At a lively outdoor concert, the air is thick with the aroma of cannabis. You navigate through the crowd and later find yourself feeling a bit more relaxed.

Could it be a secondhand high?

It’s entirely possible.

Secondhand high or contact high happens when a person inhales leftover cannabis smoke from someone else smoking nearby.

When you’re exposed to secondhand weed smoke, THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, can enter your body primarily through inhalation.

There are two types of smoke to consider:

• Mainstream smoke: Exhaled by the smoker.

• Sidestream smoke: Directly coming off of the burning material, containing more THC than smoke exhaled by the smoker.

Research spanning multiple studies has found that most people exposed to secondhand cannabis smoke end up with detectable levels of THC in their saliva, blood, or urine.

However, the concentration of THC in secondhand smoke is much lower than what you would inhale from directly smoking.

For THC to trigger a cannabis high, it needs to hit a certain level in your bloodstream—a mark that secondhand smoke rarely reaches.

The review also highlighted several factors that affect whether you might actually feel any effects from secondhand smoke. Here’s what can impact THC absorption:

• The amount of smoke present in the air

• How well-ventilated the area is

• Total amount of air space available

• Number of smokers

• Number of lit sources releasing smoke

Even in settings heavy with smoke, such as a cramped room or a car full of smokers, the THC levels typically remain below the threshold needed to experience a real high.

But in confined, poorly ventilated spaces, the THC levels from secondhand smoke might rise just enough that you could notice some effects.

While you’re unlikely to get a full-blown high, secondhand cannabis smoke can still leave its mark in milder ways.

If you find yourself in a room thick with smoke, here’s what you might feel:

• Mild relaxation

• Slight dizziness

• Subtle alteration in perception

These sensations don’t hang around for long – they’re more like background effects, noticeable but subtle.

Even so, it’s critical not to operate heavy machinery like a car if exposed to secondhand smoke, especially since there will likely be detectable levels of THC in your system.

Here are some practical tips to avoid secondhand cannabis smoke exposure:

Choose Your Environment Wisely

Avoid spending time in poorly ventilated areas where people are smoking cannabis, especially if you need to drive later or are concerned about drug tests.

Ventilation is Key

Keep your living spaces well-ventilated if you live with anyone who smokes indoors. Open windows and fans can help clear the air.

Communicate

Talk to friends and family about your concerns about being exposed to secondhand smoke, especially if they smoke around you regularly.

Use Air Purifiers

Installing air purifiers in your home can help remove particles and reduce the overall amount of secondhand cannabis smoke in your environment.

While you’re unlikely to feel stoned after inhaling secondhand cannabis smoke, it’s important to remain aware of its subtle effects and potential legal implications.

Factors like the amount of smoke, ventilation, and proximity play crucial roles in the extent of exposure. If you’re concerned about THC in your system or just prefer to stay clear-headed, taking steps to minimize your exposure is key.