Understanding Cannabis Odor

The unmistakable scent of cannabis from grow facilities has become a source of nuisance for nearby communities, posing a challenge for nearby residents. The aroma of cannabis can vary widely depending on various factors such as the strain, growing conditions, and processing methods. Generally, cannabis possesses a distinctive scent that is often described as earthy, skunky, and sometimes sweet or floral. Additionally, factors such as curing, and storage methods can influence the intensity and complexity of the scent. This unpleasant scent is a complex mix of compounds, primarily terpenes, which create its distinctive odor. As the cannabis industry continues to grow, so does the need to manage and mitigate these concerns.

The Legal Implications

Laws regarding cannabis production odor vary depending on the jurisdiction. In regions where cannabis cultivation is legal, authorities often impose strict regulations to manage odor emissions from grow facilities. These regulations vary depending on the jurisdiction and local laws, but some common measures and guidelines include:

1. Odor Control Technology: Grow facilities may be required to install and maintain odor control technology, such as ventilation systems equipped with carbon filters or scrubbers. These systems help to capture and neutralize odorous compounds before they are released into the surrounding environment.
2. Air Filtration: Employing high-quality air filtration systems within the facility can help to trap odors and prevent them from escaping into the air. This often involves the use of HEPA filters or activated carbon filters.
3. Compliance Monitoring: Grow facilities may be subject to regular inspections and compliance checks by regulatory authorities to ensure that odor control measures are being properly implemented and maintained.

Failing to comply with odor regulations can have serious consequences for grow facilities, ranging from financial penalties to reputational damage and even closure of operations.

PureAir®’s Solution

PureAir®’s Side Access Housing (SAH) and Package Filter Unit (PFU) can be outfitted with premium VOCsorb Blend media to target terpenes and other cannabis odors. (Items pictured from left to right)

PureAir®’s commitment to delivering comprehensive and versatile odor control solutions includes the cannabis industry. PureAir®’s highly customizable units are tailored to combat the release of terpenes and other gases released during cannabis cultivation.

Among these offerings are the Side Access Housing (SAH) and the Packaged Filter Unit (PFU), both outfitted with premium adsorbent media engineered to capture and neutralize odor-causing compounds, ensuring the maintenance of odor-free environments within grow facilities.

The Side Access Housing (SAH) is a compact yet potent horizontal airflow filtration system, delivering consistent high-efficiency air purification across a broad spectrum of air volumes, from 500 to 32,000 CFM. Meanwhile, the Packaged Filter Unit (PFU) emerges as a robust and space-saving vertical airflow system boasting exceptional filtration efficiency for airflows ranging from 500 to 3,000 CFM. Both the SAH and PFU are low-maintenance, highly adaptable solutions suitable for diverse applications, including commercial and industrial odor control, with a particular focus on cannabis cultivation facilities.

The key to PureAir®’s solution is its VOCsorb Blend media specifically created to target the volatile organic compounds (VOCs) prevalent in cannabis odors, notably terpenes. This specialized media can be seamlessly integrated into competitor units, alongside PureAir® systems, to optimize odor mitigation performance.