SmartServe Ontario Practice Exam

Is the smell of cannabis a definitive sign of intoxication?

1. True

2. False

3. Only in large quantities

4. Only when combined with alcohol

The correct answer is: False

The correct answer is that the smell of cannabis is not a definitive sign of intoxication. The presence of a cannabis odor can indicate that someone has consumed it, but it does not necessarily mean that the individual is currently impaired or intoxicated. Many factors influence how people metabolize cannabis, including their tolerance, the amount consumed, and the method of use. As a result, someone might smell of cannabis without being under its influence at the moment. Other factors that contribute to the complexity of this situation include the fact that cannabis can linger on clothing, hair, or in the air long after it has been consumed, leading to situations where a person may not be intoxicated, yet still have the distinct smell associated with it. Moreover, individuals may also consume cannabis in non-smokable forms, which may not produce an obvious scent. Thus, while the smell can suggest prior use, it cannot be solely relied upon as an indicator of current impairment.