Cannabis comes in many forms. Even so, the most common way of consuming it is through smoking. For decades, smoking marijuana has been under the radar. With the legalization of medical and recreational marijuana in Canada and some states in the U.S., smoking cannabis is becoming more popular. Even so, smoking cannabis still has its drawbacks.
The smoke from cannabis has harmful air pollutants capable of degrading the quality of air indoors. These particulates and toxic substances may harm the health of the smoker. They can also harm those who take in second-hand smoke. The distinct odor is another thing. Many cannabis smokers do not mind the smell getting on them. Yet, most people do not want the odor in their homes.
It is often difficult to remove the smell of marijuana smoke with a fan and an open window. Smoke residues linger on the curtains, sheets, and other absorbent items. This is where air purifiers come in. Efficient air purifiers can remove the thick smell of cannabis smoke and its components from your living space. Different air purifier technologies are available in accomplishing this task at varying degrees.
Reasons for Using an Air Purifier for Cannabis Smoke
The lingering smell from cannabis use is a problem for most people. Marijuana fumes can stay on the walls, furniture, beddings, carpets, and curtains. Over time, the smell becomes permanent. The smoke can even stick to your clothes. It may be difficult to mask the smell if you step out right away.
Living with other people is not ideal when you smoke marijuana. They may not tolerate the smell, or they may find it irritating. Inhaling smoke can irritate the respiratory system, causing sneezing, watery eyes, and coughing. The odors and fumes from smoking cannabis may trigger allergic asthma attacks. These may even aggravate chronic lung conditions. An air purifier is essential for weed smokers who live with anyone with smoke sensitivities.
Pollutants in Marijuana Smoke
When cannabis burns, it emits smoke. VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and particulates are the main pollutants in cannabis smoke. The VOCs are similar to other forms of smoke. Formaldehyde, benzene, carbon monoxide, and nitrogen oxides are some of the toxic substances in cannabis smoke.
There are liquid and solid particulates in marijuana smoke. Cannabis has more water than tobacco. When inhaled, these minute particles stay in the lungs. According to the American Lung Association, these particulates collect in the lungs and may hinder lung function.
The Best Air Purifier Technology for Cannabis Smoke
In general, air purifiers remove particulates and irritants from the air. Some models even sanitize the space. For clearing cannabis smoke, you will need air purifiers capable of clearing pollutants and particulates in your space. Below are a few of them.
1. Hybrid or PECO Air Purifiers
A hybrid purifier combines a HEPA and a carbon filter. It can target both VOCs and particulates from marijuana smoke. A more expensive version is a PECO air purifier. This one is more efficient for cannabis smoke. It can remove VOCs and particulates from indoor air. The PECO filter destroys the VOCs and does not let any trace of pollutants seep out into the air.
2. HEPA Filter Air Purifiers
These filtration units can remove 99.97 percent of particulates. It can filter out particles of 0.3 microns. The only downside is that it does not remove cannabis smell or VOCs. The filter needs regular replacements, or it will be a source of marijuana odors.
3. Carbon Filter Air Purifiers
These air filters have activated charcoal, which removes VOCs from indoor air. Carbon has many crevices with spaces capable of capturing VOC molecules. VOC molecules cannot leave once they attach to the spaces. Over time, the spaces fill up with VOC molecules.
Changing the filters before they fill up is ideal. Failing to do so will stop the filter from working. The filter will also become a source of toxic substances. Carbon filters cannot filter out other types of gases like carbon monoxide. It is also not capable of capturing particulates from the air.
Ways to Reduce Marijuana Smoke
The goal in smoking cannabis is to inhale THC (tetrahydrocannabinol). You can do this while keeping its other chemical compounds. Avoiding smoking in an enclosed space is one way of reducing the harmful compounds you inhale. Smoking in an open area with good ventilation is ideal. Frequent washing of bedsheets, carpets, and anything carrying marijuana smells can also remove odors.
Choosing the Right Air Purifier
The cannabis-specific technology of the purifier is often the deciding factor in choosing the right air purifier. The unit you choose must handle the most pungent particulates in marijuana smoke. These particles have a size of 2.5 to 0.3 microns. HEPA filter air purifiers contain fine fibers. Getting a purifier with a prefilter takes care of the bigger contaminants like tar, dog hair, and dust. It also decreases the possibility of clogging the HEPA filter.
Having a prefilter can capture the tar in cannabis smoke. Tar is a notorious element in second-hand smoke. Having a prefilter captures tar. This protects the smoker and the other people in the room. Using a prefilter can prolong the lifespan of the HEPA filter.
You can also choose an air purifier equipped with a carbon filter. This purifier has an activated carbon or deodorizer. Activated carbon removes the odors or the VOCs in the air. It concentrates on combustible compounds as well. The carbon component also absorbs the fine liquids and gases in the air.
Final Thoughts
The brand of your air purifier does not matter. Studying the important components of the air purifier you need is more important. The ideal unit for cannabis smoke has a HEPA filter, a carbon filter, or both. It can handle VOCs and the particulates in the cannabis smoke. You can also get a PECO filter air purifier that can destroy VOCs. The right air purifier can maintain a clean and healthy living environment while you enjoy the effects of smoking weed.
