Can My Neighbours Smell When I Smoke Weed?

Sometimes neighbours can find it difficult to adjust to the habits of their counterparts. Through this article, we aim to learn whether or not your neighbours can smell when you smoke weed in your house. We will also explore whether your neighbour can stop you from smoking weed and how one can reduce the effects of smoking weed from bothering their neighbour. 

Can My Neighbours Smell When I Smoke Weed?

Yes, your neighbours can most definitely smell if you smoke weed in your house; even with the windows closed. The reason for this lies in the fact that weed (cannabis or marijuana) has a strong characteristic smell which is most likely to travel even through closed doors and windows and easily be smelt by neighbours living in adjacent homes and even more so if you live in an apartment building or share community space with neighbours. 

According to an estimate, the smell of weed can travel up to 1500 yards when someone smokes the substance. This means that whether you choose to smoke weed inside your house, in the basement, on your front porch or in the garage, it is highly likely that your neighbours will still be able to smell the odour and continue to remain concerned about it.

Another factor to consider here is the weather of the area that you live in. if the general weather in your part of the world is windy and dry, it will be much easier to get rid of the smell of weed especially if you smoke outside like the front porch or the backyard. However, if you live in a place where the weather is mostly humid, you will find it difficult to get rid of the odour and it will be easier for your neighbours to trace the smell of weed when you smoke.

If your neighbours complain to the police regarding the smell coming from your smoking, while you may not be in trouble for smoking it as long as you are of legal age; it could potentially land you in legal trouble if you have large amounts of weed stored or you are growing cannabis at home.

There are certain remedies suggested by regular users of weed to reduce the smell of the substance when you smoke. These include lighting up candles and burning incense. However, there is no foolproof method that assures you a 100% guarantee that there will be no smell when you smoke weed.

Perhaps a more pressing matter than the effect of smoking weed on your neighbours is the effect it has on your own health. While cannabis and marijuana are both being used for medical purposes in addition to also being considered recreational drugs, the ill effects of their long-term usage can not be ignored; especially when they include a weak immune system. 

Classified as a Class B drug, weed or cannabis is considered illegal for consumption in the UK. This means that if you live in the UK and the smell of you smoking weed reaches your neighbour who decides to call the police upon you, you may be faced with a fine or up to five years in prison for smoking weed. While the law may be different depending on the state you are in the United States, there is no expectation in the foreseeable future for cannabis to be legalised in the UK.

Can My Neighbours Stop Me From Smoking Weed?

Yes, your neighbours can stop you from smoking weed if the smell becomes a nuisance for them and they have small children in the house who may be getting affected by second-hand smoke. However, this depends upon how close your house (or flats) are, whether you share a community area and if you are smoking inside or outside your house.

If your neighbours find the smell of weed disturbing, they may usually start by talking to you and requesting not to do so in a friendly manner. However, if that does not work out, the more gradual next step is to seek the services of a mediator who can resolve the matter between both parties that are in dispute and work out a mutually agreeable solution for the problem.

If this is not a successful strategy as well, your neighbour may complain to your landlord or the police authorities about your habit of smoking weed which, depending on your circumstances can potentially land you in legal trouble.

How Can I Stop Weed Smell From Reaching Neighbours?

According to this article, if you place a wet towel under your main door, you can contain the smoke of weed within your house (to a great extent) and prevent it from bothering your neighbours. Some other suggestions include the following:

• Smoke in a room with a window facing away from your neighbours and keep the window open
• Smoke in the bathroom with the ventilation on
• Burn incense or use essential oils to reduce the odour
• Boil a cup of vinegar in a pot after smoking  
• Place activated charcoal and carbon filters around your house to absorb the smell of weed

While some people suggest smoking in the bathroom or in closed spaces to avoid the smell of weed from leaking, it is usually not advisable as the potent smell of the substance is sure to spread more in cases when there is a lack of ventilation.

If you are someone who is bothered by the smell of weed coming from a neighbour’s house, you may consider applying the above suggestions in your home or simply use an air freshener to reduce the odour.

Conclusion:

The discussion above highlights the fact that due to its strong odour, the smell of weed can travel to your neighbour’s house (or flat) and they can indeed smell weed if you are smoking in your house. They may be more concerned with the ill effects of second-hand smoke if they have children in the house and to consider their concerns you may opt for an easy home remedy to prevent the smoke of weed from escaping your house when you use the substance.

FAQs: Can My Neighbours Smell When I Smoke Weed?

How far does weed smell travel?

Due to its potent nature, weed smell can travel up to 1500 yards. This is the reason why whether you smoke weed in the backyard or in your basement, the smell is sure to reach the surrounding area of your house.

How long does the smell of weed last in a room?

Depending on the size of the room and the amount of ventilation, the smoke of weed can last up to more than five hours. You may be able to reduce this if you keep the windows open and use an air freshener or for quicker results boil some vinegar on the stove. 

How can I smoke outside without my neighbours smelling?

If you smoke outside, chances are that the smell will reach your neighbours. To reduce the smell from bothering your neighbours you may consider smoking inside and placing a damp towel under your main door to prevent the smell from escaping your house. 

Does smoke travel up or down?

Smoke travels up or rises when it is warmer than the surrounding air. If it is cooler, smoke will travel horizontally. 

Do weed farms smell?

Yes, weed (or cannabis) farms do smell even from a significant distance.

References:

You can smell someone smoking weed next door – here’s everything you can do and what the law says

If you’re smoking weed on your back porch, can your neighbours smell it from inside?

How Do I Stop Neighbors’ Marijuana Smoke From Drifting Into My Child’s Bedroom?

Four ways to keep marijuana from smelling up your home – The Boston Globe