Secondhand smoke is smoke inhaled when someone lights up nearby. Secondhand exposure to tobacco smoke is known to include risk to the heart and lungs. But is there such a thing as secondhand exposure to marijuana (cannabis) smoke?
Indeed, studies show that there are similar health risks as well as potentially more harmful ones. Secondhand marijuana smoke contains many of the same toxic and cancer-causing chemicals found in tobacco, many in higher concentrations. Exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke contains Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) - the chemical that causes mind-altering effects or the "high".
While more research is needed, a study in rats published in the Journal of the American Heart Association (JAHA) shows that exposure to secondhand cannabis smoke poses significant health and safety risks such as:
*Respiratory problems - particulate matter in inhaled marijuana smoke may contain ammonia, lead, mercury, nickel and other chemicals that can cause lung irritation, asthma attacks, and complications for those with bronchitis or COPD. Since cannabis is a plant, it may also be contaminated with mold, insecticides, or pesticides.
*Increases potential for cancer - secondhand marijuana smoke contains some of the same chemicals found in secondhand cigarette smoke that scientists consider to be cancer-causing carcinogens and reproductive toxins.
*Cardiovascular complications - secondhand marijuana smoke can cause dilation of blood vessels along with similar cardiovascular health effects from cigarettes: blocked arteries, heart attack, and stroke.
*Impairment - secondhand marijuana smoke contains THC - the chemical that creates the "high" in marijuana. Those exposed to high-level THC experience impaired motor skills. Other side effects include anxiety, paranoia, burning eyes, cough, fatigue, headache, nausea, restlessness.
THC can be passed to infants and children through secondhand smoke. Studies have found strong associations between reports of having someone in the home who uses marijuana (parent, relative, caretaker) and the child having detectable levels of THC. More extensive research is needed to understand how secondhand marijuana exposure may affect infants and children long-term. Growing children should be protected at all cost!
For more information, view the UCLA link: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/secondhand-marijuana-smoke-what-are-the-risks-to-your-health
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