Cannabis may be legal where you live, but that doesn’t mean you want everyone to know you’re using it. The problem is, no matter how cautious you are, the smell will give you away.
The recognizable aroma of weed is part of the experience; however, it does linger—in rooms, on clothes, and even on your breath. So, being discreet with weed is quite the challenge. But don’t worry, we’ve all been there.
This is why we’ve prepared a guide on the best tips to cover up the distinct smell of weed. Keep reading for the most effective tricks to avert, mask, and neutralize cannabis odor.
Related: The Benefits of Smoking CBD Rich Hemp Flower Explained
Why Does Weed Have Such a Strong Smell?
Every cannabis strain has a unique molecular makeup consisting of aromatic compounds that affect its smell. It’s therefore not easy to give a specific description of how all strains of cannabis smell, although many agree it’s “skunky” and “weedy”.
The aroma results from the rich combination of aromatic compounds that cannabis has—terpenes, flavonoids, and volatile sulfur compounds or VSCs. Terpenes like limonene, caryophyllene, and myrcene contribute to the skunky, citrusy, and pungent notes associated with cannabis.
The flavonoids in cannabis, known as cannaflavins, affect the smell, taste, and appearance of weed. VSCs in cannabis were found to be responsible for the sulphuric, skunky smell of cannabis. Prenythiol, also known as 3-methyl-2-butene-1-thiol, is a VSC found in many pungent cannabis strains.
The smell of cannabis is also affected by:
- The plant’s freshness
- Storage method
- Harvest time
- Way of consumption (smoking releases the strongest aroma, while edibles and vaping produce almost no odor)
Related: Ice Cream Cake – High THCA Flower
When Does Weed Smell the Strongest?
The smell of weed isn’t just distinctive and noticeable—it’s persistent too, depending on how and when it’s released or whether you’re handling, smoking, or storing it.
Other factors like moisture, type of strain, ventilation, and content play a role in its odor longevity. Therefore, before you try to mask the smell, make sure you know when cannabis smells the most.
Here are the most common situations when cannabis releases a very strong scent:
- Storing: Dried weed releases terpenes naturally, so if it’s not stashed well, its smell will fill up the room. Avoid storing cannabis in plastic bags—opt for airtight glass jars that will trap the scent and maintain its freshness.
- Handling or grinding: When you touch THCA flower with a fine grinder or with your hands, the smell intensifies as the terpenes are exposed to air. You may be able to prevent lingering smell by washing your hands well and keeping the grinder in an airtight container.
- Smoking and vaping: Smoking weed is known to release the most powerful and lingering odor. This is because the combustion releases terpenes and other compounds into the air. The smell then lingers on clothes, furniture, hair, and skin. Vaping does produce less smell; however, it’s still noticeable, especially if the area is not ventilated well.
- Lack of ventilation: If you consume cannabis in a small area with poor ventilation, the odor will be trapped inside and linger longer. It will also seep into the carpets, walls, and upholstery, making it harder to remove. To prevent this, smoke near an open window, use a fan, or light up a candle or incense to disperse the smell faster.
- Breathing and exhaling: If you’re smoking weed, the smoke you exhale is as strong as that of burning cannabis. And, it can stay on your breath for hours. To mask it, chew a gum, brush your teeth, or use a breath spray.
Do you Smell Like Weed If You Take Edibles?
In most cases, THC edibles won’t make you smell like weed because there’s no smoke or vapor involved.
Unlike smoking or vaping, edibles don’t produce any smoke, which is where the cannabis odor comes from. So, once you eat the edible, there will be no smoke lingering on your breath, clothes, or room.
The only exception may be edibles that have a high concentration of THC (500mg). This depends on the brand, but high-potency edibles may exude a stronger cannabis scent than a regular 25 mg edible. With potent THC edibles, the smell would be noticeable when you open the bag.
Another situation when edibles may make you smell like cannabis is when handling potent edibles. These could leave a faint scent on your fingers or in your room—and your breath after consuming them.
Do You Smell Like Weed If You Take THC Gummies?
No, you won’t smell like weed after taking THC gummies.
Whether you opt for our 10mg delta 9 gummies or our extra strong THC gummies (100mg), you won’t smell like cannabis after they melt in your mouth.
This is because THC gummies are not smoked or vaped, so there’s no smoke to carry the scent of cannabis. You are also not inhaling when consuming gummies, so the scent won’t linger on your breath or clothes.
Our THC gummies are flavored with organic fruit extracts that completely mask the cannabis odor. From the moment you open the bag, you will enjoy a regular candy taste and smell. This makes gummies one of the most discreet ways of consuming cannabis.
The Best Ways to Hide the Smell of Weed
If you want to hide the smell of weed, here are the five most effective tricks:
1. Use an Air Purifier
Air purifiers are designed to clear different types of indoor air pollutants. They’re equipped with efficient filters like HEPA or carbon that trap and eliminate airborne particles, including smoke.
Investing in one won’t just help you mask the smell of cannabis effectively in your home, but it will also clean the air from other pollutants and contribute to overall cleaner air in your home.
2. Light Up a Candle or Incense
Incense and candles with scents like lavender, sandalwood, patchouli, or citrus can clear a room from the overpowering smell of cannabis while creating a soothing ambiance. Incense sticks are particularly helpful due to the ability to produce a lingering, thick aroma that blends well with the smoke of weed.
Light it up prior to smoking or vaping for best results. Leave the incense or candle burn for a while so that it removes the remaining odor. You can use specialized smoke-neutralizing candles, too—they don’t just cover up the smell of smoke—they also remove it.
Related: Will Delta 8 THC Make You Fail a Drug Test?
3. Use a Sploof
This device can help quench the strong odor of cannabis. It’s used to exhale smoke through several filters before it’s released into the air. You can purchase one or make it yourself.
For the latter, you need an empty toilet paper roll, several dryer sheets, and a rubber bend. Cover one end of the roll with a dryer sheet and secure it with the band. Then, insert several dryer sheets into the roll, pushing them gently one by one with your finger or a pen.
Press each sheet down to the bottom of the roll. To test it, exhale a small puff through the open end of the roll. Check the smell and adjust accordingly—add or remove dryer sheets for better airflow and effective odor removal.
4. Try Smell-Proof Storage Boxes
To keep your cannabis stash secret, use odor-proof storage boxes. Unlike regular containers or plastic bags, these boxes are designed to keep unpleasant odors inside, while maintaining the buds’ freshness by protecting them from air, light, and moisture.
You can choose between various options, with the most popular ones being activated carbon-lined boxes, airtight metal or glass containers, and smell-proof lockboxes.
5. Keep the Windows Open
If the weather allows, smoking indoors with the windows open is a simple, yet effective method to lower the persistent smell of cannabis and allow optimal airflow. The better the ventilation you create while smoking, the skunky smell is less likely to cling onto your clothes, walls, carpets, and furniture.
If you have multiple windows in the room, even better, open them all for cross-ventilation. If possible, puff near the window and exhale the smoke directly outside.
Final Thoughts
Don’t let the potent, skunky smell of cannabis prevent you from reaping its amazing benefits—use some of the above-mentioned effective tips for prevention and masking!
From simple tactics like smoking or vaping with the windows open to investing in a quality air-purifier, you can combine different methods and ensure discreet and enjoyable cannabis sessions.
FAQs
What helps stop the smell of weed?
You can remove the skunky smell with proper ventilation, air purifiers, or fans. To cover up the smell, burning incense and candles while smoking can help. Always store buds in an airtight metal or glass container and maintain good personal hygiene to keep the scent at bay.
How long does weed smell linger on you?
The smell of weed can linger on your breath and stay on your clothes and hair for hours, especially if you’ve been smoking in a poorly ventilated room. To prevent the lingering odor, have smoking sessions outside or in well-ventilated rooms. To remove the smell from you, change your clothes, wash your hands and face, clean your teeth, and use a mouthwash.
What scent masks weed?
Scents like sandalwood, patchouli, lavender, citrus, and peppermint can help mask the weedy smell of cannabis. You can use scented candles or incense that contains these scents. Store-bought air fresheners can also help.
Can edibles give off a weed smell?
Edibles are one of the most discrete ways of consuming cannabis because there’s no smoke involved. So, unless it’s a really potent edible (500mg), you most likely won’t smell like weed after consuming it. If discretion is your concern, use gummies, they don’t produce any lingering smell after eating them!