Every grower needs to consider how they will go about dealing with the smell of their cannabis plants, if you only have one or two plants then you probably don’t need to be too worried about this as the smell can easily be covered up.
However if you are growing a larger number of plants then you will need to take a few extra steps to ensure that the smell does not give you away to the local police, or local gangs looking to steal crops for a quick profit.
Understanding Cannabis Odor
Cannabis plants strong smell is due to compounds called terpenes, which are aromatic oils that provide flavors and scents. The strength of the smell increases during the flowering stage, making odor control important as the plants flower.
Carbon Filter
There is nothing better than a carbon filter for removing the odor of cannabis, it will completely scrub it from the air. The activated carbon within the filter chemically absorbs smells and impurity’s from any air that is pushed through the filter.
To move air through the filter you will need to set up your carbon filter as part of an exhaust system, this system will have a fan pulling air away from your grow area. During this process the carbon filter removes all smells from the air and it will be safe to let the remaining air out into the atmosphere without worrying about the smell.
Carbon filters will never be beaten as they are very easy to maintain and provide an excellent service while also lasting for a very long time. Any serious grower should have one of these in their grow room.
Ona Block
I’m going to talk about odor neutralizers now as they are the cheapest option and will be perfect at covering up the smell of a small amount of cannabis plants. Many first time growers will use anything from deodorant incense in an attempt to cover up the smell of their flowering plants, however most household items will not be strong enough to cover the pungent odor of your mature plants.
The odor neutralizers are designed to bind with unpleasant smells to cover up the smell, they also have a very strong fragrance to help with this. I would not recommend putting one of these in the same room as your flowering plants as they can alter the taste of your final product, however they are perfect for just outside the grow room as they will cover up the smell effectively. I have used many different brands of odor neutralizer over the last few years, however the one that stood out the most for me was Ona Blocks and Ona Gel.
They were originally designed for use at sewage plants to help cover up the pungent smells, they were so effective that they were manufactured for consumer purchase. They will cover up the smell of a small grow for up to a month but you will have to replace it after that.
Sealing Your Grow Room
Sealing your grow room is vital to stop the smell from escaping in the first place. Use weather stripping and caulking to seal doors, windows, and any other gaps. Grow tents offer an excellent sealed environment and they can be easily equipped with filters and exhaust systems.
DIY Solutions
For growers on a budget, homemade solutions such as DIY carbon filters or using bowls of vinegar to absorb odors can be effective but should not be relied on for complete odor control.
Conclusion
Controlling the smell of your cannabis grow is important when it comes to staying on the right side of the law. By using these strategies, you can effectively manage any issues with smell and ensure a smooth growing experience.
FAQs
How often should I replace my carbon filter? Carbon filters typically need to be replaced every 4-6 months, but this can vary based on the size of your grow and the odor intensity.
Can air purifiers completely eliminate cannabis odor? While air purifiers can significantly reduce odors, they are best used in conjunction with other methods, like carbon filtering, for complete odor control.