With the shift in the legalization of marijuana in the US, many people are now opting to grow their cannabis garden. In high-density cities, most people are growing them indoors. While the odor of marijuana can be appealing to some, this can, however, quickly turn into an annoyance and burden on the neighbors as cannabis has an undeniably strong, pungent smell. Worse, it may expose you to some legal issues, depending on the legal restrictions in the area. In this article, we cover the different methods on how to hide the smell of growing weed effectively.
Tips on How to Hide the Smell of Growing Weed
As mentioned above, marijuana exudes powerful and amazing smells. The plant’s distinct odors are caused by organic compounds called terpenes and terpenoids. These compounds are found in abundance in nature and are produced by a variety of plants and animals for different purposes – ward off predators, attract pollinators, etc. Many people, however, usually associate terpenes with cannabis plants as these plants contain very high concentrations of the compounds, thus making them very aromatic and pungent.
Install carbon filters. One of the go-to methods of air filtration for many indoor growers is carbon filters, also called carbon scrubbers. These devices feature layers of activated carbon, which help to capture the aromatic terpenes while allowing clean and odorless air to pass through. These filters can cover a large amount of space, making it the perfect device for the job. To put things into perspective, a single gram of activated carbon can successfully filter a surface area of at least 3,000 square meters. You get what you pay for with these devices.
Things to remember when using carbon filters:
- Decent carbon filters will purify the air and remove unwanted weed smell without any kind of leakage. They simply need to be connected properly with a ducting to the external outlet of the exhaust fan to be able to direct the passing air out of the nearest open window or shaft. However, it is very easy for a single leak to go unnoticed and release the strong cannabis terpenes into the air. Thus, the importance of regularly checking for holes on your filter as well as your ducting.
- Many carbon filters have a set lifespan. Some can last up to a year and many high-quality ones can last a great deal longer. It is, important, however, to keep an eye – or nose for that matter – when your carbon filters need changing. Once you’ll notice the potent marijuana odors lingering in the room, then it is a good time to change. If this happens, it is highly likely that the surface of the active carbon filters has become clogged and they have lost their ability to absorb more molecules.
- Carbon filters perform best and last longer in rooms where humidity is regulated below 70%. Measure and manage the humidity using a hygrometer. A humidity of 70% and lower is also optimal for marijuana plants, especially during the first stages of growing them.
Use odor neutralizers. As the name suggests, odor neutralizing products produce strong fragrances that “neutralize” or cover up the equally strong weed smells. They are an affordable yet effective way to hide the smell of growing weed. These neutralizers are specifically formulated to bind with the pungent aromatic compounds to neutralize them. They are versatile enough to be used in any situation – whether it is a big toke session with friends, a quiet smoke in the car alone, in an outside grow space full of flowering plants, or in an adjoining room for indoor grows.
Things to remember when using odor neutralizers:
- Unlike carbon filters, these products only last a few weeks or months (typically around four to six weeks only) so they need to be replaced now and then. It is best to mark your calendars to keep track of when you need a new one.
- Also, unlike carbon filters that can meet up to the challenge of covering large spaces, neutralizers can work effectively in small spaces or gardens only.
- Odor neutralizers should not be placed in the same room with your indoor cannabis garden as their strong smell can be absorbed by the plants, adversely affecting and degrading the aroma and final flavors of your harvest. Instead, place an open jar of odor neutralizers in an adjacent space to your grow room to minimize the weed smell.
Stay away from ozone generators. While many marijuana growers are giving praise to ozone generators for their efficacy to hide the smell of growing weed, clean the air, and destroy mold, these devices come with some major problems. Contrary to the manufacturers’ claims that these devices have been approved by the federal government, they have never been approved to be used especially in closed, occupied spaces. Ozone generators are harmful to health, the atmosphere, and the environment.
- Health. These devices that are sold as air cleaners produce the gas ozone, which is the principal element of our ozone layer. This gas is composed of three oxygen atoms and, unfortunately, unlike the breathable oxygen with two atoms, when these molecules are inhaled, they are found to cause damage to the lungs. Different people have different susceptibility levels for the gas but reports of shortness of breath, throat irritation, and worsened respiratory diseases like asthma have been associated with it, even in low exposure.
- Plants. As we all know, ozone causes damage to the environment more than all other air pollutants combined. While the gas can clean the air and get rid of molds, they also inhibit the ability of the plants to breathe. Thus, they can lead to chlorosis and necrosis of the plants, both of which may lead to the death of the plant as a whole.
Now, as mentioned, some growers swear by the efficacy of ozone generators. But with science and research showing the risks associated with these devices, why take it when other devices can effectively hide the smell of growing marijuana.
One of the most appealing parts of a cannabis plant is its smell – its unique and tell-tale aroma. Unfortunately, the same smell can spell trouble in certain situations, depending on the home growing restrictions in your area. Thus, the importance of knowing how to hide the smell of growing weed and avoid nosey neighbors, parents, and cops from stumbling on your crops.