Mitigate Cannabis Smoke

As of October 17, 2018, cannabis is legal to smoke recreationally in Canada, which means there are a lot of changes in the pipeline for condo boards, homeowners, renters and property managers. Cannabis can be smoked anywhere that tobacco can legally be smoked. This includes private condos and apartments where smoking is allowed.

In many cases, people are also smoking or consuming cannabis for medical reasons. At the same time, some condo owners or renters are allergic to cannabis, or simply to do not like the smell. This can make juggling human rights a little complicated for property managers and condo boards. Knowing what options are available can help you make the right choice.

Your Decision Counts: Keep Everyone Happy

Cannabis smoke is a lot like other odours that spread through a building. From the aromas of cooking food to cigarette smoke, odours should typically stay where they are produced to increase tenant happiness. A quick and seemingly simple solution for condo boards and property managers can be to ban smoking in units

However, you will still be required by law to accommodate those who smoke cannabis for medical reasons. Figuring out why cannabis smoke – or any other odours – is spreading through the building will help you mitigate the potential issue. This way, the owner or renter can smoke or vape in peace, while not upsetting any neighbours.

Mitigating the Spread of Cannabis Smoke

There are many ways that cannabis smoke can spread through a building. Unfortunately for most, these pathways are hidden from the human eye. You can see the primary source – doors, windows, electrical sockets, air vents and windows – but you might be surprised how much smoke and odours these passageways actually allow through them. Our Registered Energy Advisors provide you with a clear view of how these air leakage pathways impact the air quality in units and neighbouring units.

This is done through an airtightness test. We change the air pressure in the unit, which forces air to be sucked in through these hidden pathways. Using a thermographic imaging camera, we can visually show you the unconditioned air being sucked into the unit from outside and neighbouring units. Along with that air are allergens and other odours – including cannabis smoke.

After finding all of the physical air leakage pathways, we turn to the numbers. From the results of the airtightness test, we measure air changes per hour and the Equivalent Air Leakage Area (this is the size of all the holes combined). From these measurements, we help you know how much money will be saved on energy bills and how much comfort can be increased.

Compartmentalizing Cannabis Smoke

The next step after performing the airtightness test is air sealing. This is often referred to as compartmentalization, or compartmentation. It involves sealing all of the holes found by our Registered Energy Advisors. A professional air sealing contractor, such as Great Northern Insulation, can effectively close any air leakage pathways. Owners and renters can relax knowing that the air quality of their unit has been improved, and that they are at less risk to be exposed to (or let out) cannabis smoke.

This does more than just reduce the spread of cannabis smoke.

Don’t Forget These Added Benefits:

• Reduce the spread of odours from other sources (not just cannabis)
• Increase the comfort of the residents through improved HVAC performance
• Lower energy bills for the condo board, owners and renters
• Improve indoor air quality for a healthier place to live
• Mitigate outdoor allergens and odours from entering through windows and doors

Our Registered Energy Advisors can help you find win-win solutions for any situation that involves cannabis smoke. Our complete building diagnostics can help you improve even more. Make sure everyone is safe, healthy and happy. Contact us today.