Big Valley Law Is Here For You

What if you were exposed to secondary marijuana smoke? 

On Behalf of | Jul 7, 2021 | Drug Crimes

Many college students smoke marijuana recreationally. You may not, but odds are that you know quite a few people who do. It is one of the most common drugs on campuses across America, after alcohol. 

If you’re around these individuals, could you theoretically get exposed to secondhand smoke? If you’re then involved in a traffic accident or simply pulled over while driving, could you be arrested for driving while impaired? 

You could get a contact high from secondhand marijuana exposure

Getting high from the smoke as someone else uses marijuana is known as getting a contact high. Unlike alcohol, which you have to intentionally ingest, you could get exposed to marijuana in a secondhand manner — and you could get high from it. This could lead to the aforementioned impaired driving charges or other charges for breaking drug-related laws. 

In studies that have sought to see whether or not this was possible, those who smoked actively did have stronger symptoms than those who were just exposed, but the study still showed that everyone in the room was impacted. It’s especially notable if you’re in a room that doesn’t have a lot of good ventilation, like a dorm room, or if you’re just in an enclosed space, like a bar or a club. 

Legal options for serious marijuana-related charges

It may feel unfair to face some serious charges when you know that you did not intentionally use marijuana, and when you may not have even realized that you were affected by it. If this happens, you need to know what legal options you have to protect your future. 

Practice Areas

Archives

FindLaw Network