There’s no denying that weed has a very distinctive and strong smell. Both vaporization and smoking give off scents depending on the terpene compounds present in the strain. So from opening the jar you store it in, to heating it up in your device, to exhaling it, there will be a noticeable odor.
Vaping weed is definitely the more discreet option, as pens produce vapor rather than smoke. On top of this, there are many things you can do to cover or reduce the smell even more. The strength of the weed scent will depend on what kind of vaporizer and cannabis plant extract you use.
We’ve put together this guide to help you answer the question of ‘does vaping weed smell?’ and to give you the rundown on how to minimize the sweet scent. Keep reading to find out more!
Does Smoking or Vaping Weed Smell More?
Although both vaping and smoking weed leave an odor, smoking is definitely stronger and lasts longer. Most cannabis will have a strong smell, even when it is stashed away in your pocket, and the smell only gets stronger when heated through.
There are many vaping devices out there that can minimize the aroma, leaving you more free to vape in peace. For example, a convection vaporizer or oil vape pen will smell much less like weed than a dry herb vaporizer or dab pen.
When vaping, most of the vapor stays either in the device or in your mouth, meaning there is less cannabis product out there to smell in the first place. The smallest amount of smoke permeates through everything and sticks around. People who smoke weed indoors have remarked that the aroma remains for years and requires heavy cleaning to reduce.
Which Vape Pen Types Smell the Most?
Oil Pens
If discretion is your priority, then oil vape pens are the way to go. Depending on how big your rips are, they still give off a slight terpene odor, but the smell fades quickly and is much less potent. To make as little of a scent as possible, take small hits from the pen and stay near an open window.
Vaping liquid concentrates like cannabis oil, or vape juice do not smell as strongly as dabs do, so although it will still be noticeable, it is the most inconspicuous option of the three. Many oils are infused with essential oils or terpenes, giving off fresh citrus or floral scents.
Dry Herb Vaporizers
Dry herb vaporizers smell very strongly of cannabis as soon as they are heated up. This is because most vaporizers use conduction heating, which causes them to emit such a strong scent. If you like to vape dry herb but want something less obvious, opt for desktop vaporizers, or convection vaporizers, as these smell slightly less.
When using a dry herb vape, you should stay near an open window and leave at least 30 minutes for the room to air out. This is because dry herb vaporizers reach higher temperatures than dab or oil pens, which results in more potent smells.
Dab Pens
Vaping weed through a dab or wax pen will leave a slight smell but is still not as strong as a dry herb vaporizer. The odor from a dab pen also depends on what type of dabs you use: budder, for example, will smell much more than crumble or shatter, which are weaker until heated up.
Terpene scents get transmitted through the heating element of the pen and from the vapor clouds exhaled. The smell lingers for a while but can be reduced by taking small rips and using the right kind of wax.
Dab rigs are another popular way to vape THC concentrates but do smell more than pens. This is because they produce large vapor clouds, similar to those created from bong rips.
How Long Does Weed Smell Last?
How long weed smell lasts depends on whether you have smoked or vaped and on which vaporizer you used. Weed smoke can last for anywhere between a few hours and a week and will particularly linger on clothes, carpet, and furniture.
Weed vapor tends to dissipate much faster. The smell from oil vape pens can usually be masked with a spray of perfume or by lighting a scented candle and will fade completely after between 5-10 minutes. After using dry herb vaporizers, your room will need at least half an hour to air out, even with an open window. With dab pens, the amount of time the smell lasts changes depending on which wax you use. In general, it will remain for about 10 minutes.
To speed up the process, many people keep their windows open to encourage airflow.
How to Reduce Odors from Weed Vaporizers
Clean Your Vaporizer
Cleaning your vaporizers is an essential task to get rid of any cannabis smell. Unfortunately, debris can collect inside the vaping device over time and cause an odor that will permeate even when there should not be one.
In particular, pens that use conduction heating will begin to smell if not cleaned, so either opt for models with convection heating or make sure you are cleaning it inside and out regularly.
Don’t Store Weed In Your Vape
If you have leftover marijuana after vaping, do not store it in your vaporizer. Even when not heated up, it can still emit a light weed scent. Instead of storing weed inside your vape, invest in a smell-proof jar or bag that you can use.
Exhale Into a “Spoofer”
A “spoofer” is a type of filter that can be made from a roll of paper towels and some fabric softener sheets. When you blow through the filter, it makes the vapor smell more like freshly washed laundry than cannabis. Some stores in the United States sell professionally made spoofers, but they are easy enough to create at home.
Vape Outdoors
Even though cannabis vapor does not stick around as much as smoke does, it is still a good idea to vape outdoors. Being outdoors or even having your windows or doors open will reduce the strength of the smell and how long it lasts significantly.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Do Vapes Leave a Smell?
There is no denying that vapor smells like weed, although it does disappear quickly and isn’t as potent as the smoke produced from other combustion methods. Many vape pens will only heat up your cannabis when the power button is held down, meaning the aroma will only be emitted during this time. Oil cartridges used in pens often have terpenes in them, which can minimize the strength of the weed smell by covering it.
If you want to get rid of the weed smell quickly, one of the most effective things you can do is open a big bag of popcorn. The scent of popcorn has been known to overpower vapor in seconds and is a common trick among vape enthusiasts.
Overall, vapes do smell like cannabis when being used, but the scent is not intense and does not last for very long.
Does Vaping Leave a Smell on the Breath?
Vaping will not leave a smell on your breath in the same way that smoking tobacco products will, but the effects of vaporizing on the teeth and mouth are still negative.
People who use vape pens have a dry mouth, which creates an environment that encourages harmful bacteria to spread. The excess of bacteria produces acidic waste products, which can cause bad breath and lead to tooth decay.
Even though the vapor may smell amazing to you, for many non-smokers, it will not be pleasant. However, it is easy to overcome. Making sure to brush your teeth twice a day, flossing, and carrying around mints with you is all you need to eliminate any vape smell left on the breath.
Does Vape Smell Stick to Clothes?
There is nothing worse than getting into close proximity with tobacco users and getting a whiff of that horrible nicotine smell. However, unlike cigarette smoke, vape weed smell does not stick on clothes or furniture. This is because residual smoke molecules get stuck on clothes, which then causes a strong odor to remain.
The most that vaping can do is leave a slight smell in a room for about 10 minutes. Even vaping e-cigarettes does not leave behind a nasty smell! Some people say that a strong vape smell is most comparable to overcooked popcorn rather than pure cannabis. Other combustion methods, like smoking, will release a weed smell that cannot be mistaken or easily hidden.
Wrapping Up
If you want to mask cannabis smells from non-smokers, then wax pens or oil vapes are the best options. They produce vapor rather than smoke and dissipate in a matter of minutes, especially when used out in the open.
It is important to remember that vaping is still not odorless and that vape users should proceed cautiously. Marijuana is a powerful scent and will be detectable as soon as you get it out of your pocket. Consider investing in different vape devices for different occasions. For instance, dab rigs or pens are perfect for when you are home alone, while an oil pen may be more suitable when in a public place or around other people.