Indoors or Out? – Where Do You Prefer?

Liz Filmer
02 Apr 2025

Smoking cannabis outdoors or indoors can offer different experiences, each with its advantages and disadvantages. While outdoor smoking offers a greater connection to nature and cleaner air, indoor smoking provides more privacy and comfort, what do you prefer?


Outdoors

Fresh Air: The smoke dissipates quickly outdoors, which means less secondhand smoke and the ability to breathe fresh air between puffs. Plus, you don’t have to worry about smelling something at home – nature takes care of the smell on its own.

Natural atmosphere: Whether in the woods, on the beach or in the city, the outdoors can add visual and sensory value to your experience. Are you smoking on a mountaintop at sunset? Or are you watching the city’s nightlife from a park bench? There’s something magical about those moments.

Social aspect: Smoking outdoors often attracts groups of friends, which can be a great opportunity to socialise. Sharing a joint or vaporizer can be a surprisingly bonding experience – from philosophical debates to fits of laughter at the most ridiculous things.

Cons:

Visibility: If you don’t want to be seen, smoking in public can be a problem. Not everyone is a fan of cannabis, so you could end up getting judgmental looks from passersby – or worse, unwanted attention from the police.

Legal risks: Even in countries or states where cannabis is legal, its use in public may be prohibited. And if you live somewhere where legalization has not yet arrived, you risk a fine or even arrest.

Unpredictable situations: Not every passerby or fellow smoker is the ideal company. Unpleasant situations can arise - for example, someone comes uninvited, which can spoil the atmosphere of the entire group.

Indoors

Privacy: Smoking at home or a friend's house provides peace and safety from the law or prying eyes. You don't have to hide around the corner or look for a place where no one will see you - you can simply light up where you like.

Convenience: You have everything at hand - from the couch to the music to the fridge full of snacks in case of "munchies". And what about the possibility of playing your favourite movie or playlist? Home comfort is simply irreplaceable.

Environmental control: You can create the ideal atmosphere indoors according to your taste. Dim lighting, aromatherapy or maybe a board game with friends - these are all things that are difficult to arrange outside.

Secondhand smoke: Smoke accumulates in enclosed spaces, which can be unpleasant and unhealthy for other residents. If you share an apartment with non-smokers (or pets), they may have reservations and experience side effects.

Smell: Cannabis smoke sticks to furniture, walls and fabrics and is difficult to get rid of. Even if you open a window or light a scented candle, the smell often lasts longer than your mood after a joint.

Rental issues: If you live in a rented apartment, smoking may be prohibited. And even if your landlord is not strict, your neighbours may have a different opinion - especially if the smell penetrates their apartment.

Neighbours: In some types of buildings (such as apartment buildings), smoke can travel through the ventilation system. If your neighbours aren’t exactly enthusiastic supporters of legalising cannabis, you could be in for a nasty surprise.

Your preference may depend on your mood, the situation, or even the weather. Smoking outdoors has its charm due to its connection to nature—who wouldn’t want to gaze at the stars or spring flowers with a joint in hand? On the other hand, smoking indoors offers the peace and comfort of home (and easy access to the fridge).

If neither of these is possible (perhaps due to laws or neighbours), today’s market offers a wide range of alternatives—from edibles to vaporizers to THC-infused drinks (US only).

Whether under the stars or on the couch, the main thing is to have fun! But remember to be considerate of others and respect the rules—because a good cannabis experience starts with good manners.

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Liz Filmer