Exploring the Aromatic Evolution of Cannabis

The skunky smell of cannabis may be going out of style. NPR's science correspondent Pien Huang visited the grow facility for District Cannabis, which sells weed in Washington D.C. and Maryland. On her tour, she learned why cannabis smells the way it does. Plus, how many strains have been bred — to smells like lavender, citrus and even cookies.

Read more of science correspondent Pien Huang's reporting on this topic here, or check out the entire special series, "How safe is your weed?"

Questions about the science behind the mysteries, events and... smells... all around us? Email us at shortwave@npr.org – we'd love to hear your ideas!

Listen to Short Wave on Spotify and Apple Podcasts.

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy