If you live in a block of flats and can’t escape the smell of cannabis smoke wafting through your hallways and into your own home, you are not alone. “Apartment smell” caused by neighbours smoking weed all day is increasingly common, especially in older buildings where poor ventilation can make matters worse. This blog will walk you through why cannabis smoke travels, why it’s a challenge to control, and what practical and official steps you can take to protect your living environment and your property value.

Why Cannabis Smoke in Flats Is Hard to Avoid

Modern living means sharing air space. Cannabis smoke, much like tobacco or incense, can move easily between apartments thanks to shared ventilation systems, cracks beneath doors and even through electrical outlets. This means apartment smell isn’t simply a neighbour’s problem but becomes a community issue, especially in older blocks where air handling systems are outdated.

There’s also the growing legal status of cannabis in many regions, which means more people are likely to smoke in their homes. Still, this doesn’t give anyone licence to disrupt the comfort of those around them with persistent odours. Cannabis smoke is not only unpleasant but may raise concerns about health effects, especially in buildings housing children, the elderly, and those with breathing conditions.

How to Approach Neighbours About Cannabis Smoke

When you notice a cannabis smell drifting into your home, addressing it directly but politely with your neighbour is sometimes the simplest first step. Many people aren’t aware of how far the smell travels or how strong it can be for others. A friendly letter or conversation, preferably in person or at least via a note slipped under the door, is often a good way to begin.

• Be clear but courteous: State the problem without accusation. “I’ve noticed a strong smell of cannabis smoke in the hallway and inside my flat. It’s making things uncomfortable for me. Would you be able to look at ways to contain the smell?”
• Suggest solutions: Ask if they might consider air purifiers, keeping windows open, or smoking outside if possible.

However, remember that in older buildings, ventilation solutions are often limited. Airflows can be unpredictable, especially in multi-unit dwellings where structural gaps make it hard to stop odours from spreading.

Practical Steps to Reduce Cannabis Smoke Apartment Smell

When ventilation is beyond your neighbour’s control, you can take certain measures in your own home to lessen the impact:

1. Weatherstripping and Draft Stoppers

Add weatherstripping around your front door and any windows where air comes in from shared spaces. Place a draft stopper or rolled towel at the base of your door. These small changes can block much of the marijuana smell from entering your living space.

2. Air Purifiers and Fans

Invest in a high-quality air purifier designed to capture smoke particles and odours. Position it near the affected entrance or by any vent where the smell comes in. Using a fan to direct air out of windows can also help reduce the build-up of unpleasant apartment smells.

3. Building-Wide Solutions

If other residents share your concerns, consider organizing with your neighbours to suggest building-wide improvements. Ask the management or maintenance team to assess vent systems and look for opportunities to update or seal problem areas.

Turning to the Co-op Board or Management

Should friendly neighbourly efforts and your personal solutions fail to resolve the cannabis smoke problem, it’s time to get your building management or co-op board involved.

Reviewing the Rules

Most blocks and co-ops have rules laid out in leases or bylaws concerning nuisance behaviours. Even if there are no explicit anti-smoking policies, there is usually a nuisance clause that covers activities interfering with residents’ quiet enjoyment of their homes.

Steps to follow include:

• Check the wording in your building’s official documents regarding smoking and odours.
• Document the issue with dates and details of when the cannabis smell is noticeable.
• Speak with other neighbours to see if they are experiencing similar discomfort.
• Present your case, ideally as a group, to the managing agent or co-op board.

Advocating for Action

Boards are typically responsible for maintaining a healthy, enjoyable environment—for everyone. Left unresolved, secondhand cannabis smoke can detract from the reputation and value of the building, potentially affecting sales and resale values. Make it clear to building management that swift, practical solutions will protect both residents and the investment everyone has in the property.

Potential actions management can take include:

• Sending a building-wide reminder about respect for neighbours and minimal-impact smoking.
• Investigating complaints and ensuring rules on nuisance or odours are enforced.
• Supporting improvements in ventilation or physical barriers.

Source: The New York Times