How to Smoke Weed in Your Apartment Without Becoming 'That Neighbor'

Photo by PICHA

Whether you’re dealing with lease restrictions, just trying to keep the peace with Karen in unit 4B, or overzealous building managers, this guide has you covered.

It’s Friday night, the week has been long, and all you want to do is relax with a joint and your favorite Netflix binge. Your couch is calling, your stash is ready, but then it hits you—can you actually smoke weed in your apartment without causing a neighborhood-wide scandal? From nosy neighbors to sensitive smoke detectors to landlord rules—blazing at home can feel like navigating a minefield.

More people are asking the same question: how can I enjoy my herb at home without upsetting the delicate balance of apartment living? 

We’re about to dive into the ultimate stoner survival guide for apartment dwellers—legal rules to odor control, so you can chill responsibly without becoming “that neighbor” everyone gossips about—covering everything from legal rules to odor control. Let’s get into it.

Know the Rules

Check your lease before you go full Bob Marley in your living room. Despite that cannabis is legal for recreational use in Canada, smoking or vaping is allowed only outdoors, and landlords can ban smoking indoors. Likewise, in the U.S. states where marijuana is legal, property managers can establish their own policies, primarily in condos or townhouses.

For the most part, public consumption is prohibited, so your apartment may seem like the most natural choice – but violating your lease could result in a less-than-chill eviction notice. If you’re unsure of the rules, it never hurts to check with your landlord or the building manager.

Smoke, Vape, or Edibles?

Inside, you have options when it comes to using cannabis. The OG method is traditional joints and blunts, but let’s be real—they’re also the smelliest. That rich, earthy aroma we all love? It sticks to your walls, your carpet, and your neighbor’s nose when they are overly sensitive to smell.

Vaping is a lower-profile option. A few years ago, dry herb vaporizers were not as popular as they are now, and they didn’t produce as much odor, and they didn’t turn anything into smoke. 

If you want to go totally stealthy, then edibles are your best friend. You can make space cookies or gummies and enjoy a high without the smell—or, you know, the smoke alarms going off at the worst possible moment.

Even if you are sticking with a vape or edibles, some smell is inevitable. The trusty sploof steps in. (A DIY version (a toilet paper roll stuffed with dryer sheets) works in a pinch, but you can also buy professional-grade smoke filters online for peak discretion.)

Just open your windows, turn on your fans, and light a candle or incense to cover up lingering odors. If you have a good air purifier, that’s a bonus — it’s like a Febreze on steroids for your living space.

Smoking weed in your apartment can be a vibe, but it comes with its own set of challenges. By following the rules, keeping the smell contained, and respecting your neighbors, you can enjoy your cannabis without turning your apartment into a drama-filled scene.