Do Dab Pens Smell? How Long Does the Smell Last?

Dabbing has become very popular over the last decade after concentrates and extracts became mainstream. You probably have many questions if you’re new to dabbing—including whether dabs smell. Let’s face it, we all want privacy when we vape or smoke cannabis. Dabs are different from fresh flowers; they don’t produce the same effects or smell. However, dabs do smell—which could be an issue for you. 

Let’s take a deeper look into dabs and their unique aroma. 

Do Dabs Smell?

There’s no doubt about it: dabs smell. Remember, you’re heating highly potent cannabis, so you’re bound to create a smell when you inhale it back into the room. But we have some good news for you: the smell isn’t as strong as when you smoke a joint or a pipe. Although it will still smell like cannabis, it won’t be as potent or linger for as long. 

If you have excellent ventilation and window access, the smell should go away quickly. It will go away significantly faster than the smell from a joint. However, some factors determine the smell—such as the dab pen, the size of the room, and the concentrates. 

Why Do Dabs Smell?

Now you know that dabs smell, it’s time to find out why. Whether you’re using a dab pen or a dab rig, the dab material must be heated into a vapor that you inhale. The vapor isn’t the same as the smoke from burning plant material. However, it still consists of heated molecules you inhale and exhale. 

Dab odor comes from the compounds found in dab materials, particularly terpenes. As a result, the majority of the dab smell comes from terpenes released by heating the dab into vapor. Some of them are still present after you exhale. And that’s what creates the scent. 

How Long Does Dab Pen Smell Last?

The smell of dabs should go away quickly. As you exhale, the aroma of cannabis may linger for a minute or two. However, if you use the tips above, it should dissolve quickly—especially if you’re outside. 

The Best Way to Reduce Dab Smells 

There are many reasons why you’d want to reduce the smell of the dabs. These may include angry neighbors who loathe cannabis or if you live in a state or country where cannabis is illegal. Luckily, there are various effortless ways to remove the smell.

Here are some of the reasons:

1. Open a Window 

This may sound like common sense, but it’s still the most effective way to remove the smell of dabs. Opening the window can remove the small—albeit quickly—but it won’t completely remove the odor, nor is it a discreet way to remove it. 

However, it’s the best way to remove the smell. If you’re worried about the smell lingering and aggravating your neighbors, you should blow the vapor out of the window (if it’s windy, even better.)

2. Create a Sploof 

If you’re truly determined to remove the dab smell, making a homemade sploof is a superb idea. If you have some candles burning and already have the window open—the scent will likely dissipate without needing to do much. However, making a sploof will remove the smell faster. 

You can make sploofs with dryer sheets and toilet paper rolls to hide the smell of the weed. Crumple up the dryer sheets then place them inside an empty toilet paper roll. Whenever you take a dab, blow the vapor through the toilet paper roll. As a result, this will create a smell like fresh laundry. 

3. Use Candles and Incense 

Using candles and incense is a great way to remove the smell of dabs quickly and effectively. Lighting a candle and incense is effortless, but it’ll mask the smell of dabs by producing a nice smell. This is an excellent option if you have friends coming around who loathe the smell of weed. 

4. Buy Some Air Fresheners

Air fresheners are excellent for removing the smell of dabs. Consider plugging in an air freshener in your room during or after smoking. A great option is the gel-based air fresheners that come in a plastic case. You simply open them to start a fresh scent in the room. 

However, gel-based air fresheners aren’t always the strongest odor to cover up concentrates. If that doesn’t work, you can purchase a plug-in air freshener to pump fresh odor into your room throughout the day. 

5. Remove The Smell From Your Breath 

If you’ve been using dabs throughout the day, you might have a strong smell coming from your breath. Although people are unlikely to notice unless you’re close to them, it could make you feel self-conscious. 

Therefore, you should always brush your teeth and rinse with mouthwash after using dabs. Consider breath strips if you have any. 

6. Try Perfume or Body Spray 

Perfume or scented body spray is an excellent way to disguise the smell of weed from your clothes. After using dabs, spray a small amount of perfume or body spray to cover the smell in your room. You could always spray the perfume and body spray onto your body to hide the smell. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Dab Smoke Stain Your Walls?

In most cases, you can’t detect the smell of dabs on walls as you can with cigarette smoke, which is excellent news. However, marijuana and cigarettes can burn holes in furniture, hardwood floors, and carpeting—so be careful. 

How Do You Dab Discreetly? 

The worst way to dab is standing in a circle and passing around a dab pen in public. Instead, smoke indoors and use the tips above to hide the smell of the concentrates. Also, don’t leave the window open for too long if you dab indoors. 

Does Delta 8 THC Dabs Smell?

Like any dabs, Delta 8 dabs can smell. However, delta 8 THC—in its purest form—doesn’t have a strong smell at all. Some delta-8 THC products smell more than others though. 

Do Dab Pens or Dab Rigs Smell Stronger?

In most cases, dab rigs smell more than dab pens. So, if you wish to reduce the smell, dab pens are a better option. However, both choices produce less cannabis smell than normal cannabis flowers smoked through a joint. 

What Are The Benefits of Dabbing?

There are many benefits to buying a dab pen and starting your dabbing journey. The benefits include more control and creativity than other vaping options and they’re hotter than other vape pens, which means they can handle stronger concentrates. 

The cons of dab pens include high costs, more maintenance, and they’re less discreet because you need to hand load the device. With that said, dab pens are the best if you want the purest cannabis experience. 

How to Use a Dab Pen?

Thankfully, using a dab pen is straightforward. However, remember that all dab pens are different—so check your dab pen to be sure. Here’s a basic overview of how to use a dab pen:

1. If your dab pen needs power, start it by hitting the power button around 3 to 5 times. You can make sure the heating coil works by pressing the power button, which prevents you from wasting concentrates. 
2. Release the mouthpiece from the dab pen to reveal the heating chamber. 
3. Scoop the concentrate up with a metal tool and place it into the coil or wick. 

Using a dab pen may take some getting used to. However, it’s simple to use after a few attempts. Here’s our full guide about how to dab for the first time.

Are Dab Pens Safe?

Dab pens are safe. However, they contain a higher concentration of THC, so it’s easier to overdose on THC. Still, overdosing on THC won’t kill you. Yes, you may feel some irritating side effects, but they will subside within hours. 

In Summary 

You can’t stop dabs from creating a smell. However, you can hide the smell by using the tips in this article. Dab pens are safe, effective, and offer an incredible high.

Even though they aren’t scentless, they’re worth the investment if you’re serious about your cannabis.