Can You Get High from Smelling Weed in 2025? Exploring Secondhand Marijuana Effects and Risks

Marijuana smoke is produced when the leaves, flowers, stems, or seeds of the cannabis plant are burned. Approximately 26 million Americans consume marijuana monthly, and it has been researched for various medical applications.

Despite its widespread use, the safety of marijuana exposure remains a topic of discussion. Both smoking marijuana and being near someone who is smoking can lead to side effects.

Marijuana contains tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a compound known to relieve pain and induce relaxation in those who inhale or ingest it. Smoking cannabis exhibits depressant, hallucinogenic, and stimulant properties. THC inhalation can also impair concentration and motor skills, affecting activities such as driving.

Inhaling THC may cause a psychoactive 'high,' with effects varying depending on individual sensitivity and exposure levels.

Can You Experience a Contact High from Secondhand Marijuana Smoke?

Drug test outcomes can differ between individuals exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke and those who actively smoke.

A 2015 study involving six smokers and six nonsmokers found that exposure to highly concentrated marijuana smoke in an unventilated room could produce positive urine drug test results in nonsmokers.

However, factors such as ventilation and frequency of exposure significantly influenced these results.

For instance, briefly smelling marijuana smoke is very different from regularly living with someone who smokes marijuana in your presence.

Another study simulated real-life conditions by having participants spend three hours in a coffee shop where marijuana was smoked. Although trace THC was detected in blood and urine samples, it was insufficient to yield positive drug tests.

This suggests that typical social exposure is unlikely to cause a contact high.

Nonetheless, frequent exposure in poorly ventilated spaces—such as a car with closed windows or a small room without airflow—may cause mild effects similar to those experienced by smokers.

Conversely, incidental exposure, like smelling marijuana smoke through a window or entering a room hours after smoking occurred, is highly unlikely to affect you.

Is Secondhand Marijuana Smoke as Harmful as Tobacco Smoke?

Currently, there is limited clinical data comparing the health risks of secondhand marijuana smoke to tobacco smoke.

The American Lung Association warns that regular marijuana smoking can damage lung tissue and weaken immune defenses.

A 2016 animal study demonstrated that just one minute of secondhand marijuana smoke impaired lung function for at least 90 minutes—longer than the impact from tobacco secondhand smoke.

Secondhand marijuana smoke contains many of the same toxic substances found in direct smoke, prompting health experts to advise minimizing exposure whenever possible.

Potential Side Effects of Secondhand Marijuana Smoke

While contact highs are uncommon, exposure to marijuana smoke can cause several side effects.

Slowed Reflexes

THC exposure can reduce reaction times, which may impair driving and other tasks requiring alertness.

Dizziness

Prolonged exposure to marijuana smoke may lead to lightheadedness or dizziness.

Lethargy

The calming effect of THC can sometimes result in feelings of tiredness or lethargy.

Mental Health Considerations

Though research is ongoing, marijuana use may exacerbate certain mental health issues, including depression. However, no definitive link has been established between secondhand smoke exposure and mental health disorders.

Key Takeaways

As marijuana legalization and medical use evolve rapidly, it remains important to exercise caution regarding exposure. Contact highs are rare but possible and can impair your ability to perform tasks such as driving.

Pregnant or nursing individuals and those with mental health conditions should be particularly vigilant to avoid secondhand marijuana smoke.

Further research is needed to fully understand the health impacts of secondhand marijuana smoke compared to other types of smoke. Meanwhile, it is advisable to avoid exposure to its harmful chemicals, tar, and pollutants.

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