Due to the recent boom in marijuana users in the United States and Great Britain, many people are choosing to grow it on their own, as it is more affordable. However, your decision to grow it can quickly become an imposition on your neighbors due to the distinct pungent smell of the plant. Fortunately, there are several steps you can take to minimize the smell of marijuana in your garden. Keep reading.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Minimize Odors
Step 1. Choose the marijuana strains that have the least odor
There are various types to choose from, perfect for indoor growing where you need to control the smell. Try a few different strains and see which one is best for you in terms of smell and psychotropic effects. Keep in mind, however, that even growing a low-smelling species hardly solves the problem completely. Here are some tips regarding the less "fragrant" varieties:
- Blue Mystic;
- Northern Lights;
- Papaya;
- Durban Poison;
- Shark's Breath;
- Polar Express.
Step 2. Try a small garden odor neutralizer
Neutralizers are a simple and affordable way to reduce or eliminate odors from small crops with few plants.
- Ona Pro Gel, for example, is a gel deodorant that was developed for wastewater treatment plants and is often recommended for these circumstances.
- It is sufficient to place an open pot in the area close to the cultivation. This is all it takes to minimize odors in the area of the house you live in.
- Replace the neutralizer regularly. One pack should last around four to six weeks, so write the date down on your calendar and keep track of when you need to get a new one.
- Don't put it in the same space as the plants, though, as it could alter or reduce the smell of the marijuana itself, so keep the room where you grow it clear.
- The neutralizer is only effective for small crops. It is fine if you have some seedlings, but its action is not enough if the crop is larger.
Step 3. Avoid products that mask odors
These include candles, incense and deodorants. They can cover up the odor temporarily, but they are not a good solution in the long run.
- If you place them near your garden, they could negatively affect the smell of the plants themselves.
- What's worse, deodorants often contain harmful chemicals. You should really avoid them.
Step 4. Avoid air purifiers as well
While these products can eliminate some odors from the air, they are not enough for the harsh cannabis.
Step 5. Avoid ozone generators
It is well known that ozone in the air can be harmful to health. It is an irritant to the lungs and can cause disease if inhaled regularly.
Method 2 of 2: Carbon Filters or "Scrubber"
Step 1. Purchase a carbon filter, also known as a "scrubber"
It is a highly recommended product for indoor grows of all sizes. Contains activated carbon, which neutralizes odors in the air passing through it. The carbon filter is installed in the exhaust system of the room used for cultivation, where an intake fan forces the air through the filter before letting it out.
- There are two types of carbon filter, granular and block. Block is generally more effective, with a larger surface area of activated carbon and higher density for slower, more intense filtration. Granular can be effective for small grows.
- Choose the size of the filter based on the amount of air you need to circulate, measured in cubic meters per minute (m³ / min). The intake fan of the exhaust system should have the flow rate indication in m³ / min on the fan body. Make sure the filter has a power rating equal to or less than the fan, so you can be sure the fan is powerful enough to move air through the filter. In the same way, make sure that both ducts of the devices have the same diameter (the standard is 15 cm, but check if necessary).
- If you don't already have a fan, you can consider purchasing a separate one or a model combined with the filter.
Step 2. Install the carbon filter in your exhaust system
- Connect the filter to the inlet side of the fan using a hermetically sealed clamp. Alternatively, you can put some metallic adhesive tape to seal it well.
- Wrap fixing hooks around the filter and extractor and hang them from the ceiling using two hooks. Lift the system by pulling on the strings.
- Try to place the filter and extractor in line with a duct, which should be roughly parallel to the ceiling and pass into the wall.
- Connect the exhaust end of the fan to the duct.
- Some find it more effective to install the carbon filter at the opposite end of the fan exhaust system. In this case, connect the filter to the duct at the end or rear of the system. Hook it to the ceiling with the fixing brackets as described above.
Step 3. Keep the filter running 24 hours a day
Plants emit odor constantly, so it must be kept under constant control.
Step 4. Keep the room humidity below 70%
Carbon filters are less effective in high humidity conditions.
To best regulate the environmental conditions in your grow room, consider connecting the exhaust fan to a fan speed controller that also measures humidity and carbon dioxide levels
Step 5. Change the carbon filter regularly
With the passage of time, the filtration power of the activated carbon is reduced, consequently the odors reappear. Depending on the type of filter you got, it may need to be changed after 9 - 12 months. Keep track of when you last changed it, and plan the replacement ahead of time to avoid intermediate periods when you can smell the plants.
Advice
- If you can, install the carbon filter in the exhaust system before you start growing; in this way you will have much more space to work without hindrance and without risking falling on the plants themselves.
- Sealing plants in an airless space can seriously damage your grow, so remember that any odor control system must have good ventilation.
- Install the exhaust fan as high as possible (preferably well above nose level).
- Place the drain hole in a private area, prevent fumes from going to neighbors and passers-by.
- Specific fertilizers like Super Skunk can also reduce plant odor.
