If you’re a newbie to the decarb process, have no fear. We all started somewhere, and most likely, we all had a similar first question.

How bad will it smell when I decarb my weed?

If you’re not familiar with the process of decarboxylation, then click here to read all the details – including why it’s a must for cooking with cannabis.

Now, let’s get back to your question. Just how bad is decarbing your weed going to smell?

The answer? Not as bad as you might think.

The first time we decarbed weed in the oven, we were very pleasantly surprised at how the process went and what it smelled like.

Here’s What you Need to Know about the Smell of Decarboxylation

If you are decarbing your weed in the oven (as we recommend), here’s what you can expect:

• Depending on the size of your home, you will smell marijuana when you walk in the door. It will not be so overpowering that your eyes water, but you will smell it.
• Within just a few minutes, you will no longer smell it (as your nose grows accustomed to the smell.)
• You will most likely not smell marijuana outside of your house. (Especially if cooking with your windows closed.)
• Within 30 minutes of finishing the decarb process, the smell will most likely be completely gone from the house. If any scent still lingers, light some candles or whip up some sauteed onions and peppers (or something else that has a strong smell) to cover the odor.

Still worried about the smell during the decarb process?

If you’re still worried about the smell, here are a few other things you can try:

• Use a friend’s house. Get their permission first, but if you live in an apartment or have a shared wall in your home, you may feel more comfortable decarbing for the first time in a standalone house without any close neighbors. (Although we don’t think you need to worry.)
• Try a toaster oven. This won’t make the smell any less strong, but it does give you the option of cooking somewhere other than your kitchen – like your garage, basement or even in the yard. Click here for our toaster oven decarbing tips.
• If you’re looking for a truly odorless experience – and you have $200 to spare – you can invest in the Ardent Nova Decarboxylator. Learn more here.