How Smelling Weed Might Get You High and What to Watch For

Have you ever walked past someone smoking weed and suddenly wondered, "Wait, can I feel that too?" You’re not alone. A lot of people ask this exact question, especially with the increasing use of cannabis in both medical and recreational settings. The idea that you could get high just from being near it might feel unsettling, especially if you weren’t expecting it.

So let’s talk about it in real terms. Can smelling weed actually affect you? And if so, what should you look out for?

What Happens When You Smell Weed in the Air

When cannabis is smoked, the smoke releases THC, the psychoactive compound responsible for the "high" feeling. If you're standing close enough, especially in a closed space, you may inhale trace amounts of that smoke without meaning to. That’s often referred to as secondhand cannabis smoke.

For most people in well-ventilated areas, simply catching a whiff is unlikely to result in any noticeable effects. However, prolonged exposure in enclosed spaces can make things a little more complicated.

Can You Actually Feel High From Secondhand Smoke

This is where science meets real life. Research shows that in poorly ventilated areas, non-smokers may absorb small amounts of THC through secondhand exposure. According to a study published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse, measurable amounts of THC can appear in your bloodstream under specific conditions. But that doesn’t mean everyone will feel high.

In fact, most people exposed to secondhand cannabis smoke in open air will not feel anything noticeable. However, if you’re in a tight space like a car or a small room, your body may absorb enough THC to experience mild symptoms like dizziness, dry mouth, or even a light buzz.

As one expert in toxicology said, “Environment matters. Just like secondhand tobacco smoke, cannabis exposure depends entirely on how much, how long, and where.”

Can You Get High From Smelling Weed in Public

If you’re worried about catching a contact high on the street or while walking through a crowd, don’t stress too much. In open spaces, the THC levels dissipate too quickly to impact you in any meaningful way.

The real risk of accidental effects comes when the exposure is concentrated. For example:

• Sitting in a hotboxed car or small room
• Being around someone smoking heavily for an extended period
• Having poor ventilation and no fresh airflow

If you’ve ever asked yourself, can you get high from smelling weed and were looking for a practical answer, it really depends on your environment and how much exposure you’ve had.

What Are the Signs You Might Have Been Affected

Even if it’s unlikely, here are a few symptoms that could suggest secondhand cannabis exposure:

• Mild dizziness or disorientation
• Headache
• Dry eyes or dry mouth
• Feeling sleepy or spaced out

These effects are usually short-lived and go away on their own. But if you have an upcoming drug test or need to stay completely THC-free for medical or legal reasons, it’s worth being cautious around any active cannabis use.

How to Protect Yourself From Secondhand Effects

You don’t have to be paranoid, but being aware is smart. Here are a few ways to protect yourself if you want to avoid any contact high or potential exposure:

• Step outside or move away if you smell weed in a closed space
• Politely ask others not to smoke near you
• Make sure rooms are well-ventilated
• Stay informed about local laws and workplace drug policies

For those who are in recovery, trying to stay clean, or just want to avoid substances entirely, boundaries matter. It’s okay to remove yourself from situations where secondhand exposure makes you uncomfortable.

Final Thoughts on Smelling Weed and Feeling High

So what’s the bottom line? Smelling weed in passing won’t usually get you high, especially outdoors or in well-ventilated settings. But under the right (or wrong) circumstances, it’s possible to experience minor effects. Awareness is key, especially if your situation requires staying fully sober or THC-free.

Understanding how secondhand cannabis exposure works helps you make better choices for your health, your responsibilities, and your peace of mind. If you want to dive deeper into this topic, this helpful post on can you get high from smelling weed explains it further with insights based on real-life situations.