Smokers, whether it’s tobacco or marijuana, all face the same problem. What to do with the smell. It lingers long after you’ve stubbed out your cigarette, cigar, pipe, or blunt.
Weed is still taboo in many places, so it may also cause some friction between you and your neighbors. This tension gets in the way of enjoying your soothing session.
Besides, when the smoke gets onto your clothing, upholstery, and carpeting, it may require expensive expert cleaning. This is why you need an air purifier customized for weed users.
At a Glance: Our Top Picks for Air Purifiiers For Weed Smoke
- OUR TOP PICK: RabbitAir BioGS 2.0
- RUNNER-UP: Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: LEVOIT LV-PUR131
Comparison of the Best Air Purifiers For Weed Smoke
| IMAGE | PRODUCT | |
|---|---|---|
OUR TOP PICK  |
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 |
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
BEST BUDGET OPTION  |
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 |
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 |
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
 |
| VIEW LATEST PRICE → |
How to Choose an Air Purifier to Target Weed Smoke
Eliminating marijuana particulates requires weed-specific technology. Regular air purifiers don’t have the mettle to handle residual THC and CBD. So what features should you look out for to ensure all traces of weed are gone?
Type of Filter
The smelliest particulates in weed smoke are between 2.5 and 0.03 microns in size. True HEPA filters are effective against these micro-particles, getting rid of 99.97% of all contaminants. HEPA filters have extremely fine fibers and some of the larger foreign bodies in the air can clog your filter (like dust or pet dander). So make sure your HEPA filter is coupled with a pre-filter to minimize the chances of clogging.
Check and vacuum the pre-filter regularly to remove larger bits of visible dirt. You can get a washable pre-filter to make the process easier. Check the filter’s size too. A larger filtration surface area will last longer and filter faster. Every square inch works simultaneously to trap dirt, making the filter harder to clog, and letting it stretch further before it needs replacement.
Activated Carbon
When paired with a HEPA filter, activated carbon (sometimes referred to as an odorizer) is the sweet spot for air purification. As the HEPA filter removes larger impurities from the air, activated carbon works on microscopic scent particles, especially combustible gases and volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Activated carbon has the ability to adsorb contaminant smells. No, that’s not a typo – adsorption is a type of absorption specifically for gases and fine liquids. One gram of carbon will adsorb about 3,000 square meters of gas, so find a purifier with larger filtration sizes, both for HEPA and activated charcoal.
Additional Pre-Filter
On some devices, activated carbon serves as a pre-filter. On others, the carbon layer is further inside the purifier, so you want a different pre-filter on the outer surface. These sift out larger bits of dirt, like pollen, pet hair, dust, and even smoke. For smokers – weed or nicotine – ensure the pre-filter is capable of removing tar.
Tar is the most harmful element in second-hand smoke. So, this type of filter will protect the non-smokers in your space. Tar is also notorious for clogging your filtration membranes, so by using a pre-filter, you extend the lifespan and efficiency of your purifier. The more (pre)filters your purifier has, the less often they need replacement.
Airflow
In comparison to cigarettes or cigars, weed smoke is light. But its odor is more problematic on fabrics and carpeting. This is why you need a strong fan with multiple speed settings.
Weed is often a communal event, so you want the ability to regulate your fan’s output, depending on your frequency of smoking and the number of people taking part. If your purifier has a smart sensor to detect weed smoke, even better. That way, you can set up purification times to coincide with smoking sessions.
Review of the Best Air Purifiers For Weed Smoke
Even with all these factors, it can still be tricky picking the right purifier. Manufacturers sometimes use puzzling jargon, which we’ll help you simplify. We’ve also curated a list to get you started. Here are our best picks:
Best Overall
RabbitAir BioGS 2.0
Specifications
Decibel Level: 48.6
# of Fan Speed Options: N/A
Coverage Area: 550 (sq ft or cubic feet)
Dimensions: 16.6 x 9.8 x 22.2
Weight: 16.8 pounds
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
Review
This is the best-rated overall air filter with good reason. To start with, it has a four-stage purification process that works tremendously well. The pre-filter cuts off larger particles such as pet hair, dust, and dust mites before they can clog the HEPA filter. It works on particles as small as 0.03 microns, getting rid of allergens, viruses, mold, and fungi.
The third stage is an activated carbon filter which removes odors, smoke, and common household chemicals from the air. Finally, it has an ion generator, which makes dirt particles sink to the floor. There, the dirt can easily be vacuumed, instead of being inhaled accidentally. The ion generator can be turned off when not in use.
There’s a filter light that reminds you when it’s time to clean or replace your filters. It comes with a smart, energy efficient design, meaning the interface lights and displays disappear when the unit is not in use. The RabbitAir BioGS 2.0 is also ENERGY STAR certified, so it uses up minimal power, which lowers your light bill.
If you smoke regularly (more than once a day), keep your purifier in auto-mode. Anytime you light up, your purifier will sense the impurities in the air and correct them. All these features are packaged in a futuristic, appealing design that looks more like a robot than an air filter. It works in large rooms, purifying the air in spaces up to 550 square feet.
Bottom Line
Based purely on the functionality and the effectiveness of the RabbitAir BioGS 2.0 Air Purifier, this is the best device for clearing marijuana smoke and related odor.
Pros
Energy Efficient
High-Grade True HEPA Filter
Very Quiet When in Operation
Air Quality Indicators and Sensors
Well-Priced for a Large Room Purifier
Cons
The Single Button Control Takes Some Time to Get Used to
Runner-up
Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
# of Fan Speed Options: 4
Coverage Area: 1100 (sq ft or cubic feet)
Dimensions: 10 x 17.75 x 26.75
Weight: 21 pounds
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
Review
This is one of the most powerful air purifiers for its size and price point. It’s capable of working in spaces of up to 1,100 square feet, making it ideal for large rooms, basements, and even conference rooms. It doesn’t come with a True HEPA filter, but it does have modified HEPA filters that integrate into a three-stage cleaning system.
These modified HEPAs have three levels to choose from. One of these is HEPA-pure, which is the standard filter for Alen BreatheSmart products. It’s capable of filtering 99% of pollutants, including particles as small as 0.03 microns. Next comes the HEPA-Fresh filter, with activated carbon for household odors like cooking smells and light smoke.
Third, is the HEPA-Silver, which is at a higher price point compared to its ‘younger HEPA siblings’. It has anti-microbial silver-ion threads that prevent the growth of bacteria and mold spores. Finally, the HEPA-OdoeCell is the premium option. It comes with proprietary Molecular Conversion Powder (MCP) that’s capable of destroying odors at a molecular level! It runs quietly, which makes it suitable for the bedroom.
The Alen BreatheSmart Classic Air Purifier has a pre-filter to help extend the life of its core HEPA filter. You’re likely to go a few months before you need to replace the filter, which is helpful because filter replacements can be expensive. All this purifying goodness is packaged in a practical design that resembles typical AC units.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for an air filter that works perfectly for large rooms, this is the unit to get. Its customizable panels and the filters are a nice touch. It also has an air quality indicator with a highly sensitive sensor that accurately gauges the air in your home.
Pros
Strong and Durable Design
Ultra-Quiet Even During Operation
ENERGY STAR Rated for Efficiency
Customizable Color Options for the Device
Works in Large Rooms and Even Basements
Cons
Does Not Have a True HEPA Filter
Highly Sensitive Sensor that Sometimes Detects Moisture as a Pollutant
Best for the Money
LEVOIT LV-PUR131
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
# of Fan Speed Options: 3
Coverage Area: 360 (sq ft or cubic feet)
Dimensions: 14.5 x 7.2 x 18.5
Weight: N/A
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
Review
When it comes to the fine line between price and functionality, the LEVOIT LV-PUR131 straddles perfectly. The filtration process starts with the pre-filter, which takes care of larger airborne particles.
The pre-filter isn’t washable; it can only be cleaned with a vacuum. The True HEPA filter destroys smaller particles up to 0.03 microns in size, and the activated carbon takes care of smoke and odors from weed, pet litter, and household cleaning products.
This purifier also has different smart settings, like smart auto mode. It uses a sensor to check and indicate the quality of the air in the room, then automatically suggests the best fan speed. Sleep mode is another option. It puts the unit into its lowest setting, drastically reducing fan noise to a soothing 27dB, and pairs with an auto shutoff timer.
The LEVOIT LV-PUR131 has ENERGY STAR certification and is approved by the FCC and CARB after undergoing rigorous testing. The design is pleasant enough and the build quality is admirable. These filters must be changed every six months, but they’re cheaper than their competitors’ replacement filters.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a well-priced air purifier that’s easy to maintain and can be used while you sleep, this is the unit for you. Don’t forget to remove the plastic covering from your filters before using the device. The one-year warranty isn’t particularly impressive, although there’s an option to extend it, and they provide a lifetime of customer service.
Pros
Relatively Well-Priced
Durable Well-Built Body
Comes with a True HEPA filter
Relatively Quiet When in Operation
Cons
Once Installed, it’s Hard to Move Elsewhere
Motor Starts to Overheat After the First Year of Use
Subcat Banner
Rabbit Air MinusA2
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
# of Fan Speed Options: N/A
Coverage Area: 700 (sq ft or cubic feet)
Dimensions: 24.02 x 22.64 x 9.84
Weight: 24.2 pounds
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
Review
The first thing you notice about the Rabbit Air MinusA2 air purifier is its sleek design and build. Being about the size of a small chess board, this filter can either be mounted on the wall or installed as a stand-alone unit. You can even customize its panels with templates from their “Artist Series”. These panels convert your air filtration unit into a framed piece of art. Customization does raise the cost of the unit by about $20.
The biggest selling point of the Rabbit Air MinusA2 is its six-stage purification process. It starts off with a pre-filter, which is designed to work on large particles like lint and hair. Then comes the medium filter, which works on anything larger than a micron (pet dander, pollen, and mold spores). The third stage is the BioGS True HEPA filter, which removes 99.97% of impurities up to 0.03 microns.
The fourth stage is the customized filter. Here, you have a choice between the germ defense filter and the toxin absorber filter. Germ defense traps and prevents the growth of bacteria, mold spores, and viruses. It’s ideal for users with compromised immunity. On the other hand, toxin absorption filters are designed to trap VOCs (gases from certain liquids and solids), reducing their effect.
Other customizable filtration modes include pet allergy for allergens, and odor removal, that dispels smells from cooking, household chemicals, mildew, and smoke. After the customized filter comes high-quality, granular activated charcoal for odors, and finally, the negative ion generator. It sends oxygen atoms, which are negatively charged, into the air to attract and weigh down impurities, allowing your filters to trap them more efficiently.
This unit doesn’t produce ozone. Its controls are easy to see and use. They even come with a remote controller. There are five fan speeds, ranging between silent and turbo. At the lowest setting, it’s virtually silent, hence its name. Smart mode allows you to choose between auto and pollen. Auto adjusts fan speeds based on light levels and air quality. It also shuts itself off when it gets dark, allowing you to sleep. Pollen mode – on the other hand – relies purely on air quality readings.
Bottom Line
This is an air purifier that’s laden with useful features. Its price is premium, but with its 700 square foot coverage and six-stage purification, it’s definitely worth it.
Pros
Customized Filter Choices
Accurate Automatic Settings
Ultra-Quiet Even When in Operation
Easy-to-Read Display With User-Friendly Controls
Cons
It’s Expensive to Purchase Initially, and Replacing the Filters is Pricey as Well
Subcat Banner
GermGuardian AC4825
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
# of Fan Speed Options: N/A
Coverage Area: 743 (sq ft or cubic feet)
Dimensions: 10.25 x 6.75 x 21.5
Weight: 8.55 pounds
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
Review
This is the only air purifier so far without smart features. It’s also one of the cheapest purifiers for weed smoke. It comes as a 22-inch tower and even with smart functionality missing, the build quality is good and it feels sturdy. It uses the classic airflow system from GermGuardian, where the air comes in through an intake grill at the back and out through an output grill at the front. This design increases fan efficiency.
The filtration process utilizes a pre-filter for hair, dust mites, and any other pollutants larger than a micron. It also reduces smoke and odors from pet litter and cooking smells. The True HEPA filter removes everything else – including particles as small as 0.03 microns – with a 99% certainty. Lastly, there’s a five watt UV-C light bulb that eliminates bacteria, mold spores, and viruses.
The GermGuardian AC4825 is capable of cleaning small rooms up to 167 square feet, which makes it ideal for bedrooms, kitchens, and offices. Thanks to its small size and three-speed fan, this unit is quieter than many modern devices. It’s still pretty loud – 40dB at its lowest setting. That’s tough to sleep through.
Bottom Line
If you’re looking for a purifier that simply does the job it’s designed for – no bells and whistles – this is it. It’s relatively cheap but does come with an annoying plastic smell which takes a few days to dissipate after installation.
Pros
3-Stage Purification Process
Modest 60-Watt Power Consumption
Filter Cleaning and Replacement Indicator
Small, Compact Design with Good Build-Quality
Great Performance With the UV-C Light and the HEPA Filter
Cons
Lacks Smart Features
Quite Noisy at its Highest Fan Setting
Editor’s Pick
Hathaspace HSP001
Specifications
Decibel Level: N/A
# of Fan Speed Options: N/A
Coverage Area: 700 (sq ft or cubic feet)
Dimensions: 7 x 13.5 x 19.5
Weight: 12 pounds
We may earn commission from purchases made from our links, at no additional cost to you
What Recent Buyers Report
Many customers indicate how well the unit performs to remove air pollutants, specifically from any lingering smoke. There were some valuable lessons for new buyers, such as how often to replace the carbon filters. A few reviewers expressed how pleased they were with how quickly the unit cleans the air.
Why it Stands Out to Us
The first element that stands out for us is the five-in-one purification system. The cold catalyst filter removes harmful gases and VOCs, while the cellular-activated carbon layer absorbs the weed smoke and other odors. These sections precede the HEPA pre-filter and true HEPA layer. Finally, the ionizer does one last clean when the air exits the purifier.
There are three light indicators. When you light up a smoke, it will change to red before becoming yellow to display the cleaning process. The unit will only become green again once you’re done and has completely removed the odor. The more pungent the smell detected by the sensor, the harder the purifier goes to work.
Bottom Line
You’ll love the design of this purifier and how well it removes your weed smoke. If you don’t feel like getting up, feel free to use the remote control from the comfort of your chair.
Pros
Four-in-one HEPA filter
Remote control for easy operation
Anion generator for stubborn odors
Unique honeycomb filter with activated carbon
Quality pollutant sensor that adjusts fan speeds
Cons
Basic instructions without extensive details
Slight chemical scent in the first few weeks
Weed Smoke 101 – What You Need to Know
The first thing you notice when you smoke a joint or bong is the dominant tones of the parent strain. Indica-heavy blends smell different from Sativa-heavy blends. Some strains have a fruity scent, while others have an earthy aroma with hints of herbaceous musk. Lighting up distorts the smell of your weed, giving it a heavy skunky smell that’s harsher on your nose.
There are certain things you can do to minimize the smell of marijuana on your body, clothes, and home. They include:
- Using an Air Purifier that’s Effective Against Marijuana Smoke
- Smoking in a Well-Ventilated Room
- Wearing a Smoking Jacket (or Designated Older Clothing on Top of Your Regular Outfit) They’ll Absorb the Brunt of the Smell
- Smoking With a Sploof (a Container You Exhale Into – it Keeps the Smell From Spreading to the Rest of the Room)
- Tying up Your Hair While You Smoke, Especially if it’s Long. Otherwise, Your Hair Will Absorb the Smell, and it’ll Be Tough to Get Out
- Cleaning Up After Smoking. This Includes Washing Your Hands, Eating a Mint, and/or Using Cologne or Perfume to Partially Mask the Smell
How Does an Air Purifier Work?
Air purifiers work through sanitizing the air instead of merely removing pollutants or adding extra chemicals. Humidifiers and diffusers perform the latter task, pushing particles into the air to make it smell better. Purifiers actively use several filter layers to absorb the weed odors while also cleansing the expelled air.
You can also select the purifier type depending on the function you want it to perform. While most have filters that trap odors and particles as they float through, you can find others that can sanitize the air without these layers. Some units also have ionizers that draw in positive ions by emitting negative ones, thereby neutralizing the air.
What Makes an Air Purifier Great for Weed Smoke?
While air purifiers are excellent at removing air pollutants, there are a few reasons it specifically works well for weed smoke. Let’s take a look at them.
Odor Removal
The one aspect your visitors won’t like about weed smoke is the smell. Air purifiers don’t merely remove harmful gases but also cleanse the air from annoying scents. Therefore, you can light up a joint without worrying about any lingering odor in the aftermath.
Activated Carbon Filter
While air purifiers may have numerous filters, the one that matters to weed smokers is the activated carbon one. It has charcoal and crevices that eliminate smells and VOCs through adsorption. However, you should replace this layer when you discover that the purifier no longer helps with the scent.
Sensory Response
The last thing you want is to switch a purifier on and off every time you smoke. Fortunately, the device detects odors and pollutants in the air, reacting by increasing the fan speed until it’s clean again. Most units also have light indicators with various colors representing the stage of performance.
Protects Other Objects
Smoking weed doesn’t merely affect the air you breathe, but the smell can attach to clothes and other items in the area. Since the purifier draws the odor in and contains it in the filter, you don’t have to worry about picking up your favorite shirt and letting that intense stench catch you by surprise.
Aspects to Consider Before Buying
Before you purchase one of the best air purifiers for weed smoke we’ve recommended, there are a few elements you should assess.
CADR Rating
This term refers to the Clean Air Delivery Rate. Much like ceiling fans that measure airflow in cubic feet per minute (CFM), purifiers use the same annotation for the CADR. The ultimate performance for any smoke type is 450 CFM.
Weight and Size
Since you won’t be smoking in one location in your home, purchasing several purifiers might not be the best solution. Owning a portable unit that’s easy to install is preferable, so ensure it’s not too bulky. You don’t want to pull a muscle in your smoking arm.
Coverage
When you evaluate the CADR of a purifier, keep in mind the room size and that the unit can cover such a large area.
Furthermore, check the air changes per hour (ACPH) in the specifications. If this measurement is low, the device will work harder to remove odors. You should aim for five to six ACPH. You may also refer to calculator for computation.
Adjustable Settings
You may want to play with a few settings, but not all air purifiers have this option. For instance, maybe you want to manually adjust the fan speed instead of letting the sensor do the work. Another option is setting a timer when you leave the house or go to sleep to cut down on the utility costs.
Air Purifier vs Marijuana Smoke – Comparison Overview
Do you really need an air purifier in your home? Should you live with the weed smoke, or is it better to obtain a purifier to clear the air? Let’s have a look at some aspects.
Health Benefits
Many experts worldwide have toted tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) health benefits, which is beyond this article’s scope. What’s often not mentioned is that the smoke can have harmful effects on you. The best way to protect yourself while getting high on marijuana is through an air purifier for a cleaner, healthier air.
Pollutants
If you’re an asthmatic, you’re aware that dust and pollen can be dangerous particle pollutants that affect your health daily. While purifiers cater to these, it also deals with the gaseous pollutants caused by weed smoke.
Some of the VOC toxins include carbon monoxide, benzene, nitrogen oxides, and formaldehyde. On the other hand, a few purifiers have ionizers that introduce ozone into the air, which can also negatively affect your health as it will irritate your lungs.
Unwelcome Odor
Weed isn’t the only cause of unpleasant odors in the room. New purifiers may have a chemical scent for the first few weeks as the filters and ionizers kick in to start performing the task of cleaning the air. Furthermore, if you don’t clean the carbon filter, the VOCs build-up, producing a foul smell.
Benefits of Investing in a Great Air Purifier for Weed Smoke
As someone that’s 420-friendly, there are several incentives to get a quality air purifier for weed smoke. These include:
Provides Cleaner Air
Purifiers remove harmful pollutants such as bacteria and mold, which cause various ailments. They also remove Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) from the air. These have been linked to long-term medical effects, including some cancers.
Takes Care of Odor
Activated charcoal filters inside these purifiers remove weed smoke and other unwanted smells from the air. If you smoke often, your home stays smelly longer, because it gets into your clothes, fabrics, and upholstery.
Investing in an air filter eliminates this problem by removing the odor as it is introduced. An air purifier with smart features actually lets you customize a purification schedule.
Some even come with an auto feature. It detects a reduction in air quality and starts the purification process automatically.
Relieves Breathing Problems
Air purifiers are great for people with respiratory issues, especially children and the elderly. Some purifiers, like the Rabbit Air MinusA2, allow you to get a customized filter for people with weakened immunities, such as patients undergoing chemo.
In general, purifiers remove allergens and irritants such as mold spores, dust, dust mites, and most importantly, smoke, and pollen.
How to Filter Weed Smoke
There’s nothing wrong with enjoying a good spliff, as long as you can protect yourself from the harmful smoke. Here are a few measures you can take to reduce weed smoke around your home.
1. Ensure You Have the Right Filters
While activated carbon is excellent for eliminating VOCs and odors, HEPA layers assist with the gaseous pollutants. It helps if there’s a pre-HEPA filter to break it down further.
2. Check the Intake Location
If you want optimal performance, assess if the purifier’s intake is in the right area compared to where you’re smoking. You don’t want any objects blocking it from doing its job.
3. Reduce the Paper
The more material you use to roll your joint, the more excess smoke there will be lingering in the air. The paper doesn’t contain any THC, so keep this to a minimum.
4. Keep it Clean
Although purifiers do their best to remove weed smoke, some of it may still fall on your clothes, floor, and bedding. You should continue to wash these regularly to remove the odors or gas particles attached to them.
Conclusion
Smoking weed can present a fantastic time with friends or destress, but there are also side effects that you should be aware of relating to gaseous pollutants.
Fortunately, any of the best air purifiers we’ve recommended can help with these while also removing foul odors.
As a marijuana user, an air purifier should be a staple in your home. It gets rid of that tell-tale weedy odor before it sticks to anything in the house, or wafts over to the neighbor’s and causes disputes. This, plus all its additional benefits, will leave your home healthier and your dear ones happier.
People Also Ask
You may have a few questions relating to our article. Here are some of the FAQs we received from our readers.
Yes, they do. Not only does it prevent the harmful effects of weed smoke, but it also removes the smell.
Purifiers usually have several components to assist with purification. Of these, the activated carbon filter captures VOCs and odors through adsorption, while the HEPA layer eliminates gas pollutants.
The carbon filter in a purifier performs this task for you. It captures the VOCs and odors, removing them from the air. However, you should replace it regularly depending on how often you smoke.
The purifier cost depends on the features, size, and brand. If you look at any of our recommended products, you could pay between $150 and $800.
