Research indicates that cannabis has a number of therapeutic effects that could aid in the treatment of various illnesses. Seeking advice from a medical marijuana doctor is essential if you want to include marijuana in your prescribed regimen. A physician can give you legal access to marijuana and assist you in determining whether or not it is beneficial to your health.
The harmful health consequences of tobacco use are frequently linked to secondhand smoke. While secondhand smoke from cannabis tends to be less harmful, it can still have some intoxicating effects.
This kind of accidental cannabis use, sometimes referred to as a “contact high,” is generally low-risk for adults. There are some situations, though, where one might want to stay away from it.
Understanding a Contact High
A secondhand high, or “contact high,” is the term used to describe the euphoric effects of inhaling cannabis smoke. A secondhand high from THC inhalation happens similarly to that from smoking or vaping, but it originates from someone else who is smoking. This effect usually occurs when the intoxicating compound is consumed in large quantities in confined spaces.
A contact high can happen at home, but it can also happen in crowded outdoor settings like smoke-outs and festivals, according to reports. But smaller areas, like cars, with little to no airflow are where it is most likely to happen. Hot boxing is another term for this.
THC exposure from the air can have the same euphoric effects as ingesting cannabinoids directly. Enjoyment and relaxation are a couple of the frequent positive outcomes and emotions. On the other hand, a contact high could result in some of the same undesirable effects of cannabis use, like:
- Anxiety
- Temporary impairment of memory
- Temporary cognitive impairments
- Slowed reaction time
- Increase in heart rate
What Does a Contact High Feel Like?
THC functions as a partial agonist to the brain’s CB1 receptors when it is inhaled either directly or indirectly. Even at low dosages of THC exposure, some people may experience unpleasant side effects, such as mild anxiety and impairments in their ability to coordinate and think clearly.
Most of the time, the positive or negative effects of a contact high are mild. Usually, the effects are not as strong as when THC is consumed directly. In short, a contact high has the same effects as a low-dose THC intoxication.
That being said, a contact high is really just a slight high.
There aren’t many contact highs. In most cases, insufficient ventilation and high cannabis smoke concentrations are necessary to trap the THC in any person present.
According to a 2015 study, under extreme exposure circumstances, nonsmokers may absorb anywhere from 6% to 18% of the THC that active smokers consume, which could result in a mild high and possibly a positive drug test.
Another study from 2015 found that when exposed to high concentrations of THC in a well-ventilated room, nonsmokers did not report any significant side effects.
Why Does Weed Cause a Contact High?
THC is the most common cannabinoid in the cannabis plant and is responsible for contact highs. Particular endocannabinoid system receptors, such as the CB1 and CB2 receptors present in the brain and body, can be activated by THC. The potency of THC and other compounds consumed determines the range of intoxicating effects that THC produces when it binds to these receptors.
When THC binds to CB1 receptors, it produces a contact high that is less potent than when THC is consumed directly.
Is It Possible to Fail a Drug Test from a Contact High?
Although it’s uncommon, it is possible to fail a drug test after getting high on contact lenses. Without direct consumption, the consumer would most likely need to be exposed to extremely high levels of THC in order for a test to come back positive.
According to one study, nonsmokers who were exposed to THC smoke in small, poorly ventilated areas took in some THC, but not much. At the typical testing threshold, none of the study’s subjects produced a positive test result. Nevertheless, when exposed to lower thresholds, a number of subjects did produce positive tests. The effectiveness of home tests for identifying THC metabolites in secondhand smoke is unknown.
Inhaling THC is what causes secondhand highs, just like direct cannabis consumption does. This implies that after the effects of a contact high have worn off, some THC metabolites will remain in the body for a while. In contrast to prolonged THC consumption, which can leave metabolites in the body for days or even months, metabolites from secondhand smoke typically leave the body in a few hours to a day.
How to Prevent Getting a Contact High?
A secondhand high is a low-risk experience overall. Even so, many people may not want it, and anyone who is subject to a drug test may run into issues.
There are several good reasons not to get high on contact. To reduce or eliminate such a risk, take into account some or all of the following advice:
Proper Ventilation
It seems that the best method for removing the possibility of a contact-high or overpowering cannabis aroma is proper ventilation. Keeping the air moving is a great method to prevent THC from building up in any small or constricted area and to give people who aren’t using cannabis a secondhand high.
Customers can use the following two techniques to maintain airflow without much or any THC present:
- Any THC concentration in the air will be decreased by keeping the air moving and flowing with the aid of a fan or an open window.
- A growing number of customers are using air purifiers equipped with filters that can eliminate smoke particles from the air.
Create some space
Smoking outside helps reduce the risk for consumers. There is very little chance that smoking outside will produce a contact high. Heavy consumption environments, such as concerts and outdoor smoke-outs, might be an exception, though.
If there’s a reason you can’t or won’t go outside, think about setting aside a space inside for smoking. Limit your consumption to the living room, the bathroom, or a location far from other people and activities where smoking is not permitted.
The key is to establish space, whether you’re going outside or designating an area indoors for smoking. This is a great way to respect people who aren’t looking to consume secondhand goods unless they give their permission. Try your best to avoid going anywhere with poor ventilation where cannabis smoking is taking place if you want to avoid getting a contact high.
Smoke-Free Options
Making the decision to not smoke is an additional option to think about. There are many different ways to consume cannabis, but for many people, smoking is always the highlight of the experience. Customers may want to switch to edibles, tinctures, or vape pens if they wish to completely avoid smoking. Consult with a medical marijuana doctor online before switching to cannabis, edibles, or vape pens.
