Phew! Getting the P.U. out of smoked weed

Those new to consuming cannabis might have a hard time getting used to the overpowering smell that permeates from the product and clings to everything it touches.

A Canadian company announced it’s developing a cannabis strain designed to be almost completely odourless, which it claims is a first in the industry.

CannabCo Pharmaceutical Corp., based in Brampton, Ont., noted it has reached an agreement with an undisclosed tech provider to work on the production of cannabis that produces a virtually undetectable odour when smoked, as well as when it’s packaged and stored.

Calling the new strain “PURECANN”, a CannabCo press release also notes the product—originally developed for the medical industry—is smoother than regular cannabis and produces a lighter “day-after effect”.

“Cannabis by its nature, when burnt, typically causes coughing and is very heavy when inhaled, which is especially true for new users,” Mark Novak, CannabCo chief operating officer, said in the release. “The technology, when deployed, eliminates much of the harshness of smoking cannabis in its dry form, allowing the process of using cannabis [to be] far more tolerable while retaining the essential properties.”

The company had received several complaints from users about the strong and permeating smell of cannabis products, especially in closed-off areas like apartments or condos, and said the new offering is designed to address the problem.

“Imagine someone going outside for a break during the day, having their afternoon cannabis and coming back without any odour attached to their clothing or coat,” said CannabCo president and CEO Mark Pellicane in the release.

Politicians and community members across Canada have been issuing complaints about the prominent cannabis smell in and around grow-ops in their neighbourhoods. One councillor in Stoney Creek, Ont. presented a bylaw change that would enforce nuisance charges on any establishment that produces a strong cannabis musk.

Novak added that CannabCo has been overseeing research of cannabis products featuring this new technology for the last two years, and has been “incredibly pleased” with the results. The company plans to release various products with these properties for both the medical and recreational markets.

CannabCo reported that it has received a Confirmation of Readiness notification from Health Canada for its pending cannabis licence, and plans to start production of the PURECANN strains once it is approved.

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