Secondhand cannabis smoke: what to know

A common question, especially from non-users and parents: does secondhand cannabis smoke affect the people nearby?

Can you get high from it?

In any normal, ventilated setting, no. Studies show that getting a noticeable effect from secondhand smoke requires extreme conditions (think a small, sealed, unventilated room with heavy smoking). In everyday situations, a contact high isn’t realistic.

But the smoke itself isn’t nothing

Secondhand cannabis smoke still contains irritants and combustion byproducts, similar to other smoke. For people with asthma or other respiratory sensitivity, and around children, it’s worth minimizing exposure regardless of the “high” question.

Drug-test caveat

Could secondhand exposure cause a positive drug test? Only in extreme, unrealistic conditions. Normal incidental exposure is very unlikely to show up, but it’s a reason some workplaces and parents prefer smoke-free environments.

Being considerate

• Smoke outside and away from others, especially kids and non-users.
• Choose smoke-free formats (vaporizers, edibles) around others. See our vapes guide.
• Respect that public-use rules exist partly to manage exactly this.

Secondhand cannabis smoke won’t get bystanders high in normal conditions, but it’s still smoke, courtesy and ventilation go a long way.

Sources

• Health Canada, Cannabis health effects