Legalization Leads to Increase in Marijuana Use Among Young Parents

According to recent research from the United States, regional reforms regarding the status of marijuana have led to a significant increase in the number of young couples who openly use marijuana recreationally, despite their parental responsibilities.

A new study conducted by a team of researchers from Columbia University notes that while the number of parents who smoke tobacco dropped to a historic low between 2002 and 2015, marijuana has taken its place. During the same period, marijuana use among young American parents increased by 11%.

Additionally, the researchers found that from 2002 to 2015, the percentage of parents willing to use marijuana in the same home as their child rose from 5% to 7%.

The data for this study was provided by the National Statistics Department of the U.S. Department of Health.

Currently, most medical professionals warn young parents about the risks associated with children inhaling secondhand marijuana smoke. To support the dangers of marijuana exposure, scientists often cite a 2016 experiment that showed even small amounts of secondhand marijuana smoke can seriously impair heart function in rats.

“Overall, we believe that the rise in legalization could undo the progress made over the past decades in reducing exposure to secondhand smoke in public places,” said Dr. Renee Goodman, an epidemiologist at Columbia University’s medical school, in an interview with journalists.

It’s worth noting that the study does not specify exactly where, in what quantities, or how young parents prefer to use marijuana. Dr. Goodman herself believes that most of these parents may be using marijuana in places where its smoke could pose a serious health risk to their children.

“Based on the results of this study, I believe we need to start an informational campaign to warn potential marijuana users about the risks this activity may pose to their children and others around them,” Dr. Goodman stated.