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How to make sure that you don't smell like weed

Published Apr 7, 2021 01:00 p.m. ET
iStock / diane39

The delicious smell and taste of a top-shelf cannabis strain might be a dream come true for most enthusiasts, but sometimes it’s just not a good idea to walk around smelling like weed. Not everyone is fond of the pungent, green stank, and it tends to indicate that you’ve consumed recently, so your boss, parents, or in some cases, law enforcement might not appreciate the lingering of nature's residue, even if you do.

Whether it’s for work, social interactions, or you’re about to get behind the wheel, it’s a good idea to know how to get rid of smoke smell, but it’s not always easy, especially if you’re a full-time consumer. Luckily, there are some tips and tricks that can help to eradicate the potent marijuana smell, though it might take more than one of them if you want to be absolutely certain that you don’t smell like weed.

1. Smoke outdoors

A lot of cannabis enthusiasts know that the aroma of some of the best strains is strong, and they can enjoy it indoors because it also tends to be fleeting since we’re accustomed to a slight lingering marijuana smell, so we don’t really notice it. Unfortunately, trapping yourself in a cloud is going to increase the likelihood of the residue settling onto every surface of your body, but smoking outside where there is good air circulation can help to prevent that.

2. Try edibles

Edibles in no way offer the same experience as, say flower, because they can be far more intense and longer lasting. Still, when you’re in a pinch or a situation where you can’t actively toke, a handful of gummies could be enough to take the edge off without making you stink. The same is true with tinctures, capsules, and any other methods of cannabis consumption that do not involve inhalation because without the smoke, there is no sticky and stinky residue.

3. Wash your hands as soon as you’re done

You might think that you wash your hands a lot already, from the moment you’re up and brushing your teeth in the morning to each time you eat or use the bathroom. We’re conditioned to do this because we know that germs thrive on the hands and under the nails, but did you know that your hands can smell like weed, so strongly in fact that someone else could smell it from a distance? Hence, if you want to get rid of the stink, it’s good to start by washing your hands with some good soap scrubbing under the nails.

4. Vaping

Most who struggle with how to get rid of smoke smell wouldn’t be bothered at all if they made the switch to a slightly less smelly alternative like vaping. Of course, vaping flavored oils is going to be different than vaping pure concentrate or flower, with the latter providing the most discretion, at least as far as the smell is concerned. It’s not a cure-all for pungent cannabis aromas, but it can help to reduce the problem significantly.

5. Brush your teeth and tongue

You can smoke outside to keep a lot of the marijuana smell away, but no matter what, it’s going to cling to every corner of your mouth and throat, and once there, it can linger for several hours among a mishmash of coffee and whatever you ate for breakfast. That’s just not a good look, or should we say scent, and it can all be rinsed away with the help of a toothbrush and mouthwash. Just make sure that you hit all of the worst spots including the tongue and cheeks which are notorious areas for harboring smells and bacteria.

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6. Use low smell strains

All cannabis strains smell like something thanks to the wide range of terpenes that can be produced by this plant species. Still, some are far gassier and smellier than others. Many of the very best and most popular strains come with a noticeable scent, but there are also some pretty good ones that are known for their reduced aroma, and so if you’re looking to avoid it, these cannabis strains offer an excellent place to start.

7. A change of clothes

We mentioned earlier a little bit about how cannabis smoke clings to things which is what makes consumers smell like weed, but what we didn’t cover is how badly this happens with clothing as well as other soft, porous materials like the ones we often wear. You can wash your hands, brush your teeth, toke outdoors, and opt for less smelly strains. Still, the aroma will cling to anything you’re wearing, so it’s best to keep an extra outfit or coat (or two) handy that can be used strictly for smoking.

8. Herbal or flowery sprays

The smell of weed is a personal experience that is described differently depending on who you ask, but many in particular, those who don’t use cannabis, tend to say that it’s similar to ammonia or cat urine. For that reason, most household cleaners can amplify the aroma instead of covering or getting rid of it. Instead, lighter deodorizers and air neutralizers with herbal and flowery scents should be utilized, as they are far better at masking marijuana smell.

9. Chew gum

You can check off every single step, tip and trick on this list and still, you’ll eventually have that bad cannabis breath return because even with clean teeth, cheeks, hands, and clothes, you’ll still have small amounts of residue in the back of your throat which are bound to sneak up, and it’s likely to happen when you least expect it. Luckily, gum can help with this, in particular, the stronger varieties with potent scents of their own like mint or peppermint.

10. Shower

If you really want to know how to get rid of smoke smell for good, then you’re going to want to consider every item on this list, but you’ll also need to seal the deal with a steamy hot shower and a deep shampoo. Much like with clothing, the hair acts as a sponge for smells, and cannabis is no different so the only way to get rid of it completely is to wash it all away after each session. Of course, this can get tedious, but as long as you do it before leaving home, you should be ok.

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