How Marijuana Odor Can Affect Your Job Search

Looking for a job can be hard. But did you know that the smell of marijuana could make it even harder? Even if you don’t use it, living in a place where someone else does can still cause problems. This smell, often called "odor," can stick to your clothes, hair, and even papers you bring to an interview.

Why the Smell Matters

Employers want workers who look and act professionally. Even though marijuana is legal in some states, many workplaces still don’t allow it. If you walk into a job interview smelling like marijuana, it might make the boss think you use it—even if you don’t. Some employers might worry that you won’t be focused or that you could break company rules (National Institute on Drug Abuse [NIDA], 2020).

Why Employers Worry

Being high on the job can be dangerous. It can make it harder to think clearly, react quickly, or make good choices. This is a big risk, especially if the job involves driving, using machines, or working with customers (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration [SAMHSA], 2020). Even if you are not high, the smell might make the company think you are, and they may worry about safety, accidents, or problems at work.

What You Can Do About It

If you live in a home where someone smokes marijuana, you can take steps to reduce the smell:

1. Keep your job search clothes in a sealed bag or another room – This keeps them from soaking up the smell.

2. Shower and wash your hair before your interview – Hair holds odors, so it’s important to clean it well.

3. Use odor-neutralizing spray – These sprays don’t just cover smells, they help remove them.

4. Talk to your roommates – Ask if they can smoke outside or use a window fan when you're getting ready for job interviews.

5. Store papers and resumes in a clean, sealed folder – Paper absorbs smells too.

Be Honest but Smart

If someone brings it up in an interview, be honest. You can say something like, "I live in a shared space where others sometimes use marijuana. I don’t use it myself, and I make sure to keep my clothes and things clean and professional." This shows that you take the job seriously.

Conclusion

Smells can say a lot without words. By being careful and clean, you can make a good impression and focus on what really matters—your skills and experience.

References

National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2020). Marijuana Research Report: What is the scope of marijuana use in the United States? https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/marijuana/what-scope-marijuana-use-in-united-states

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2020). Key substance use and mental health indicators in the United States: Results from the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health. https://www.samhsa.gov/data/report/2019-nsduh-annual-national-report