Brandon Shroyer’s entrepreneurial journey began in an Oregon college dorm with a DIY filtration hack we all know and love—a toilet paper roll stuffed with dryer sheets. It wasn’t perfect, but it sparked an idea. By 2016, as Oregon legalized cannabis, Shroyer saw an opportunity to create a discreet and efficient way to manage cannabis smoke and odor, eventually leading him to found Smoke Trap. With his father’s support, Shroyer initially tried his hand at growing cannabis but soon pivoted to developing an accessory he saw a real need for: an effective, portable smoke filter.
From Deodorant Sticks to 3D Printing Prototypes
Creating the Smoke Trap was no small feat. Shroyer’s early prototypes included deodorant sticks filled with pantyhose-wrapped filters, tested out during what he calls “R&D sessions” with friends. Through trial and error — and countless hours on a free 3D printer at his university — Shroyer refined his idea into a sleek, user-friendly design. Six months after graduation, Smoke Trap officially launched, catching on quickly through affiliate marketing and social media.
Customer feedback shaped the evolution of Smoke Trap, especially its popular Smoke Trap Plus model. Shroyer learned from early adopters that they wanted better airflow, longer filter life, and less clogging. His solution was a larger filter about the size of a coffee mug that balanced portability and effectiveness.
“People were asking for something that lasted longer and was easy to use,” Shroyer explained, noting that a key upgrade was adding a hydrophobic screen to keep moisture from clogging the filter.
Eco-Friendliness at the Forefront
Beyond usability, sustainability became a defining feature of the Smoke Trap. Unlike disposable filters, the Smoke Trap Plus uses recyclable, replaceable filters, reducing plastic waste.
“At the time, creating a reusable, eco-friendly filter was a new concept,” Shroyer reflected. “Cannabis accessories weren’t usually designed with sustainability in mind, but I wanted to make something people could use long-term without throwing away plastic.”
A Nationwide Appeal
Though based in Oregon, Smoke Trap’s appeal isn’t limited by geography. Shroyer’s customers range from urban apartment dwellers to college students nationwide, all seeking a discrete solution for indoor smoking.
“People think legalization reduces the need for discretion, but that’s not necessarily true,” Shroyer said. “If you’re in an apartment, you still want to keep things low-key.”
As a one-man operation, Shroyer has learned to navigate the challenges of a maturing cannabis market. Despite advertising restrictions on cannabis-adjacent products, Smoke Trap’s non-cannabis classification allows it to reach a wide audience. Shroyer’s formula for ongoing success consists of three major components: focus on quality, prioritize customer service, and keep innovating.
“Cannabis is competitive, but the fundamentals of business don’t change,” he said.
In an industry focused on sustainability and responsibility, Smoke Trap’s reusable filter offers a fresh take on cannabis accessories. Shroyer’s journey from DIY dorm filter to a competitive, eco-conscious product highlights a unique aspect of the cannabis culture—the creativity and innovation of young entrepreneurs. With plans to keep evolving his designs, Shroyer is proving that something as simple as a smoke filter can have a big impact.
