because of its leaves and smell, it is important to note that it has no link to the cannabis plant and does not share its psychoactive properties. This plant is prized in gardening for its attractive appearance, with beautiful flowers that attract pollinators, and its distinctive aroma that combines notes of cannabis with a refreshing hint of mint.

Sweet woodruff is a plant that emits an aroma described as a mixture of hay and vanilla.

When dried, its odor can be somewhat reminiscent of potent grass.

This plant displays an earthy and sometimes slightly pungent aroma, which can evoke the smell of marijuana. Houttuynia is used in traditional medicine and is valued for its antioxidant properties.

Patchouli oil, derived from the leaves of the patchouli plant, has a strong, earthy aroma that can sometimes be mistaken for the smell of marijuana. This could be due to the presence of the terpene beta-caryophyllene, which is also found in cannabis.

Although they share some similarities in their aroma, it is important to remember that these plants are distinct and have different uses and properties.