Many people wonder whether they can get a contact high from cannabis. Can they feel the psychotic effects from smelling the plant or the smoke or vapor produced when using it, even if they aren’t directly inhaling?
Though it’s possible, it’s rare to get high from sniffing the herb alone. You can’t feel its effects by smelling the bud or catching a whiff of the smoke or vapor from your next-door neighbor.
Unless you’re in a poorly ventilated room with people smoking or vaping significant amounts of cannabis for an extended time, you won’t get high from the smell alone. And if you’re wondering, “does vaping weed smell?” Yes, it does, and we cover more of the details in our article linked above.
Can You Get A Contact High from Cannabis?
The term “contact high” is the experience of sensing the effects of drugs when in the company of someone who has taken it. In the case of cannabis, it can refer to feeling its influences by being near people who are consuming it, i.e., people who are smoking or vaping it.
But can you get a contact high just from smelling cannabis? Will you feel euphoria just by smelling some herb? Will your senses be impaired if you enter a room that has yet to get rid of the smell of weed? In most cases, the answer is no. You can’t get a contact high from cannabis that easily.
What About The Cannabis Plant?
The cannabis plant produces a strong, distinct odor. And it begs the question: can you get high from smelling just the plant? The answer is no. The chemicals responsible for the effects of cannabis activate with heat, so you can’t get high just by smelling the bud.
The Possibility Of A Contact High
As mentioned, it’s rare to get high from smelling cannabis. However, it’s not entirely impossible. You can experience a contact high—and even have small amounts of cannabis detected in your system by a drug test—if you are around cannabis smoke or vapor in a closed space for a long time and have particularly low tolerance towards it.
Ventilation
You can get high from smelling cannabis if you’re stuck in a poorly ventilated place since the smoke or vapor can’t get out, making it easier for you to ingest as a second hand product. If you’re with somebody using the herb, make sure you’re in a room with good air circulation or open windows.
Tolerance
Some people have a very low tolerance for cannabis and can feel its effects from tiny doses—even from its scent alone. Though it will still take a fairly significant amount to impair the senses, you may get contact high from smelling cannabis if your body naturally responds to it easily.
Exposure
The amount of cannabis you’re exposed to also determines the chances of getting high just from smelling it. For example, if you’re in a room with five people smoking or vaping large amounts simultaneously, you have a higher chance of getting a contact high. Even if you’re just with one person, the same is true when you expose yourself to their consumption for hours.
Side Effects Of Smelling Cannabis
If you do end up getting contact high from smelling cannabis, you will likely feel effects similar to using it firsthand. These include, but aren’t limited to:
Dry Mouth Or Itchiness
You might feel like your mouth is dry. It may seem like your saliva has been sucked out of you. You may also feel itchiness or find redness in certain parts of your body.
Impaired Senses
Your senses may be impaired, and you may find that you lose balance or mobility or have delayed reactions, which may also manifest as dizziness or lightheadedness. If you feel these symptoms, it’s best to keep yourself from exercising or driving.
Lethargy
Many people use cannabis as a relaxant. For some people, this might feel like lethargy or tiredness.
Increased Appetite
An increased appetite is a common side effect of cannabis use. You might know these cravings as the so-called “munchies.” You may find yourself dreaming of random food and having the ability to consume more than what you’d typically eat.
Psychological Changes
Cannabis is well-known for its psychoactive effects, which you may feel even through a contact high. These effects can either show up as euphoria or hyperactive senses or as depressive or anxious behavior.
Conclusion: Light Up Responsibly
There’s very little chance to get high from smelling cannabis. However, it’s not entirely out of the question. That’s why everyone should be aware of the possibility of a contact high—both cannabis users and non-users alike. But especially for those who are either smoking or vaping, remember to light up responsibly to ensure that you’re enjoying it without affecting others!