How to keep the smell of consumed marijuana to a minimum

This article was originally published on the Marijuana Patients Organization site on September 25, 2013.

Quite possibly the biggest, ‘unspoken’ objection to marijuana by the general public is the smell. Let’s face it when smoked or just sitting idle in a drawer, people can smell it. So how do you keep the smell down? What can you do to be less obvious?

Below we have listed, in no particular order, options to keep the ‘smell’ of cannabis to a minimum when being consumed. For unused marijuana we suggest a mason jar or similar products on the market that offer smell proof features. (search Google for marijuana containers smell)

Vaporizing – This method is growing in popularity with marijuana smokers and more recently tobacco smokers, and is a healthier option than the alternative. Virtually no smell is left behind. One could, though it is illegal and never suggested or recommended, vaporize marijuana in public with little risk of detection. Some have complained the taste that vaporized marijuana has, but when compared to the potential health benefits and the smell factor, it must be considered.

Food products – We have all heard of the famous pot brownie and some of us know how effective food can be. For me cannabis food products are for serious pain and I never use them that much. Food offers a stealth way to consume and also be very effective for chronic pain providing stronger numbing effects that smoked marijuana can offer. Limitations include the length of time edible marijuana takes effect  (up to 1.5 hours) and also the increased length of effects (over 6 hours). Just like THC bonds to fatty acids in our system,  oils and butter are the best delivery agents for food (brownies better than salad dressing), not exactly the healthiest of options.

Go outside – If you are smoking marijuana, have adequate separation from neighbors and feel comfortable lighting up outdoors, do it, unless you live in Michigan and it is January.

Ventilation – If you have no children or others in the home that may not care for the smoke, try an air purification system with carbon filters and inline fans, similar to devices that marijuana growers use to control their smell. Often,  lesser expensive ionic or similar gadgets prove ineffective. My house has an efficient central air system and we change filters often. If I want the smell out instantly, our home’s attic fan makes quick work of any and all smells.

What do you use to control the smell of consumed marijuana?