Is second-hand pot smoke bad for kids?

PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – It has been proven that smoke of any kind can carry dangerous and potentially cancer-causing materials. But that is currently Oregon’s only real warning about the risk of smoking pot around kids.

Recreational marijuana becomes legal in Oregon on Wednesday. The Oregon Health Authority told KOIN 6 News their recommendations for marijuana smoke would be the same as for tobacco smoke.

There isn’t much known about children’s exposure to THC carried in pot smoke.

In 2014, Seattle-based Dr. Alexander Garrard told KOIN 6 News many questions remain about the long-term effect of second-hand marijuana on kids because of the lack of testing.

“Pediatric studies are always difficult in general in terms of ethics and things like that,” the board certified toxicologist said. “But especially when it comes to marijuana, which on a national level is still a Schedule 1 drug, meaning it’s illegal. Those studies have not been done.”

Garrard said kids have a smaller body and smaller lung space, ‘but they do tend to breathe a little more rapidly than adults. So there is the possibility that they could have an increased risk of toxicity from marijuana smoke.”

Leah Maurer, who backed legalizing pot as the founder of Moms for Yes on Measure 91, said she thinks it’s up to the parents to be responsible in their use and responsible for keeping children safe.

She said she would like to see DHS and other agencies step in if parents or adults are found to be irresponsible when smoking pot around kids.

“At any point where it seems like the safety of the child is not being considered, that if there’s extra help needed there, that it should be there,” she said.

All legislation and literature at states where pot is already legal only address a child’s illegal usage of marijuana – and not incidental second-hand consumption and its effects.