The Best Natural Ways to Get Rid of That Cannabis Smell

So your state has legalized cannabis and you’re over the moon. Congratulations! But now you’re faced with the slightly less pleasant realization that everybody knows just how happy you are, thanks to the cannabis scent clinging to your clothes and filling your home. The good news is, there are simple and effective ways to enjoy cannabis without the lingering odor.

We all know the smell of cannabis by now. While it might have been somewhat scandalous in the past, it’s become increasingly acceptable as the stigma around the plant fades away and the image of the “typical cannabis user” continues to evolve. Today, you’re as likely to smell it on your dentist as your pizza delivery guy. Beauty brands are even putting out cannabis perfumes, and consumers are actually buying them.

For many people, it’s barely noticeable anymore, but some still find it unpleasant even if not distasteful. If you’re one of them, here’s some good news: it only takes a few simple steps to replace the signature eau de cannabis with something a little less pungent.

What Makes Cannabis Smell?

Have you ever wondered what it is that makes the smell of cannabis so distinct? For this we can thank terpenes, a range of aromatic compounds that are present in all plants. These are essential oils that not only give cannabis plants their scent and flavor, but also contribute to many of the medicinal qualities of the drug. For example, the terpene known as myrcene is responsible for helping you get to sleep.

Just like the cannabinoids CBD and THC, terpenes bind to receptors in the body to cause physical effects. Researchers have only discovered the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the potential physical impacts of terpenes on the body — for one, they might be able to fight cancer — but one thing that’s certain is that a rose smells like a rose (and cannabis smells like cannabis) because of the variety of terpenes that each contains.

It’s just unfortunate that the terpenes found in cannabis aren’t the same ones as an english rose.

Ways to Get Rid of That Cannabis Smell

There are lots of products that you can use to get rid of the smell of cannabis in your home, from extra strong dryer sheets to air fresheners. But it’s always best to use natural products when you can so that you, your family, and your pets can avoid potentially harmful chemicals as much as possible. Here are three of the easiest and most effective ways to hide the smell.

Experiment With Strains

Over the years countless strains of cannabis plants have been carefully (and sometimes accidentally) developed and bred to produce different effects, including smells. Each strain is unique in the amount of terpenes and other substances it contains, and this creates a variety of scents from strong earthy notes to light and citrusy fragrances.

If you’re finding that the cannabis you use has an unpleasant odor that you’d rather do without, trying a few different strains could be a great way to discover one that you prefer. Strains like Super Lemon Haze and Bubble Gum are especially well known for their pleasant smells. A little bit of research online will help you to figure out which ones you (and your nose) might enjoy most.

Use Scented Candles and Oil Diffusers

Both scented candles and reed diffusers harness the natural properties of plant based ingredients to eliminate odors and replace them with a home fragrance that’ll make you smile.

This might seem like an obvious choice, but good quality scented candles can fill your home with long lasting fragrances and disguise even the strongest smelling cannabis. On the flip side, there are a lot of candles out there whose fragrances don’t last for long, so choosing a good quality one is worth a few extra dollars. Plus, there are few things more relaxing and inviting than the warm flicker of candlelight.

Oil diffusers can also be an effective way to cover the smell of cannabis, and reed diffusers are one of the most popular options. The reeds are dipped into the fragrant oil, dispersing the scent into the air and around the room. Their effects will last until the oil has evaporated. A safer option than candles, these could be an ideal choice for somebody who wants to mask the smell of cannabis and fill their home with a beautiful scent while they’re not there to supervise.  

Try Homemade Potpourri

Making your own potpourri might seem like a complicated and time consuming project, but it’s much easier and faster than you think. Potpourri is traditionally made with dried flower petals, leaves, and spices and is kept in a bowl or mason jar in the center of a room. The word itself is French and means “rotten pot”, but that translation doesn’t do it justice.

Potpourri is an excellent way to use natural plant ingredients to add a pleasant fragrance to your home. The scent can last from one month to a number of years, depending on what mix you use. Even the most novice cook can easily whip up a basic yet beautiful recipe in their kitchen. Not only will it banish any smell of cannabis from your home, but it may earn you a compliment or two the next time you have guests.