After nine months of full-time van life, I’ve learned a thing or two.
I’ve traveled up and down the East Coast, visiting 19 states: where weed has been legal for over a decade and those where prohibition is still in full swing. I’ve been to both ends of the weed tolerance spectrum – fearlessly lighting a joint on the sidewalk next to the cigarette smokers, and blasting my fans while breathing into an air purifier. Some products have proved to been va-life essentials, while others I could have left in storage.
So if you’re a weed lover who wants to know what to keep on hand for vehicle living, I’ve got you covered. I’m here to share some indispensable cannabis essentials to elevate your on-the-go herbal experience. But before I do – a word of caution.
The First Rule of Stoner Van Life
It is not legal in most states in the US to travel with weed in a vehicle. I am not a lawyer and this is not legal advice. You assume the responsibility for the risks of your actions. Being found in possession of weed in a vehicle can carry hefty fines and even potential criminal charges (ridiculous, I know – but I don’t make the rules.)
The cardinal rule of stoner van life: put the weed away. Always. Don’t leave it out, don’t leave it lying around, and don’t leave it in plain sight.
Now that that’s out of the way, buckle up, hit the road, and let’s dive into the must-haves for cannabis enthusiasts navigating van life.
8 Weed Essentials for Van Life
1. Rolling Tray
A rolling tray is your mobile command center for crafting the perfect joint. In the confined space of your van, having a designated area to grind, roll, and contain the magic greenery is a game-changer. It helps keep your precious bud contained instead of tumbling into the cracks (and if you need to roll while the vehicle is in motion, you need one of these bad boys.)
You don’t need a full-size tray. If it would fill the space of a typical coffee table, it’s too large for vehicle living. Opt for a compact, portable rolling tray that can easily fit into your lifestyle on the move. It keeps everything tidy and ensures that no precious herb is lost in the nooks and crannies of your mobile haven. I have a small metal tray that can easily hold my papers, lighter, grinder, and poker.
2: Fans and Good Ventilation
Living in a van means embracing the cozy quarters – but it also demands proper ventilation to keep odors at bay, especially when partaking in the sweet leafy indulgence. Invest in efficient fans to keep the air circulating and prevent any lingering aromas. Good ventilation not only ensures a discreet herbal experience but also contributes to a more comfortable and pleasant living environment.
I have four fans inside my van. Two are rooftop air vents that can circulate air in or out, and the other two are wall-mounted swivel fans that move air around. I always have both roof vents running when I smoke, one pushing air in, and the other pushing air out. I’ll smoke directly under the fan moving air out so I can exhale straight into it. I may or may not use the swivel fans while smoking; it depends on what I’m smoking and how concerned I am about the van smelling like weed.
A few things to consider: if you’re building a van, consider the airflow in your build specs. Buying a pre-built van? look carefully at the airflow system. If your van doesn’t have any internal fans, consider buying a small desktop fan to help keep smoke from building up.
3. Personal Air Purifier
For an added layer of discretion, consider a personal air purifier. These nifty gadgets help neutralize odors, ensuring that your van remains incognito when it comes to your herbal pursuits. Compact and easy to use, a personal air purifier is a silent guardian against unwanted scents, allowing you to enjoy your greens with peace of mind.
I have a small air purifier from Ongrok and I absolutely love it. I’ll break it out whenever I’m nervous about the area that I’m smoking in and want to ensure the van smells as little as possible. Air purifiers like these work best with glass pieces. (Read the full best practices for use in my review blog.)
4. Durable Water Pipe
When it comes to choosing your cannabis consumption vessel, durability is key. Opt for a water pipe made of stainless steel or high-quality silicone instead of glass – these materials can withstand the bumps and vibrations of life on the road. You don’t want to deal with a shattered bong or bubbler in the van. Broken glass in a tiny space is a recipe for a bad time (and glass slivers.)
I love a water pipe when I’m not feeling like a joint- it’s quicker to pack and provides an additional layer of filtration. I use this Chill Stainless Steel Pipe and really like it. The water section is larger than your average bong so I don’t use it every day, but I’m always glad to have it when I want it.
You may be thinking – forget a water pipe. All I need is bowls and joints. And while that may be true, water papers simply provide a higher quality smoking experience than their dry bowl counterparts. A durable water pipe not only ensures a smoother smoking experience but also stands the test of time in your nomadic abode.
If you really don’t want to deal with a water pipe, consider investing in a better dry bowl – like this one from Weedgets, which is unbreakable and gives you a few layers of extra filtration for the smoke.
5. Odor Eliminator Spray
In the confined space of a van, odors tend to linger – and you don’t want weed smoke to hang around for long. Marijuana odor doesn’t sink into fabrics in the same way cigarette smoke does, but it can linger for a few hours after a sesh if not properly ventilated.
That’s where an odor eliminator spray comes to the rescue. Keep it handy for a quick spritz after your herbal sessions to maintain a fresh and discreet atmosphere. Choose a scent that suits your taste and effectively masks any lingering traces of the green goodness. I personally love this fragrance-free odor eliminator from CannaBreezy, but Ozium and Febreeze work too.
6. Good Grinder
A reliable grinder is a van life essential for any cannabis enthusiast. Whether you prefer joints or bowls, a good grinder ensures a consistent and even grind, maximizing the potency of your herb. Look for a compact, travel-friendly option that can easily fit into your on-the-go lifestyle.
Or you can go the opposite way like I did, and find a multi-purpose grinder whose size is offset by usability. From the minute I bought my van, I knew my Phoenician Grinder was coming with me. Yes, it’s big and can be cumbersome to travel with, but I have a dedicated spot to store it in my van. It’s a great size to hold a lot of ground bud at once, and it serves as a joint holder and ashtray at the same time.
7. Ash Tray
Don’t have a built-in ash tray on your grinder? Well, you have to have somewhere to ash in the van – otherwise, it’ll go everywhere. Even with an ashtray, sometimes my joint ash will flutter away and I find myself cleaning it up hours (or even days) later wondering how exactly it got here. Using an ashtray also makes cleaning up after a smoking sesh quick and easy.
There are literally hundreds of travel-size ash trays to choose from – pick whichever one suits your fancy.
8. Smell-Proof Bag
Organization and discretion are key in the confined space of a van, and a smell-proof bag is your secret weapon. You don’t want odor from smoke or from the bud itself – and every stoner knows that good bud is potent.
Keep your herb, papers, and accessories neatly stashed away in a compact, smell-proof bag. It not only keeps everything organized but also adds an extra layer of discretion to your mobile cannabis setup. I like this one from Revelry.
In a pinch, plastic bins with lids or ziplock bags can also work, but nothing works as well as a container designed to be smell-proof.
8. Small Stash of Edibles
Let’s face it – it’s not always a good time to light up when you live on the road. For those moments when discretion is paramount or when you’re craving a more subtle cannabis experience, a small stash of edibles is a must. They’re discreet, portable, and provide a delicious alternative to traditional smoking methods.
I keep a bottle of QwikDrops to easily infuse any drink, and I love these Beauty Sleep Gummies from Love You Three. Just remember to dose responsibly and enjoy the journey.
Embarking on van life is a thrilling adventure, and with these cannabis essentials in tow, you’re well-equipped to enjoy the freedom of the open road without sacrificing your herbal enjoyment. Keep your stash secured out of sight, keep your van well-ventilated, and always use your best judgment when lighting up.
What did I miss? What are your weed essentials for van life – or daily life? Let me know!
