With more and more states legalizing marijuana for recreational use, we need to consider what the dangers of secondhand smoke may be to children. Studies have shown that when a person is around someone who is smoking marijuana that smoke can get into their system as well. How much depends on how close the person smoking is, how long you are exposed, and how much ventilation may be available in the space.
Regardless of the answers to those questions, the research is clear that cannabinoids - the chemicals that cause the "high" from marijuana - can be shared with those nearby, including children. Besides the fact that we do not want children to get high or be exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke, there is additional concern about the long-term effects on the brain. Evidence suggests that when youth, whose brains are still developing, are exposed to marijuana, it may have permanent effects on executive brain functions, memory, and even IQ.
It is best not to smoke at all, but if you are an adult who does smoke, think about others and take care NOT to smoke around your children ever. Even if your child is not physically there, it is still important NOT to smoke in areas where they will be - like your home or car - because smoke residue does linger.
As legal use of marijuana grows more common. we need to protect our younger generation from dangerous secondhand smoke. Just because something may be legal doesn't mean it is safe. And when adults make choices that have risks, it is not fair to impose those risks on others - especially children, as it has the potential to harm them for the rest of their lives.
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