Can Smelling Weed Get You High?

Can secondhand smoke get you high? Yes, it is possible, though rare. It depends on the circumstances which may include poor ventilation in the room or you are sitting very close to the person. Exposure time or frequency of exposure to cannabis or cannabis being smoked is highly THC-concentrated.

While smelling weed can get you high, other risks of marijuana overuse should not be ignored. If you or your loved one feels you need help, call ChoicePoint a drug rehab in NJ 844.445.2565, or enter your information here (at-home drug test service is also available). Mitigate the risks of weed addiction since you are not even the one smoking it! 

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Can You Get a Contact High From Weed?

People in research studies self-reported that while it is rare, there is still a possibility of getting high after smelling marijuana smoke. Cannabis (Marijuana, weed) contains more than 100 compounds, including tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Such compounds can lead to altered senses.

Does Contact High Show Up on a Drug Test

No, smelling weed or even heavy exposure could rarely lead you to fail a drug test. After a couple of days or hours, the effect usually goes away. 

1. THC levels are low in secondhand smoke.
2. Exposure to Hotboxong might cause a little THC presence in your bloodstream but not enough to trigger a positive test result. 
3. Standard drug urine or blood tests are designed in a way to detect the limit of the actual use of weed. Therefore even if there is a little trace of THC in your system it is not detectable. 

Effects of Exposure to Smelling Weed

Instant effects of exposure to smelling weed include:

• Eye itching
• Coughing
• Dry mouth
• Headache
• Nausea
• Tiredness

These side effects may happen because weed contains the following irritants:

• Mercury
• Lead
• Nickel
• Benzene
• Cadmium
• Chromium

Some of these compounds are known carcinogens. Therefore, while it is assumed that exposure to weed is not as dangerous, this myth needs to be busted. When inhaled, these substances may stay stuck in the lungs and lead to major health concerns. 

Marijuana Health Risks

Side Effects of Secondhand Smoking: Can Smelling Weed Get You High?

Passive weed smoking is also not free of side effects. While more research is needed, it is clear that some people may experience some kind of high after involuntarily smoking it:

• Respiratory infections
• Heart and lung diseases
• Impaired motor skills
• Complications with pregnancy
• Mental health issues

The legalization of marijuana is a relatively recent development, which is why research on the subject is still limited. However, with the available literature, some prominent side effects of marijuana have been observed other than just getting high temporarily.

Free Addiction Assessment

Please note this assessment is an initial self-screening, and it is not meant to be a medical assessment or clinical diagnosis of addiction. For proper diagnosis and treatment, schedule an appointment with ChoicePoint.

1. Increases Likelihood of Respiratory Infections

While secondhand marijuana smoking can exacerbate existing respiratory infections, it can also increase the development of new respiratory infections. This is because marijuana smoke is said to:

• Have carcinogens
• Irritants
• Worse chemicals than tobacco smoke

Those with asthma, bronchitis, or other respiratory issues should remain careful about coming in contact with marijuana smoke. 

2. Increased Risk of Lung Cancer

Did you know that marijuana smoke has almost the same number of irritating chemicals as tobacco? Some studies suggest that marijuana smoke produces significantly higher levels of harmful particulate matter than tobacco smoke. Particulate matter refers to tiny droplets, that may be solid or liquid, which when inhaled may lead to serious health issues. The naked eye cannot observe these substances. However, they are very hazardous. 

3. Negative Effects on Cardiovascular Systems

Research conducted on rats has shown that marijuana smoke deeply affects blood vessel functions. The effects are said to be more long-lasting than tobacco smoke. Other similar studies show that if not more, marijuana smoke has similar adverse effects on the cardiovascular system than tobacco smoke.

Risks associated with marijuana smoke include:

• Increased heart rate
• Higher blood pressure

Stroke and other heart diseases are also a risk when it comes to smelling or inhaling weed smoke.

3. Impaired Cognitive Functions

There is contrasting literature on the effect of cannabis on the brain. However, recent developments show that marijuana does affect brain functions. If you smell weed very closely, there is a chance that it will get you high, thereby affecting:

• Memory
• Impulse control
• Motor functions

Driving, walking, and other such activities may also be affected. 

4. Pregnancy Complications

The doctors advise against exposure to weed during pregnancy. While there is no evidence that smelling weed is also dangerous, if the smoke contains harmful compounds, then it is better to avoid it. Some complications from THC have been shown to cause:

• Low birth weight
• Stillbirth
• Developmental issues
• Increased risk of anemia
• Other neurological impairments

Children exposed to marijuana also show the following issues:

• Agitation
• Increased risk of asthma
• Decreased coordination
• Problems in learning and memory

Suggested Read: When to Stop Smoking Weed While Pregnant– Better Late Than Never

5. Impact on Mental Health

Marijuana use has been associated with mental health issues like depression and anxiety in some people. While some individuals feel more calm, others have experienced anxiety after cannabis use. 

Smelling weed can also have a negative effect and worsens the issue in some people including:

• Anxiety
• Paranoia

It was a few decades back that people were unaware of the harms of passive tobacco smoking. Current research suggests that if anything, marijuana smoke is worse. So, if you suffer from frequent marijuana overdose seek help as it could be fatal. Call 844.445.2565 or fill up this form and our doctors will guide you on how to detox from weed safely and quickly.

About ChoicePoint- Getting Help For Weed Addiction

Detox drinks for weed can help cleanse your body. To achieve long-term sobriety and prevent relapse specialized weed addiction programs are required to overcome weed use disorder. It also helps in addressing the risks that come from frequent usage, including:

• Cannabinoid hyperemesis syndrome (CHS), is a condition that causes nausea and vomiting.
• Development of schizophrenia, anxiety, or paranoia
• Physical health issues like lung cancer
• Impaired cognitive functions

ChoicePoint has a team of Licensed professionals who will make your recovery journey easy and comfortable. Get help today!

More On “Can Smelling Weed Get You High?”

There is still much more to unfold when it comes to smelling weed. So, we answer your queries to give better insight into the topic. 

Can Smelling Weed Be Harmful

Yes, smelling weed directly translates to inhaling it. When you inhale weed, it means that the smoke containing harmful chemicals also enters your organs, non-willingly. Some researchers believe that it should be banned wherever tobacco is banned to promote healthy air for breathing. 

Is Contact High Real?

Yes, some people may experience the high if someone very close to them is smoking marijuana. Smelling weed, in other words, is called secondhand smoking. While the high may not be very strong, you may experience some of its effects. 

Can the Smell of Weed Make You Nauseous?

Some people have reported that the smell of weed makes them nauseous and dizzy. The odor of weed may not be well tolerated by everyone. 

Can Weed Make You Faint?

Research suggests that weed can cause dizziness and fainting due to hypotension. This is known to happen due to the sudden elevated heart rate and blood pressure (hypotension), similar to hypotension caused when a person abruptly goes into an upright position after sitting or lying down.  

Can You Get Sick From Smelling Weed?

People with preexisting conditions or sensitivity to smell may get sick from smelling weed. For instance, respiratory issues are worsened when it come from smelling/inhaling weed. Moreover, it is known to cause dizziness so exposure to concentrated THC in marijuana can cause sickness in some people. 

What Is Amotivational Syndrome?

Amotivational syndrome is usually linked with frequent marijuana use disorder. It posits that MUD can lead to the complete elimination of the desire to do something or compete positively with others. It is a result of the depletion of motivation to do anything at all. Researchers believe that by affecting other cognitive functions, MUD harbors the chances of reduced self-efficacy.

Can You Fail a Drug Test from Secondhand Smoke?

Depending on the concentration of marijuana and ventilation in the room, the chances of a positive drug test increase. Studies have shown that blood and urine tests may show detectable levels of THC. To avoid this, do not sit very close to someone who is smoking. If you must, try sitting in a ventilated area. It is important to remain careful if you have a drug test coming up.

References

1. Evaluation of Police Officers’ Exposure to Secondhand Cannabis Smoke at Open-air Stadium Events. (2019). https://www.cdc.gov/niosh/hhe/reports/pdfs/2017-0174-3335.pdf
2. djones. (n.d.). Secondhand Marijuana Smoke Fact Sheet. American Nonsmokers’ Rights Foundation | No-Smoke.org. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://no-smoke.org/secondhand-marijuana-smoke-fact-sheet/#:~:text=People%20who%20are%20exposed%20to
3. Patel, J., & Marwaha, R. (2019). Cannabis use disorder. Nih.gov; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538131/
4. Association, A. L. (n.d.). Marijuana and Lung Health. Www.lung.org. https://www.lung.org/quit-smoking/smoking-facts/health-effects/marijuana-and-lung-health#:~:text=Marijuana%20Smoke
5. Redirecting. (n.d.). Linkinghub.elsevier.com. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S259016212100006X
6. Springer, M., Davis, B., Los, I., Merced, A., Riverside, San, San, D., Santa Barbara, F., Cruz, S., Riverside, A., & Glantz, S. (2015). Marijuana Use and Heart Disease: Potential Effects of Public Exposure to Smoke. https://tobacco.ucsf.edu/sites/g/files/tkssra4661/f/u9/MSHS%20fact%20sheet%20for%20CA%204-13-15.pdf
7. https://www.ahajournals.org/doi/abs/10.1161/circ.130.suppl_2.19538
8. Rethink Mental Illness. (2019). How does cannabis affect my mental health? How Does Cannabis Affect My Mental Health? https://www.rethink.org/advice-and-information/about-mental-illness/learn-more-about-conditions/cannabis-and-mental-health/
9. Secondhand marijuana smoke: What are the risks to your health? (n.d.). Www.uclahealth.org. Retrieved May 23, 2024, from https://www.uclahealth.org/news/article/secondhand-marijuana-smoke-what-are-the-risks-to-your-health#:~:text=Inhaling%20secondhand%20marijuana%20smoke%20can
10. Mathew, R. J., Wilson, W. H., Humphreys, D., Lowe, J. V., & Wiethe, K. E. (1992). Middle cerebral artery velocity during upright posture after marijuana smoking. Acta Psychiatrica Scandinavica, 86(2), 173–178. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1600-0447.1992.tb03247.x