How Patients Can Avoid Smelling Like Cannabis
There are several effective strategies for consuming weed without taking on its odor. Patients can avoid smelling like cannabis by using low-odor devices that emit a more subtle cannabis scent. Storing weed using effective storage methods will also help reduce or eliminate weed smells.
A majority of states have legalized medical cannabis; however, the stigma around cannabis use and marijuana smoke smell is still a reality. Medical marijuana (MMJ) patients may want to cover up a cannabis smell for the sake of privacy or fear of judgment. Whatever your reason is to avoid smelling like cannabis, the following strategies will help.
1. Try Edibles
Consuming cannabis in the form of edibles is by far one of the most effective ways to not smell like weed. Smoking weed produces a lingering smell, whereas edibles do not.
Popular infused products for cannabis consumption include gummies, candies, and baked goods. These products offer a potent high without producing strong weed smells or weed breath. You could alternatively take cannabis tincture alone or mixed into your favorite foods and beverages.
Edibles can also be consumed discreetly in situations where you mightn’t want to advertise the fact that you are ingesting cannabis, such as in your home when you have house guests, or when staying with relatives for an extended period (and taking a break from your medicine isn’t an option).
Please note: In Arizona and most states, it is illegal to consume edibles in public spaces. It is also critical to label your edibles containers clearly (“cannabis edibles: contains THC” or similar) and keep them high up and securely locked to prevent children or pets from ingesting them accidentally.
2. Use Low-Odor Smoking Devices
Medical marijuana patients and recreational cannabis users can lessen the smell of weed by using devices that limit the release of cannabis smoke odors. Some of the best low-odor smoking devices to minimize marijuana smells are:
Vapes: Portable vaporization devices like THC oil vape pens and dab pens are ideal for limiting the amount of weed odor that is emitted into the air. This is because vaporizers heat marijuana to the point that only cannabinoids and terpenes are released into the air, rather than combusting whole cannabis plant material. Vape and dab pens are also typically used with cannabis concentrates, which have already had the plant material removed.
Pro tip: In certain states such as Arizona, medical marijuana patients can purchase vape oil and dabs without paying the excise tax if they have an up-to-date MMJ card. As these concentrated cannabis products tend to be pricey, this represents significant savings over time.
Carbon Filters for Joints and Blunts: Carbon filters are tiny air filters that are portable and can be attached to joints or blunts. These filters effectively lessen weed smells when MMJ patients smoke marijuana. Carbon filters work by absorbing smoke, reducing the amount of cannabis odor that reaches and lingers in the air.
Smokeless Ashtrays: A smokeless ashtray may be used when smoking weed to filter the secondhand smoke that cannabis produces. Some smokeless ashtrays use a negative ion air purifier to trap particles and reduce the lingering smell of smoke. This could also be a good option for individuals who enjoy blunts or joints and want to minimize the smell of cannabis in the air.
Other odor-absorbing devices, such as certain air purifiers or odor-neutralizing sprays, will help lessen any lingering weed smell. However, be aware that some spray air fresheners and body spray products are made with synthetic fragrances containing phthalates, which can interfere with hormone levels and thyroid function. This is something that patients with debilitating health conditions will want to avoid.
3. Smoke in a Well-Ventilated Bathroom
Smoking cannabis in a well-ventilated bathroom could be an alternative for individuals who share their space with other people and don’t want to expose them to secondhand smoke.
If you choose to smoke in a bathroom, open all of the windows and turn on the shower. The humidity will help neutralize odors and prevent cannabis smells from lingering. Consider leaving a towel rolled up along the bottom of the door to prevent cannabis smells from leaving the bathroom. Diffuse some essential oils to cover up any remaining odor once you’re done.
4. Change your Clothing
If you want to avoid smelling like cannabis after a session, change your clothes. Changing your clothes is a quick way to reduce the intensity of the cannabis smell on your body. Marijuana absorbs into certain fabrics and can remain there for hours.
Also, the type of clothing you wear may affect the level of odor that permeates into the fabric. For instance, natural fibers such as wool, cotton, and linen absorb significantly more smoke than polyester. Changing your clothes or wearing polyester isn't a one-stop solution for avoiding smelling like weed, but it helps.
5. Smoke Outdoors
Smoking outdoors will make weed smells disperse more quickly. This reduces the chance of a weed smell clinging to your clothes or surroundings. If you do smoke outdoors, you will generally need to do so on private property. Arizona, for example, permits medical marijuana patients and adults over 21 years of age to consume or smoke cannabis in private homes or rented homes with the landlord’s permission.
You can also consume cannabis in cannabis lounges or cannabis-friendly accommodations in Arizona. You can’t, however, smoke, vape, or consume weed in public spaces such as parks, near schools, or in your vehicle. Enjoying your weed outside on your patio, balcony, or backyard is generally the best solution for smoking outdoors.
6. Try A One-Hitter
You will be less likely to smell like weed after taking just one hit. A one-hitter is a small portable smoking device that gives you fast hits of cannabis. One-hitters are becoming a popular option for individuals who want to consume just the right amount of cannabis. One-hitters are also very compact and a popular method for microdosing weed.
A one-hitter is usually made of glass or metal and will only carry a small quantity of cannabis at a time. These miniature pipes are discreet, convenient, and easy enough to carry around in your pocket or handbag. One-hitters are ideal for cannabis connoisseurs who want a discreet way to feel the effects of cannabis without smoking it in large quantities.
7. Store Flower in Airtight Jars
Storing cannabis flower in airtight jars helps to prevent the smell from transferring to other items around it. Not only will this help prevent cannabis smells from absorbing into clothes stored in the same closet or drawer, but it will also protect cannabis from exposure to air, sunlight, and humidity. All of these factors make cannabis products deteriorate over time.
There are a few ways to store cannabis that prevent the odor of marijuana from spreading:
Mason Jars: Mason jars are airtight and easy to seal and store. Because they are made of glass with a rubber seal, they preserve the aroma of cannabis while keeping the smell contained.
Vacuum-Sealed Bags: Vacuum-sealed bags are great for maintaining the flavor of weed while reducing smell. These bags work by removing oxygen from the bag, which slows bacterial growth. This solution can work well for MMJ patients who want to store their weed in the freezer for longer periods of time.
Smell-Proof Bags: You can buy specially made smell-proof bags designed to trap odors while keeping the elements out. These bags are a great solution if you live in shared housing or will be traveling with cannabis within your state.
Caution: Airtight containers don’t necessarily block odors. If you share your home with others and need to be very discreet about your cannabis use, opt for specially designed odor-blocking storage containers.
8. Smoke Less Smelly Weed
Some strains of cannabis are naturally less potent-smelling because of their terpene profiles. Terpenes are chemical compounds that add to the color and aroma of various types of plants, including the cannabis plant. Low-odor strains tend to have lower concentrations of myrcene or limonene.
Myrcene emits an earthy or fruity smell when it is present in high concentrations. Limonene gives off a lemon-orange smell. Smoking a milder-smelling strain of weed will not prevent you from smelling like weed, but the odor isn’t likely to be as overpowering. Strains of weed that are less pungent smelling include:
Northern Lights: This indica strain was bred for indoor growing, and it is known for being one of the least odorous types of weed.
Blue Mystic: This hybrid is indica-dominant, crossed with Blueberry and Northern Lights, making it smell fruity rather than skunk-like.
Sharksbreath: Don’t let the name of this strain fool you; this indica-dominant strain smells sweet and subtle and is great for indoor smoking.
Jack Herer: This sativa-dominant strain has a low odor, gives off a sweet and earthy aroma, and is much less skunky-smelling than other strains of weed.
How to Not Smell Like Weed
Opting for edibles is one of the best ways to not smell much like weed. It is also one of the most visually discreet consumption methods. Using low-odor devices, smoking outdoors, or in a ventilated area will also reduce the smell of weed. Cannabis is a pleasant scent for most cannabis patients, but there is still widespread stigma around its use.
Smoking less-smelly weed may not eliminate the smell of cannabis completely, but the aroma will be less noticeable than it is with strong-smelling strains. Storing your weed in airtight or preferably odor-proof containers will help to keep your clothes and house from smelling like cannabis. Used in combination, these strategies will help you enjoy your medicine in peace without drawing unwanted attention.
