Figuring out how long does marijuana odor last can be a little challenging if you are a newbie. But do you know what gives cannabis a unique smell?

What Causes Marijuana to Smell?

Cannabis, as we’re well aware, is a flower. One of the primary functions of flowers is to create terpenes, odoriferous chemicals designed by nature to attract pollinators and ward off predators. These pungent compounds can be one of the best and worst parts of enjoying cannabis. The rich smell of fresh, sticky bud can be as intoxicating as the perfume of a long-lost lover.

And while cannabis may be consumed for medicinal and adult-use purposes throughout the country, federal prohibition continues to govern public perception, which can still trend negative.

Different strains have different aromas. But most of them may have hints of other things such as pine, citrus that makes them smell skunky.

The biggest factor that tells how long marijuana smell last is the age of the cannabis plant when it gets harvested. It means that immature plants tend to smell less, and if stored well, the scent may not be detectable. Weather can also affect odor. So you spot the smell more on hot summer days.

Terpenes alter the smell of marijuana, and diverse terpenes give off different odors. That is why cannabis strains smell differently. But two unique strains with a similar terpenes profile will smell similar.

Many terpenes can smell same as thiols, thereby creating a skunky odor. Thiols usually smell like garlic and rotten eggs. Also, a strain that smell skunky may be good mainly if you desire to get ‘high.’ It is because the more skunky smell is, the more powerful is the marijuana strain. In pot language, skunk means more powerful ganja.

Terpenes found in cannabis strains

Myrcene (mango or herbal and earthy)

Limonene (lemon)

A-pinene (pine)

Linalool (floral)

Caryophyllene (spicy and woody pepper)

How Long Does The Smell Of Marijuana Last?

The smell of weed smoke really does not last all that long, especially not when compared to cigarette smoke.

You could smoke a joint in your apartment and leave for a couple hours to get groceries, and you probably won’t even smell it when you get back.

On the other hand, smoke a cigarette in your apartment, and you can leave for a whole day, and you’ll probably still smell it when you get back. Ok, yes, if you smoke a joint every hour of every day, it will take a few days for the smell to go away, but this is still nothing compared to cigarette smoke.

There are few influencing factors on the smell of marijuana smoke.

The first is the environment. If you smoke in a room with a lot of fabric coverings, like curtains and bedding, the smell of smoke will stay in the soft materials. If you smoke in your car, the small space, and soft fabrics, also hold on to the smoke smell.

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The second influence is how you consume it. Methods involving incineration, like joints, blunts, bongs and pipes will also produce a harsher smell than vaping. Vaping is a better option if you prefer inhalable cannabis. The best way to reduce smell is to stick to edibles!

The type of weed you choose will also influence the lingering aroma. Dank strains with tons of terpenes are going to stink up your space, while less potent strains won’t permeate so strongly. Generally speaking, in a typical living room a quick puff won’t linger.

If you only smoke a bowl or a small joint, the odor should dissipate within a few hours. If you are more of a chronic smoker, dedicated to long smoking sessions, you’ll have to wait a few days. Over time, with continuous smoking, an underlying funk will start to build up in the room.

If you want to avoid the ongoing struggle of fighting the stale smells, don’t smoke in the same room every day. It’s recommended to switch it up or smoke outside.

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