Will cannabis vapor result in a rental fine?
Dear Jane, I live in an apartment, and they are very strict about not smoking inside. I know that’s pretty common, but because they’re so strict, I’m nervous to vape too. My understanding is that the smell from vapor doesn’t stick, but is that the case for cannabis vapor too? I don’t feel comfortable vaping outside, so I’d really like to be able to do it in the safety of the indoors. But are the property managers going to be able to tell and charge me a whole bunch of money when I move out? Sincerely —Cliff Spliff ______________________________________________________________________
Dear Cliff,
These sound a lot like hotel room guidelines. There are “strict” rules, but I think that those are mainly in place for the blatant reefer tokers. You know the ones. No one wants to rent an apartment, or a hotel room, that smells like an actual ashtray.
This is where vaping really does come in handy. It delivers a convenient high, without the pungent odor. You will smell the vapor, but it will be milder and it won't last. Some people feel like it smells the same as vaping a nicotine concentrate, but there is a definite difference to me. Whatever your nose smells though, it won't smell it for long.
Heads up, a vape CAN set off a hotel smoke alarm. *cough* Not that I know from experience… Just kidding. It was me. I did it. I lied to hotel maintenance and said that it had just started going off and that I had no idea why. Honestly, if I was ever going to get charged for smoking in a hotel room, that would’ve been it. Fortunately, I was spared the $250 fine.
Hotel smoke detectors are usually far more sensitive than those in apartments, so unless you’re really huffing and puffing, this probably isn’t a concern. Still, it’s something to keep in mind, and it doesn’t hurt to have your cooking-got-out-of-hand story ready to go.
But regarding the smell of the vapor, let me give you a reference point. I am some degree of stoned approximately 95–100% of the time, and since my pen is my primary source, there’s a vapor cloud in my house for a pretty good portion of the day, even when I’m out for some of it. In the few windows when I’m not smoking or have just gotten home, I don’t smell a thing and no one else seems to either. Well, that’s not entirely true. I do live with two kids and a husband who farts without reserve. But the point is, any possible cannabis smell isn’t strong enough to get through and stick.
So no, I don’t think that there is going to be a long-lasting residual odor in the apartment—especially from the occasional hit—but better safe than sorry. If you’re still nervous about vaping in the apartment, but not comfortable doing it outside, open a window and blow it out.
It’s also likely that once you start vaping, you won’t be so nervous about it.
Hope you don’t get busted,
Jane Blunt
