Many people enjoy cannabis but not everyone enjoys the smell. Whether you’re trying to be considerate of others, keep your space discreet, or simply reduce lingering odours, learning how to control cannabis smell can make a big difference. The good news is there are practical ways to minimize cannabis odour before, during, and after you smoke.
The terpenes in the cannabis plant are incredibly potent, with the ability to latch onto clothing, furniture and carpets. And the smell persists before, during, and after the plant is burned. If you want to avoid the smell entirely, smoke-free options like edibles, beverages, and capsules are widely available at your local cannabis shop. Otherwise, the tips below will help minimize cannabis smell before, during, and after smoking.
This article shares some tips for reducing the smell of cannabis in all scenarios:
How to Minimize Cannabis Smell Before You Smoke
Choosing Low-Odour Cannabis Strains
The first step in reducing cannabis smell begins when you’re shopping. All cannabis has an aroma, but some strains produce a stronger scent than others.
Certain strains have been bred to produce more subtle aromas, such as light floral, citrus, or earthy notes rather than the stronger “skunky” smell commonly associated with cannabis. If minimizing smell is important to you, ask your budtender for recommendations on strains that tend to have a milder scent.
At Cheeky’s Cannabis, our staff know cannabis strains inside and out and can help guide you toward options that are less pungent.
Proper Cannabis Storage to Reduce Odour
One of the most effective ways to reduce cannabis smell when you’re not smoking is proper storage.
Storing cannabis in unsealed containers or plastic bags allows the aroma to escape easily. A glass jar with a rubber seal is one of the best storage options because glass is non-porous and won’t absorb odour. Stainless steel containers and vacuum-sealed bags also work well.
Try to avoid plastic, wood, or containers that don’t seal completely.
Where you store your cannabis matters too. The fridge or freezer is a common myth—temperature changes and moisture can damage the flower. Instead, keep cannabis in a cool, dark place such as a drawer or cabinet away from sunlight.
Use Smell-Proof Bags for Travel
If you’re carrying cannabis outside your home, consider using a carbon-lined smell-proof bag or container. These products are designed to trap odours and prevent the smell from escaping into backpacks, vehicles, or rooms.
How to Reduce Cannabis Smell While Smoking
Smoke Cannabis Outdoors
Smoking outdoors is one of the easiest ways to minimize cannabis smell. Fresh air allows smoke and terpenes to disperse quickly instead of settling onto clothing, furniture, or walls.
A backyard, park, or beach session not only keeps your home odour-free, but it can also make the experience more relaxing.
Plan an outdoor getaway, hit your local beach or park, or head out for a little meditation session in the grass.
Improve Ventilation Indoors
If you need to smoke indoors, good ventilation is essential.
Open a window or door and place a fan nearby to push smoke outside. If possible, create cross-ventilation by opening windows on opposite sides of the room or home so air flows through and carries smoke away.
Air purifiers with activated carbon filters can also help capture odour particles and reduce lingering smells.
Using the Bathroom to Reduce Cannabis Smell
Thanks to the effects of steam on odours, smoking in the bathroom is a great way to keep your activities on the down low. First make sure the fan is on and the door is closed, then get the hot water running to create a room full of steam. The smell will linger far less.
Use a Sploof or Smoke Filter
“Sploofs” are simple tools that help reduce cannabis smell by filtering smoke as you exhale. You blow smoke directly through the device, which traps some of the odour.
You can purchase reusable smoke filters or make a DIY sploof using an empty toilet paper roll filled with dryer sheets. Using a sploof near an open window can significantly reduce indoor smell.
Try Vaporizers Instead of Smoking
Another option for reducing cannabis smell is switching to a dry-herb vaporizer.
Vaporizers heat cannabis rather than burning it, which produces far less smoke and a lighter aroma. The smell tends to dissipate more quickly than traditional smoking, making vaporizers a popular choice for people looking for a more discreet option.
How to Hide Cannabis Smell After Smoking
Clean Ashtrays and Smoking Devices
One of the most overlooked sources of cannabis smell is dirty smoking equipment.
Ashtrays, pipes, and bongs collect resin over time, which can produce strong lingering odours. Empty ashtrays immediately after smoking and clean glass devices regularly using isopropyl alcohol to prevent smell buildup.
Using Vinegar to Mask Cannabis Odour
The smell of vinegar has the ability to overpower just about any other scent. Vinegar also happens to be an excellent house cleaning agent. So why not get your clean on post smoke sesh? Not only will you mask the odours from the cannabis, but you may even end up with a clean house!
Cooking to Overpower Cannabis Odour
Another way to one-up the smell of cannabis is by cooking. Cooking garlic, onions, aromatics and spices not only smell incredible, but can overpower the leftover scent of cannabis. Don’t know what to cook? Check out Cheeky’s cookbook, filled with dozens of cannabis-infused recipes for dinner, snacks and dessert.
Maintain Personal Hygiene
Cannabis odour can easily cling to hair, skin, and clothing.
Showering, washing your hair, and changing clothes can eliminate most personal smells quickly. Washing your hands, brushing your teeth, or chewing gum can also help remove odour from your hands and breath.
Using Candles & Incense to Mask Cannabis Smell
Burning scented candles or incense can counteract the smell of cannabis before, during and after you smoke. Strong scents like sandalwood and citrus will do really well to mask the smell. Just remember, this method isn’t effective at removing the scent of cannabis – but it is good for hiding it temporarily.
Smoke-Free Cannabis Options
If smell is a major concern, consider cannabis products that don’t produce smoke at all.
Options like edibles, beverages, capsules, and tinctures allow you to enjoy cannabis without creating lingering odours. These products offer a discreet way to consume cannabis while avoiding smoke entirely.
Quick Tips to Reduce Cannabis Smell
- Store cannabis in airtight glass containers
- Choose strains with milder aromas
- Smoke outdoors when possible
- Improve airflow with windows and fans
- Use sploofs or smoke filters
- Consider vaporizers instead of smoking
- Clean pipes, bongs, and ashtrays regularly
- Shower or change clothes after smoking
- Use candles or cooking smells to mask odours
- Try smoke-free cannabis products
Stock up on high-quality cannabis flower, pre-rolled joints, edibles and other products and accessories at Cheeky’s Cannabis. With 4 locations around the Lower Mainland and Vancouver Island, our helpful staff will help you find anything you need.
Plus, our shop environments are unlike your typical cannabis shop – you have to see it for yourself! Visit us today or shop cannabis online.