A recently published JAMA study explored the effects of home marijuana smoking on children’s exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke (SHCS). Researchers in the U.S. used urinary biomarkers to assess the levels of delta 9 THC and its metabolites in kids, aiming to measure the extent of exposure and show the importance of preventive actions to protect their health.
The study analyzed Project Fresh Air data, which included households in San Diego County with children under 14 and at least one tobacco smoker. Researchers combined air particle monitoring data with parental reports of marijuana use at home to assess the SHCS exposure.
THC and its metabolites, such as 11-nor-9-carboxy and 11-hydroxy-THCs, which are indicators of SHCS exposure, were detected in 275 urine samples.
The researchers employed a residualization technique to estimate in-home marijuana smoking by combining data on air particles with self-reported smoking episodes, controlling for other sources including tobacco and events that produce particulates around the house. Additionally, smoking events were tracked using air particle monitors, and their correlation with reported marijuana usage was assessed.
Additional data collected included air nicotine levels, household ventilation practices, parental education, and income. Logistic regression was applied to determine the likelihood of detectable TTE based on in-home marijuana use, while linear regression was used to quantify exposure in children.
The results revealed that children living in homes where marijuana was smoked inside were substantially more exposed to SHCS, as indicated by traces of THC biomarkers in the urine. Among the 275 participants’ urine samples, 27.3 percent showed measurable levels of cannabinoids.
Compared to households without marijuana use, those reporting in-home use had a five-fold higher likelihood of having children with detectable TTE. Furthermore, children were 2.5 times more likely to have detectable TTE levels for every daily marijuana smoking event.
Children below six years old were particularly at risk due to spending more time indoors. Sensitivity analyses confirmed the consistency of these findings across various measures of smoking events. While non-specific smoking events also contributed to exposure, self-reported in-home marijuana smoking was more directly associated with THC biomarker detection.
The study underscored the health risks of indoor marijuana smoking for children, highlighting the need for policies and measures to reduce SHCS exposure in homes. The researchers emphasized that limiting marijuana use indoors could significantly lower children’s exposure to dangerous chemicals and called for further studies to assess the long-term effects of such exposure.
This study highlights why industry actors like Tilray Brands Inc. (NASDAQ: TLRY) (TSX: TLRY) wish to see the substance federally legalized in the U.S. and other jurisdictions so that extensive research can be conducted and various steps, such as licensing consumption lounges, are taken to limit any risks that could result from people being restricted to only consuming marijuana in their homes.
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