30 Jan UCSD Study Finds Secondhand Cannabis Smoke A Significant Risk for Children
MedicalResearch.com Interview with:
Dr. Bellettiere
John Bellettiere, PhD
Assistant Adjunct Professor
Herbert Wertheim School of Public Health & Human Longevity Science
University of California, San Diego
MedicalResearch.com: What is the background for this study?
Response: Smoking is the most common method of cannabis use and generates harmful emissions. Cannabis is often smoked indoors, which exposes non-smokers, including children, to these emissions. Our research analyzed in-home cannabis smoking practices to determine if there is an association between this behavior and the detection of cannabis biomarkers in children.
MedicalResearch.com: What are the main findings?
Response: The study found that children in households with in-home cannabis smoking had a significantly higher likelihood—five times as high—of having detectable cannabis biomarkers in their urine compared to children in homes without cannabis smoking. Among households that reported in-home smoking, 69% of children had detectable cannabis biomarker levels in their urine, compared to just 24% in households without in-home smoking. This suggests that exposure to cannabis smoke in the home is a significant risk factor for children.
MedicalResearch.com: What should readers take away from your report?
Response: The findings highlight the potential health risks to children from secondhand cannabis smoke exposure. Cannabis smoke contains harmful chemicals, including carcinogens and respiratory irritants, which could have long-term health implications. Reducing in-home cannabis smoking could substantially mitigate these risks.
MedicalResearch.com: What recommendations do you have for future research as a results of this study?
Response: Future research should focus on determining the long-term health effects of secondhand cannabis smoke exposure in children. Additionally, studies could explore the effectiveness of implementing strategies from tobacco use prevention, such as smoke-free laws and policies, in reducing exposure and safeguarding public health.
MedicalResearch.com: Is there anything else you would like to add? Any disclosures?
Response: As evidence on the health effects of cannabis smoke continues to grow, it is critical to prioritize protective measures for vulnerable populations, particularly children. Public health initiatives should emphasize the importance of smoke-free environments.
Disclosures: No competing interests.
For more details, refer to the full study: Link to Study.
Citation: Tripathi O, Parada H, Sosnoff C, et al. Exposure to Secondhand Cannabis Smoke Among Children. JAMA Netw Open. 2025;8(1):e2455963. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.55963
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Last Updated on January 30, 2025 by Marie Benz MD FAAD