Do Vapes Smell and What Can You Do About It?

You know that smell. You’re out at a Capital Region market or concert, and the unmistakable aroma of cannabis wafts over the crowd. Maybe it’s even you enjoying the effects of CBD or THC!

Unlike smoking cannabis—which we admit brings a certain dankness to the party— vaping cannabis is often preferred due to its less potent smell. It also has some studied and potentially promising health improvements over “burning one.”

However, vaping is not completely odorless. Here's a breakdown from your Schenectady dispensary on factors affecting the scent of vapes, plus tips for reducing that funk.

Differences Between Smoking and Vaping

• Smoking: Burns cannabis; creates a strong, lingering smell. It’s why we say “burn one” when we’re talking about smoking cannabis – you know that’s what happens!

• Vaping: Heats cannabis without combustion; results in a less dense and milder vapor. Vaping is sometimes confused with steam, but it’s actually a cooled aerosol vapor created from food grade chemicals (plus steam would burn your respiratory system).

Factors Influencing Vape Smell

• Ventilation: Well-ventilated areas help vapor dissipate quickly.

• Strain: Different strains have unique terpene profiles influencing the aroma.

• Heating Method: Convection heating produces less odor compared to conduction.

Devices and Their Smell

• Dry Herb Vaporizers: Produce a noticeable smell due to the array of aromatic compounds.

• Wax/Dab Pens: Less pronounced scent as they use smaller amounts of material.

• Oil Vapes: Most discreet; the oils are refined and often flavored to mask the cannabis smell.

Tips to Reduce Vape Smell

• Use lower temperature settings.

• Vape in well-ventilated areas.

• Opt for devices and materials known for producing less aroma.

• Use air purifiers and odor eliminators when in a controlled setting.

Conclusion

Vaping is a better option if minimizing smell is important, but it's crucial to choose the right device and take steps to manage the scent.