Study: Cocaine, marijuana can be detected in atmosphere

A study released this week by the Institute of Atmospheric Pollution Research claims that marijuana and cocaine, much like cigarettes, have second-hand effects that can be detected in the atmosphere around communities where usage is high.

Researchers also found that the amount of the drug detected in the atmosphere was directly tied to the amount of drugs being used in the immediate area, leading them to believe that their methods could one day lead to better estimates of drug abuse in specific communities.

The study finally claimed that pervasive atmospheric drugs might contribute to cancerous tumors and other bad health effects, and that more study was needed.

Read more in ScienceNOW.