Many people struggle with removing the strong smell of weed from their homes, especially when they want to keep it private or have visitors over. The scent sticks around and can be easily noticed, leading to worries about privacy and making guests uncomfortable. Finding ways to deal with the smell becomes a big problem.
The particular smell of cannabis weed can attract unwanted attention and multiple judgements that can highly affect your daily life, especially when you are smoking it inside your house, where it can be easy for anyone to reach the product and detect the smell. Sometimes, the child-resistant packaging of weed can be helpful in these scenarios when you know that children or pets could get into it. However, it is still effective until they are opened.
The dilemma of smoking cannabis and not getting caught because of its pungent odour can be stressful and annoying for people who want to smoke it in a comfortable environment.
So, how can you pass through it and enjoy cannabis responsibly without getting noticed by people?
First, we should know what actually causes the smell of cannabis and the reason behind it to overcome or get rid of it in no time.
Causes of Weed Smell
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the odour we smell at concerts, parks, or in the corners of the streets that feels like a mixture of skunk, rotten eggs, and burning tyres is none other than the smell of cannabis. It is easily recognisable and can be noticed from a distance. People usually avoid smoking inside the house; however, some of them who consume it for recreational or medical purposes still smoke it in the house.
This causes an unpleasant ambience and contributes to a more difficult time when you have to eliminate the smell. It happens whether you consume it for enjoyment or feel weak enough to go outside. In such cases, weed mylar bags are the preferred choice to cover the product’s smell until it is not used or exposed to the environment.
The question is, why is it so potent if it is for recreational purposes or just a regular one to enjoy?
We cannot say that a single factor influences the potency of cannabis but rather a combination of multiple factors that can overwhelm the senses of the people around us. The factors are:
Terpenes
Terpenes are organic compounds in cannabis responsible for their diverse aromas and flavours, ranging from fruity and floral to earthy and skunky. Beyond their aromatic qualities, terpenes interact with cannabinoids like THC and CBD to produce various therapeutic effects.
Common terpenes in cannabis include myrcene, known for its soothing properties; limonene, associated with mood elevation; pinene, believed to have anti-inflammatory effects; and linalool, known for its calming properties.
Terpene production in cannabis plants is sensitive to environmental factors, influencing the plant’s aroma and therapeutic profile. Understanding terpenes can aid consumers in selecting cannabis strains based on desired effects and sensory preferences.
Concentration
The amount of terpenes and other smelly compounds in marijuana can vary a lot. It depends on the strain type, how it’s grown, and how it’s treated after it’s harvested. Some strains naturally have more of these compounds, making the smell stronger.
Factors like the environment where the plant grows and how it’s dried and cured also affect how potent the smell is. So basically, the concentration of these smelly compounds influences how strong the weed smells and how it affects you when you use it.
Storage & Age
The smell of marijuana can intensify over time, especially if it is stored improperly or becomes stale. Poorly stored cannabis may develop a more pungent and less pleasant odour as terpenes degrade and other compounds break down. Improper storage conditions, such as exposure to light, heat, and air, can accelerate the degradation process, leading to a deterioration in product quality. Additionally, factors like humidity levels and the presence of contaminants can further contribute to the degradation of cannabis over time.
Methods of Consumption
The method of consuming marijuana can also influence the potency of the smell. Smoking or vaping cannabis releases aromatic compounds into the air, resulting in a more immediate and noticeable odour compared to other methods, such as edibles or topicals. The pungent smell produced by smoking or vaping directly spreads in the air and on clothing, potentially drawing unwanted attention from others. Additionally, the smell of exhaled smoke or vapor can be challenging to mask or eliminate, particularly in indoor environments.
After going thoroughly through the complexities of why cannabis smoke is so potent, we can then move on to a fundamental question: how should we get rid of the weed smell?
Best Ways to Get Rid of Weed Smell
It is not necessary that, when you smoke weed, it just stays in your mouth. Eventually, it also settles at the place where you smoke, on your clothes, and even in your hair or furniture. The best and most quick methods that have been proven effective in eliminating weed smells from various spaces, including cars, rooms, and houses, are:
1. Ventilation
Opening windows and using fans can help circulate fresh air and remove the smell of weed from confined spaces like cars or rooms.
2. Air Purifiers
Portable air purifiers with activated carbon filters can be used in cars or smaller rooms to help trap and neutralize odours, including the smell of weed.
3. Odour Absorbers
Another effective yet easy way to eliminate weed smells is to place activated charcoal or baking soda bowls in cars or rooms, which can help absorb and eliminate odours.
4. Deep Cleaning
Thoroughly cleaning the interior of cars or rooms, including surfaces like upholstery, carpets, and curtains, can help remove lasting smells.
5. Use of Essential Oils
The usage of essential oils like lemon and orange peels or even lavender depends on the place from which you want to remove the smell. Diffusing a few drops of essential oils or more with pleasant scents and spraying them on surfaces can help neutralize the odour of marijuana. For this, make sure that the essential oil you use is diluted and not too strong, which can irritate.
6. Cooking Odors
If the smell of weed is due to cooking with cannabis-infused ingredients, cleaning up thoroughly and airing out the space can help remove the odour.
7. Sealing Off Spaces
Once you have consumed weed without taking proper precautions about what to do next, the smell can linger. However, it is now crucial to focus on how to prevent the smell from spreading. One practical method would be to seal off the affected area temporarily. By tightly closing windows and doors and blocking small gaps or openings, you will create a barrier that will stop the smell from escaping to other parts of the house. As the smell dissipates over time, the sealed-off area helps to confine it, reducing its impact on surrounding areas.
8. Avoid Smoking Indoors
If possible, avoid smoking weed indoors or where you find the ventilation limited, including in cars. Smoking outdoors or in well-ventilated areas can help prevent the smell from lingering in confined spaces.
How to Eliminate Marijuana Smell from Fabrics
The unpredictable smell of weed is hard to remove, after all. It’s not just the place but also everything from your body to the fabrics, like carpets, rugs, and even your clothes. So, how do you get rid of the smell?
1. Wash Fabrics
Laundrying clothing, rugs, and other washable fabrics with detergent and a fabric softener can help remove the smell. Use the most vigorous cycle recommended for the fabric type, and consider adding a scent booster or vinegar to the wash for additional odour removal.
2. Air Out
One effective way to tackle lingering weed odours on fabrics is to hang them outside in the fresh air. Sunlight and natural airflow can work wonders at dissipating unpleasant smells, leaving your fabrics smelling fresh and clean.
By exposing the fabrics to sunlight, UV rays help to break down odour-causing molecules, while the gentle breeze aids in carrying away any lingering scent particles. This method not only removes odours naturally but also helps to revitalize the fabrics, leaving them feeling and smelling rejuvenated.
3. Spray with Odor-Neutralizers
Use commercially available fabric sprays or homemade solutions like a mixture of water and vinegar or water and essential oils to spray on fabrics. Allow the fabric to air dry after spraying.
4. Steam Cleaning
For carpets and upholstery, steam cleaning can help remove stubborn odours. Using a commercial steam cleaning service may be the best option for your home, but it is only sometimes the most affordable option, and you can do it yourself with the help of a professional steam cleaner.
5. Baking Soda
Sprinkle baking soda with either vinegar or in its raw form all over carpets, rugs, or covers on your furniture, like a couch, and leave it overnight to absorb odours. Vacuum the area thoroughly the next day to remove the baking soda and the trapped odours.
6. Dryer Sheets or Sachets
Enhance the freshness of stored fabrics by placing dryer sheets or sachets of dried herbs like lavender or rosemary in drawers or closets. Dryer sheets release a pleasant scent, while dried herbs act as natural deodorizers, neutralizing odours and leaving fabrics smelling fresh. This simple trick helps maintain a clean and inviting atmosphere in your storage areas, effectively combating weed odours.
7. Change Clothes and Shower
If the smell is on your body, changing clothes and showering can help remove the odour. Use scented soap or body wash to cleanse your skin thoroughly. A body spray or perfume will also help mask the smell.
Summing Up!
Consuming marijuana, cannabis, or weed can be a mind-soothing experience; however, getting rid of its pungent smell is another story. You can make it possible by following the most effective ways mentioned above. These handy and easy-to-follow tips will help you eliminate the unpleasant odour of cannabis and make your ambience fresh and clean.
