Does Your Home Smell Like a Pot Farm?

Ah, Colorado. Our state is home to the gorgeous Rocky Mountains, fresh air, four seasons, tons of wildlife, and…pot. Love it or hate it, the legalization of marijuana has stimulated our economy and it isn’t likely to go anywhere anytime soon.

The thing about marijuana… well, one thing… is that it has its own distinct odor. As you likely know, cannabis is a flower. Because one of the primary functions of a flower is to generate terpenes (aromatic chemicals designed to attract pollinators), you can naturally expect it to carry a pungent smell. That odor only increases when the plant is crushed up, lit on fire, and smoked – and it’s actually pretty darn hard to mask or cover up!

Maybe you or a family member has been smoking marijuana indoors. Perhaps you’re thinking about moving into a new home where the previous occupants were pot smokers. Or it could be that, as a landlord, you’re constantly dealing with tenants who are lighting up inside your properties. Whatever the case may be, you’re probably frustrated with the lingering scent and are looking for a way to get rid of it – for good. Here are a few things you should know, along with some steps you can take to banish the odor of marijuana from your house.

Things to Know

As you think about taking steps to rid your home of the smell of pot, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Marijuana smoke is different from tobacco smoke. Many marijuana advocates will regularly remind the public that marijuana smoke is much less toxic and harmful than that of tobacco. Although this is true, the toxins left behind by marijuana can still cause health problems and discomfort. If you smell pot, it’s in your best interest to get rid of the smell for the well-being of yourself and your family.
• Marijuana odors could be only the tip of the iceberg. If your home smells like someone has been smoking marijuana inside, there’s also a chance that someone has been growing pot plants indoors. If this is the case, you could also be dealing with problems associated with water damage and mold, so it’s important to have that checked out.
• Marijuana odors linger. Pretty much all forms of smoke have serious staying power and marijuana is no exception to the rule. The odor left behind by pot is likely to stubbornly linger for a long time unless you take proactive measures to get rid of it.

Tips for Getting Rid of Pot Odors

Once you’ve decided that you’re ready to get rid of that “pot farm” smell that has infiltrated your home, there are a few smart steps you can take:

• Air the place out. Start by opening windows and doors, and by running an air purifier. If someone only smoked in your house once or twice, you may be able to eliminate the odor after a day or two.
• Have your carpets cleaned. The THC from marijuana can be absorbed into the carpets of homes where marijuana was smoked. In cases where pot was regularly consumed indoors, this can raise health concerns and can make it very difficult for the odor to naturally come out of the carpets. If this is the case, it’s smart to have your carpets professionally cleaned or to consider replacing them altogether.
• Bring in the professionals. Most Colorado homeowners don’t have the necessary equipment on hand that’s required to permanently remove marijuana odors and clean the air. Hiring a professional marijuana smoke mitigation and cleaning service will ensure that your home is restored to peak conditions. Odors will be removed from walls, ceilings, and other surfaces, and the air inside your home will be fresh and clean.

Your home shouldn’t smell like a pot farm. To create a healthy and comfortable environment, we encourage you to call Abbotts Fire & Flood today. We’ll send someone out to get rid of marijuana odors for good!