Odor Problems When Growing MJ and How to Solve Them

When growing MJ at home, odor can become a serious issue. There aren’t that many solutions, but I’ll share a few options—some more effective than others. The best method depends on how much you need to hide the smell and how strong the strain’s aroma is. Sometimes, a strain can be so pungent that the smell spreads not just throughout your apartment, but even into the hallway. I once grew a particularly smelly auto-flowering strain in a cardboard box the size of a computer case, inside a closet at my mother-in-law’s house. I didn’t use any odor control because previous grows weren’t that strong, and no one noticed the scent. But this strain started smelling during the vegetative stage, and after three weeks, you could smell it on the first floor, even though the plant was on the fifth! The apartment itself reeked as if there was a whole grow operation, not just a single small plant that yielded only 15 grams dry. I couldn’t solve the problem because I didn’t have a proper sealed grow box, ducting, or the ability to move the plant, so I had to harvest a couple of weeks early.

Let’s look at some ways to avoid getting caught because of odor:

1. Choose a Low-Odor Strain

All flowering MJ strains have some smell, but the intensity varies. If you live alone and can keep the grow room door closed, a low-odor strain might be enough for you.

2. Use Odor Neutralizers

You can buy these at grow shops in various forms, scented or unscented. Of all the ones I’ve tried, I liked ONA Liquid the most. Dilute it with water in a spray bottle and spray it around the room, or even inside the grow box—it’s non-toxic and safe for plants. You can also spray it on the pre-filter of your carbon filter or use it to moisten the filter. I used it before my parents visited, along with a carbon filter. It has a fresh scent and does a decent job of killing the odor, but only for a short time.

I also tried the Sumo Gel Odor Neutralizer. Just open the jar or container and place it inside or outside the grow box. It lasts for about two to three weeks, and you need to shake it occasionally to boost its effect. This method isn’t for everyone, since instead of a fresh or plant smell, your room might smell like bubblegum or something else, which could raise suspicions. You’ll need two or three of these for best results.

There’s also a liquid odor neutralizer called Niononno, which is considered clean and harmless, with no scent of its own. However, it doesn’t really eliminate odors—at best, it works like water and only for a short time. I don’t recommend it.

3. Carbon Filter

This is the best and most essential option, in my opinion. You can use it along with other methods. Carbon is said to absorb odors for about six months, but I change it every grow cycle to be sure. You can buy carbon at grow equipment stores for a reasonable price, and replacing it is simple. Remove the pre-filter (the fabric sleeve on the filter) and wash it. There are four screws at the bottom of the filter—unscrew them, hold the filter over a bag or basin, and push the plug out from the inside. The plug and carbon will fall out together. Check online videos to determine how much carbon you need for your filter. Make sure to connect the filter and inline fan tightly and securely—any small leak can fill your space with MJ odor.

If possible, run the end of your ducting out a window and secure it with the window frame. This is only possible if you don’t live on the first floor.

Additional Tips

• Experiment and you’ll get the hang of it with experience!
• Note: Auto-flowering strains tend to be faster and smellier. Keep this in mind when choosing your strain.
• You can also use incense or essential oils, but these only mask the smell. If the odor is strong, anyone familiar with it will still notice.

Good luck and happy growing!