The skunky funk of some strains is due to myrcene, an earthy or musky terpene. While a skunk's defensive spray doesn't contain terpenes, it has similar compounds called thiols. When these organic sulfurs mix together, they produce the potent, musky scent that people stay away from — unless it's marijuana.

What terpene smells like skunk?

Cannabis smells like “skunk” because of one of its terpene components — myrcene. Myrcene is in lots of other highly fragrant plants, such as bay leaf, mangoes, hops, and thyme. Different strains of marijuana can contain more or less myrcene.

What strains are skunky?