Smoking pot has become more socially acceptable in recent years, but it’s still illegal in many places. If you’re planning a hotel stay and wondering whether you can smoke weed in your room, you’re not alone. Many travelers are curious about how often hotels bust their guests for smoking pot.
If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer to your question: Hotels can bust guests for smoking weed at any time, but it’s not always easy to catch them in the act.
In this article, we’ll explore the topic more deeply and give you some insights into what happens when hotels catch guests smoking pot. We’ll also offer some tips for staying safe and avoiding trouble if you’re traveling with cannabis.
The Legal Status of Marijuana
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has been a topic of controversy for decades. While some states have legalized it for medicinal and/or recreational use, it is still illegal under federal law.
Federal Law
The Controlled Substances Act of 1970 classified marijuana as a Schedule I drug, which means that according to the federal government, it has a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use.
Despite this classification, there have been recent efforts to change federal marijuana laws. The Marijuana Opportunity Reinvestment and Expungement (MORE) Act of 2021, which would remove marijuana from the list of federally controlled substances, was introduced in Congress in May 2021.
State Laws
As of September 2021, 36 states and the District of Columbia have legalized marijuana for medicinal use, and 15 states and the District of Columbia have legalized it for recreational use. However, each state has its own laws and regulations regarding the possession, use, and sale of marijuana.
It is important to note that even if marijuana is legal in a particular state, it is still illegal under federal law. This can create confusion and legal issues for both individuals and businesses, including hotels.
Marijuana in Hotels
Hotels have the right to set their own policies regarding marijuana use, regardless of state and federal laws. Some hotels may allow smoking or vaping of marijuana in designated areas, while others may have strict no-smoking policies.
It is important for guests to familiarize themselves with the hotel’s policies before consuming marijuana on the premises. Guests who violate the hotel’s policies may face penalties, including fines and eviction.
Additionally, hotels may work with law enforcement to enforce state and federal marijuana laws. While it is rare for hotels to actively search for marijuana use among their guests, they may report any suspicious activity to the authorities.
Why Hotels Don’t Want You to Smoke Pot
As more states legalize cannabis for recreational use, travelers may be tempted to light up in their hotel rooms. However, hotels have strict policies against smoking pot on their premises. Here are some reasons why:
Legal Liability
Hotels can face legal liability if a guest is caught smoking pot and causes harm to themselves or others. Even in states where cannabis is legal, smoking in public places is often prohibited. If a guest is caught smoking in their room and causes damage or injury, the hotel could be held responsible.
Fire Hazards
Smoking pot, like smoking cigarettes, can be a fire hazard. If a guest falls asleep with a lit joint or accidentally starts a fire while smoking, it could cause significant damage to the hotel and put other guests at risk.
Damage to Property
Smoking pot can also cause damage to hotel property. The smoke can leave a strong odor in the room and damage carpets, curtains, and furniture. Hotels may have to spend additional money to clean or replace these items after a guest has smoked in the room.
Other Guests
Finally, hotels have to consider the comfort and safety of their other guests. Many people do not want to be exposed to secondhand smoke, whether it is from cigarettes or cannabis. If a hotel allows smoking in rooms, it could lead to complaints from other guests and negative reviews.
Remember: Even if cannabis is legal in the state you are visiting, it is still important to respect the hotel’s policies and not smoke in your room. Instead, consider finding a designated smoking area outside or using edibles or other smoke-free forms of cannabis consumption.
How Hotels Catch Guests Smoking Pot
As more and more states legalize marijuana, hotels are facing a new challenge: how to deal with guests who smoke pot in their rooms. While some hotels are more lenient than others, many have strict no-smoking policies that include marijuana. So, how do hotels catch guests who break these rules? Here are the most common ways:
Housekeeping
One of the most common ways hotels catch guests smoking pot is through housekeeping. When housekeeping enters a room to clean it, they may immediately notice a strong odor of marijuana. They may also see evidence of smoking, such as ashtrays or roaches. If they suspect a guest has been smoking in the room, they may report it to the hotel’s management.
Smell
Even if housekeeping doesn’t catch guests smoking pot, other guests might. The smell of marijuana can be very strong and may permeate the hallway or adjoining rooms. If other guests complain about the smell, hotel management may investigate and ultimately catch the guest who is smoking.
Noise
Another way hotels catch guests smoking pot is through noise. Guests who are smoking may be more likely to be loud or disruptive, especially if they are smoking with friends. If hotel security receives noise complaints about a particular room, they may investigate and ultimately catch the guest who is smoking.
Security
Finally, some hotels have security measures in place to catch guests smoking pot. For example, some hotels have smoke detectors that are sensitive to marijuana smoke and will alert hotel staff if they detect it. Additionally, some hotels may have security cameras in the hallways or outside guest rooms that can detect guests smoking.
It’s worth noting that the consequences of getting caught smoking pot in a hotel can vary widely depending on the hotel’s policies and the state’s laws. Some hotels may simply charge the guest a cleaning fee, while others may evict the guest or even call the police. If you’re a marijuana user and plan to stay in a hotel, it’s always a good idea to check the hotel’s policies and to be respectful of other guests.
What Happens When Hotels Bust Guests for Smoking Pot
With the legalization of marijuana in many states, more and more people are traveling with their stash. But what happens when hotels catch their guests smoking pot? Let’s take a look at the consequences of getting caught.
Eviction
The most common consequence of getting caught smoking pot in a hotel is being evicted. Most hotels have strict no-smoking policies, and this includes smoking marijuana. If you are caught smoking in your room, you will likely be asked to leave immediately. Some hotels may even charge you for the cost of cleaning the room to remove the smell of smoke.
Law Enforcement
In some cases, hotels may involve law enforcement if they catch guests smoking pot. This is particularly true if the hotel is located in a state where marijuana is illegal. If the police become involved, you could be arrested and face charges for drug possession. It’s always important to know the laws in the state where you are staying before traveling with marijuana.
Blacklisting
Finally, getting caught smoking pot in a hotel could result in being blacklisted from the hotel or chain. If you are evicted for violating the hotel’s no-smoking policy, you may find that you are no longer welcome at any of the chain’s properties. This could make it difficult to find lodging during future travels.
It’s important to remember that hotels have the right to enforce their no-smoking policies, and this includes smoking marijuana. If you choose to travel with your stash, be sure to do your research ahead of time to avoid any legal trouble or unpleasant consequences.
Tips for Staying Safe When Traveling with Cannabis
As an increasing number of states legalize marijuana, many people are wondering if they can travel with their cannabis. While it is legal to possess marijuana in some states, it is still illegal at the federal level and in many other states. This can make it difficult to know what the rules are when traveling with cannabis. Here are some tips to help you stay safe when traveling with cannabis, specifically when staying in hotels.
Research Hotel Policies
Before booking a hotel, it is important to research the hotel’s policies on smoking and cannabis. Some hotels have strict no-smoking policies, while others are more lenient. Additionally, some hotels may explicitly state that cannabis use is not allowed on their property. Look for information on the hotel’s website or call and ask about their policies.
Use Discretion
Even if a hotel has a more lenient policy on smoking or cannabis use, it is important to use discretion. Smoking in public places, including hotel rooms, is still illegal in many places. To avoid getting in trouble, consider smoking in a more private location, such as a balcony or patio. Be mindful of your surroundings and the people around you.
Be Prepared
When traveling with cannabis, it is important to be prepared. Bring your own smoking device and any necessary accessories, such as lighters or rolling papers. Additionally, bring your own stash and avoid purchasing cannabis in an unfamiliar location. This can help you avoid getting in trouble with local law enforcement.
Avoid Smoking in Rooms
While it may be tempting to smoke in your hotel room, it is important to avoid doing so. Even if the hotel has a more lenient policy on smoking, smoking in a hotel room can leave a strong odor and may result in a cleaning fee or other penalties. Consider smoking in a more discreet location outside of your room.
Consider Alternative Accommodations
If you are concerned about staying in a hotel with your cannabis, consider alternative accommodations. Many vacation rental websites, such as Airbnb, allow hosts to specify if they are 420-friendly. Additionally, there are cannabis-friendly hotels and resorts in some areas. Do your research and find a location that is more accommodating to your needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, smoking pot in hotels is a risky proposition. While it’s possible to get away with it, hotels can bust guests at any time, and the consequences can be severe. That said, with some discretion and preparation, it’s possible to travel with cannabis and stay safe. By researching hotel policies, using discretion, and considering alternative accommodations, you can reduce your risk of getting caught and enjoy your trip without any unwanted surprises.
