How to Get Rid of Weed Smell?

It’s vital to know how to get rid of the weed smell if you’re trying to grow cannabis discreetly or prefer puffing in privacy. Its unique scent is a dead giveaway and instantly alerts others to the presence of marijuana.

Although weed is legal in dozens of US states, federal law still prohibits pot and largely governs the public’s perception. If you want to keep a low profile or remain mindful of your neighbors, you need to figure out the best way to get rid of the weed smell.

Join us for the full rundown on how to get rid of weed smells and keep your surroundings odor-free while growing, smoking, and storing marijuana.

What does marijuana smell like?

For experienced users, cannabis contains an array of aromas. You can find sweet, fruity, spicy, diesel, earthy, pine, woody, dank, and skunk smells of various proportions in every cultivar. Some of these marijuana smells are delicious, while others are an acquired taste.

Although every weed strain emits varying fragrances, an untrained nose instantly picks up the distinct scent of pot, regardless of the underlying aromas. For most people, weed smells pungent, earthy, and skunky.

So, where does this one-of-a-kind smell originate from? It comes from the terpenes in the cannabis flowers. These organic compounds emit certain scents to attract pollinators and repel predators.

Does weed smell like skunk?

If your weed smells like skunk, it probably has a high concentration of myrcene. This terpene is highly aromatic and emits a scent that closely resembles skunk spray. It’s found in numerous fruits and plants like hops, thyme, bay leaf, and mangoes.

Some studies show that the levels of myrcene in cannabis are directly linked to the potency of its physical effects. The more your weed smells like skunk, the higher the chances of it inducing couch-lock.

Do edibles smell?

We know that cannabis has a strong scent, but what about other weed products? Do edibles smell like weed?

Once you’ve decarboxylated and prepared your pot for consumption, the marijuana smell is a lot less noticeable. The only time you’ll pick up on a subtle weed smell is if you’re right next to a box of edibles.

Apart from being almost completely odor-free, cannabis edibles don’t cause coughing fits and produce stronger sedating effects. As such, many stoners tend to opt for a brownie over a bong when being discreet.

How long does the smell of weed last?

How long does the smell of weed last? It can stick around from a few hours to several days—depending on your ventilation choices.

If you’re smoking cannabis inside, it’s vital to have plenty of airflow. Avoid closed windows and constant air-conditioning, or you risk a stale pot smell that lingers for days.

The best option is to toke next to an open window. Use a fan to get rid of the weed smell by redirecting the smoke outside, and the aroma should disappear within a maximum of five hours.

How to get rid of the weed smell

Although many people adore the smell of pot, not everyone shares the same sentiments. As such, it’s vital to know how to get rid of the weed smell to keep your neighbors happy and contain overwhelming aromas in your vicinity.

Let’s discover how to cover up the weed smell when growing, storing, and smoking cannabis.

Controlling and getting rid of the smell of weed while growing

The potent scent of cannabis increases exponentially from germination to harvest, so it’s vital to learn how to get rid of the weed smell while growing marijuana.

The first step to reducing the smell of weed is to make sure you have adequate ventilation in your grow tent or closet. Fresh oxygen removes stale aromas and promotes better air circulation.

As your marijuana plants begin to flower, they release more intense fragrances. Installing a carbon filter system for grow rooms is recommended to get rid of the weed smell at this stage. A good quality extraction system is paramount for effective odor control.

Use high-quality duct tape to seal your grow space and ensure no smells seep through the tiny openings. A door lock can also prevent unnecessary entry and escaping aromas while keeping your plants safe.

Masking and eliminating weed odors when storing cannabis

Once you’ve managed to grow and harvest your marijuana plants, you might be wondering how to hide the weed smell in storage. Luckily, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to store your cannabis without letting the whole neighborhood know you’ve got premium pot.

The best way to store your marijuana is in glass mason jars, but ceramic pots are also an excellent alternative. Make sure you select a well-sized and airtight container that can hold all your buds. Avoid plastic ones, as these don’t get rid of the weed smell very well.

It’s vital to keep your cannabis in a dark, dry, and cool spot—like a cupboard or shelf. Don’t store marijuana in the fridge, as temperature and humidity fluctuations can result in mold.

Smoking weed without a smell

Smoking weed without a smell lingering in the air is impossible. The distinct marijuana smell is strong and difficult to mask. You can reduce this pesky aroma by using a few tried and tested techniques.

Let’s check out how to get rid of the weed smell in various settings:

How to get rid of the weed smell in a room

If you want to learn how to hide the weed smell in your room, you’ll be happy to hear that you can use a couple of different methods.

Lighting some incense is a classic approach used by stoners worldwide. Use sticks that contain geranium, vanilla, honey, sandalwood, henna, Champa flower, and benzoin resinoid. The thick clouds also give you a fantastic way of masking the initial cannabis smoke.

If you need a fresh scent in a pinch, spraying some Febreeze is a quick and easy solution. Keep in mind that it’s a temporary trick and won’t eliminate the weed smell permanently.

Another way to remove unwanted odors is by using anair freshener. Try to use a high-quality brand with strong aromas. Although it won’t mask the cannabis smell, it’s a great foundation for what’s about to come. Candles and air purifiers are also useful alternatives.

You can trap the fragrant particles before they enter the room by using a homemade sploof, one of the most popular ways of eliminating marijuana smells. Grab an empty toilet roll, a few toilet roll sheets, a rubber band, and follow these instructions:

1. Stuff the toilet roll with paper sheets and lay a few flat on one end of the roll.

2. Use the rubber band to secure the sheets, and voila—you’ve got your own homemade sploof. 

3. When you smoke, put the sploof to your mouth and exhale inside it.

Your final option is to use a vaporizer, which is inconspicuous, produces less smoke, and results in minimal weed smells.

How to get rid of the weed smell in a closet

To get rid of the weed smell in a closet, you can employ several different techniques.

First, make sure you deep clean the area with warmand soapy water mixed with distilled white vinegar. Pay attention to any doors, walls, carpets, and windows close to the stinky closet. 

Next, place a dish of baking soda in the closet to absorb any remaining marijuana smells, although you might need to do it more than once for optimal results. A bag of charcoal bricks can also do the trick but avoid stains from the black dust.

How to get rid of the weed smell in a car

If you’re a fan of hotboxing and have an unplanned carpool coming up, you probably need a quick crash course on how to get rid of the weed smell. In general, it’s best to smoke pot with the windows down and plenty of air circulation.

In most cases, significant marijuana use in closed vehicles requires thorough cleaning and plenty of odor-eliminating sprays.

You can also opt for the baking soda method we mentioned earlier, or you can replace it with ground coffee. Sprinkle ample amounts all around the inside of your car and leave it to absorb the weed smell overnight. You’ll need to vacuum up afterward, but it’s worth the effort.

Activated charcoal and pet odor removers are also highly effective in getting rid of unwanted marijuana smells, but remember to keep your furry friends far away from them.

If you only smoke in the car with the windows down, a few drops of cologne or a strong-smelling takeout meal is enough to mask the cannabis scent.

How to get rid of the weed smell on clothes quickly

Attire plays an important role in odor control, so it’s crucial to know how to get rid of the weed smell on clothes quickly.

If you’re a regular marijuana consumer, try to wear clothes made from natural materials like cotton, wool, or silk. The smell of weed quickly attaches itself to synthetic fibers, even with multiple washes.

If your clothes still have a lingering odor after you’ve cleaned them, try washing them again with white vinegar and laundry detergent. If these ingredients don’t do the job, consider adding baking soda or hydrogen peroxide—particularly if your clothes are white.

Remember to hang your clothes in the fresh air to allow all the terpenes to diffuse.

If you have to consume weed inside and need to be discreet, try smoking inside a bathroom while running a hot shower. The steam fuses with the smoke and masks the marijuana smell on your clothes and in the room.

How to get the weed smell out of hair

If you consume a lot of cannabis, your hair might have a funky odor from having too much fun. Don’t fret, though, because we have many solutions to help you learn how to get the weed smell out of hair.

A quick, easy, and cost-effective option is dry shampoo or lemon juice to hide the stench. If you’ve got some time to spare, use an apple cider vinegar, baking soda, or white vinegar-based shampoo for optimal results.

Don’t forget to dry your hair in the sun for total odor diffusion.

The lowdown on eliminating weed smells

Whether you’re growing, smoking, or storing cannabis, it’s imperative to know how to hide the smell of weed. This distinct aroma can bother your neighbors and leave a lingering stench, so effective odor control is essential.

Consider using homemade sploofs, scented candles, air purifiers, and incense sticks to combat unwanted marijuana smells. Remember that prevention is the best cure, so always toke in well-ventilated areas with plenty of fresh air.

If you enjoyed learning how to get rid of weed smells, stay tuned to Homegrown Cannabis Co for more tips and tricks about various marijuana topics. 

Now that you know how to remove the weed smell, why not consider growing your own? Check out our seed bank, you’ll be spoilt for choice.

About the author: Derek LaRose

Also known as Kronic from The Cannabis Kronicles, Derek LaRose is a young ambitious cultivator and a staple educator for indoor cultivation.