FAQs

How to hide the smell of cannabis

Even if your cannabis is legally prescribed, there may be times when you don’t want to draw attention to it. Here’s how to reduce and manage the smell of cannabis flower and vapour.

News Editor30 Aug 2022Updated 16 Sep 2026

Even if your cannabis is legally prescribed, there may be times when you don’t want to draw attention to it. Here’s a few tips for masking that distinct smell.

This article was originally published on The Cannigma and is reprinted here with permission.

Pine trees and grapefruit juice, skunk and diesel fumes, fresh soil and ground pepper — the broad range of aromas given off by cannabis flowers is part of what makes consuming it such an enjoyable, immersive experience.

But there are many times in life when you may not want the unmistakable aroma of cannabis rising off your clothes, or wafting through your living room when you have unexpected house guests.

If you’re looking to be more discreet with your cannabis, then there are basically two main things to focus on: how to prevent the smell, and how to mask it when it gets out of control.

Hold your breath, we’re going in.

Does vaping cannabis smell?

In the UK, medical cannabis has been available on prescription since 2018. If you are prescribed cannabis flower, it should be vaporised rather than smoked.

Vaporisation heats cannabis without burning it, meaning it produces vapour rather than smoke. This also means the smell is generally less intense and does not linger in the same way as cannabis smoke.

Vaping cannabis can still produce a distinctive odour, but it tends to dissipate relatively quickly.

How to prevent the smell of cannabis

Good ventilation can help prevent the smell of cannabis vapour or flower from lingering indoors.

If you are vaporising prescribed cannabis at home, open a window or door to help the air circulate. A fan can also help improve airflow and allow the smell to dissipate more quickly.

Cannabis flower itself can have a strong aroma, so keeping it properly stored when not in use can also help prevent the smell from spreading around your home.

How to get rid of the smell

The other main form of cannabis odour management is masking the smell after it’s already in the air.

Incense

Strong fragrances such as sandalwood or lavender incense can help mask the smell of cannabis in a room. However, incense does not remove the source of the odour, so ventilation may be more effective if you want the smell to dissipate.

Essential oils

Essential oils such as peppermint, lavender or rosemary can help mask lingering odours. Using them in a diffuser can also help spread the fragrance around a room.

Air fresheners

Air fresheners and odour-neutralising sprays can help mask a lingering cannabis smell indoors. They may be particularly useful in smaller spaces, although ventilation can help remove the smell rather than simply covering it up.

Air purifiers

Air purifiers can help reduce airborne particles and odours in the home. Some use activated carbon filters, which can help capture odour-causing compounds, while HEPA filters are designed to remove airborne particles. An air purifier may help reduce lingering smells, but good ventilation is still important.

Covering up the smell of cannabis flower

Prescribed cannabis flower can have a strong and distinctive smell, even when it is not being used. Storing it properly can help contain the odour while also keeping your medication secure.

Keep prescribed cannabis properly stored

Keeping prescribed cannabis flower properly sealed can help contain its distinctive smell. Patients should follow the storage instructions provided with their medication and keep it in its original packaging where required.

If additional odour control is needed at home, the original container can be placed inside a larger airtight container or smell-proof storage bag without removing the medication from its labelled packaging.

Smell-proof storage bags

Odour-proof bags can provide an extra layer of odour protection for prescribed cannabis, particularly when travelling or carrying your medication outside the home.

Keep your medication in its original labelled packaging inside the bag or case. Larger smell-proof cases may also have locks or separate compartments for storing your vaporiser and other equipment.

Smell-proof home storage boxes

Smell-proof storage boxes can provide another layer of protection against odours at home. Airtight or lockable boxes can be particularly useful for keeping prescribed cannabis secure and preventing the smell from spreading, while the medication itself remains in its original packaging.

Covering up body odour

The smell of cannabis flower can sometimes linger on your hands or clothing after handling or vaporising it.

Washing your hands after handling cannabis and keeping your medication properly sealed can help reduce lingering odours. If the smell remains on clothing, an odour-neutralising fabric spray may also help.

How long does the smell last?

How long the smell of cannabis lasts depends on whether it comes from the flower itself or from vaporising it, as well as the size and ventilation of the room.

The smell produced when vaporising cannabis generally dissipates more quickly than smoke. Opening windows and doors or using a fan can help clear any lingering odour.

Cannabis flower itself can continue to produce a strong smell while it is being stored, which is why keeping prescribed cannabis properly sealed can make a significant difference.

Err on the safe side

People can vary considerably in how sensitive they are to the smell of cannabis. If you use prescribed cannabis regularly, you may also become less aware of its distinctive aroma over time.

Being mindful of other people, particularly in shared spaces, and keeping your medication properly stored can help minimise unwanted odours. Good ventilation can also help the smell produced when vaporising cannabis dissipate more quickly.

*This article was originally published by The Cannigma and has been updated by Cannabis Health for a UK medical cannabis audience.

Cannabis Health Symposium: Patient rights, policing and medical cannabis in the workplace will be among the topics discussed at the Cannabis Health Symposium in London on 26 November. Find out more and book tickets.

Know your rights: If you are prescribed medical cannabis, read our guides to medical cannabis and driving in the UK and what to do if you are stopped by police with a cannabis prescription.

Find out more about how you can access a prescription here. Always speak to your doctor before making any changes to your medical care.

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