Understanding Why Sweat Might Smell Like Marijuana
It can be unpleasant and embarrassing when your sweat gives off a noticeable marijuana-like odor. While sweating is a normal bodily function, having cannabis-scented perspiration can be socially awkward and problematic in certain situations.
What Causes Weed-Scented Sweat?
In most cases, the main cause of marijuana-like body odor comes from THC that has been stored in your body fat cells. THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, is the psychoactive component in cannabis that gives marijuana its distinctive scent and effects.
When you consume marijuana through smoking, vaping, or eating edibles, residual THC gets released from fat storage back into your bloodstream and excreted through sweat gland secretion. This gives sweat an herbal, skunky odor that can be hard to cover up.
Risk Factors for Weed Stench
Those more likely to deal with cannabis-scented sweat include:
- Frequent or heavy marijuana users
- People with fast metabolisms that burn fat quicker
- Physically active individuals who sweat more
- Overweight or obese individuals carrying more fat stores
Tips to Reduce and Prevent Weed Scented Sweat
Cut Back Your Cannabis Consumption
The most direct way to prevent sweat from smelling like marijuana is to stop or cut back your usage of cannabis products. Abstaining completely guarantees no more unpleasant odors emerging from your pores during workouts or times of stress.
If quitting marijuana isn’t desirable, try cutting back to moderate, occasional usage instead of daily or heavy dosing. This gives your body more time to fully metabolize and excrete excess THC between sessions.
Stay Hydrated and Encourage Sweating
Drinking plenty of water can help dilute odors by increasing sweat production and flushing out your system. Light exercise, saunas, or hot baths also help open pores and purge contaminated sweat already lingering under your skin.
However, avoid heavy workouts right before important meetings or interviews when smelling your best matters. The flood of weed-infused perspiration released could overwhelm any masking fragrances.
Use Antiperspirants and Deodorants Strategically
Clinical strength antiperspirants with aluminum chloride can temporarily block sweat glands and reduce moisture. Just take care not to completely inhibit sweating long term, as some release is important.
Deodorants can also camouflage undesired scents. Apply them liberally before bed so they have time to sink in and neutralize odors emerging the next day.
Home Remedies to Cover Up or Neutralize Weed Smells
Apple Cider and White Vinegar Rinses
Both apple cider vinegar and white vinegar can help correct skin pH levels linked to body odor. They also kill odor-causing bacteria for fresher scent.
For armpits, soak a cotton ball with undiluted vinegar and apply before bed. For whole body washes, add 1 cup vinegar to bath water and soak for 15 minutes.
Lemon and Baking Soda
create a paste of lemon juice and baking soda and use daily as an underarm deodorant. The baking soda neutralizes odors as the lemon juice kills bacteria and brightens skin.
You can also add lemons to your bath water or squeeze lemon over sweat-prone areas after toweling off. This helps control scent naturally without harsh chemicals.
Activated Charcoal
Activated charcoal pulls odors out of skin and absorbs excess moisture. Take charcoal capsules daily to reduce internal smells emerging through sweat and urine.
You can also make a purifying charcoal body scrub by mixing powdered activated charcoal with coconut oil. Use several times a week before showering to draw odors from skin.
Lifestyle Changes to Reduce Marijuana Odors
Pay Attention to Diet
A poor diet high in alcohol, caffeine, processed foods and sugar can worsen body odors. Shift focus to eating more fruits and vegetables to encourage sweating out toxins.
Staying hydrated, avoiding spicy cuisine before big meetings, and limiting red meat intake can also improve scent.
Improve Gut Health
An imbalance of healthy gut flora allows odor-causing bacteria to flourish internally. Taking probiotic supplements helps repopulate your digestive system with beneficial microbes that help you smell fresher.
Practice Good Hygiene Habits
Changing clothes, wearing breathable fabrics, and showering right after exercise all help control odors. Keeping skin clean and dry, using moisture-wicking fabrics during workouts, avoiding too much cologne, and wearing clean socks and shoes daily also reduces smells.
When to Seek Medical Care
While the marijuana stench in sweat is primarily cosmetic, if it starts significantly impacting your quality of life, relationships or work, consult your doctor or dermatologist. They may adjust medications impacting perspiration, test thyroid function, examine gut issues, or provide prescription strength odor remedies not available over-the-counter.
In rare cases, persistent severe body odor can indicate liver disease or other serious health problems that require investigation. So don’t hesitate to seek medical care if lifestyle measures and home treatments fail to help.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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