Cannabis Smoking and Storage within the Home: A Cross-Sectional Survey of Pregnant Women and Women with Young Children.

Introduction: Child cannabis exposure has increased in recent years – a trend that parallels changes to state cannabis legality. Yet, little is known about household cannabis practices. To address this gap, this study aimed to examine household cannabis practices among a geographically diverse sample of US women of reproductive age. We also examined variations in household cannabis practices across state cannabis policies. Methods: The study sample (N = 114) included pregnant women and women with young children in their home. In Spring of 2021, 114 women completed a single cross-sectional online survey that included demographic information and asked about cannabis use, household cannabis practices (e.g., indoor smoking, cannabis storage), and cannabis use risk perceptions. We analyzed data using descriptive statistics and Fisher's exact tests. Results: A total of 69.23% of women reported cannabis products were allowed in their home and 42.98% reported that smoking cannabis was permitted in one or more rooms. Self-reported cannabis use, as well as partner or family cannabis use were significantly associated with allowing cannabis products in the home (p < 0.001). There was no difference in cannabis smoking rules among women in states with legalized cannabis (47.73%) than those in states that had yet to legalize (40.00%), p = 0.339. Conclusions: Amid rapidly shifting cannabis policies, further examination of household cannabis practices is needed. Public heath efforts should focus on reducing in-home cannabis exposure and promote safe storage and smoking practices for families with children in the home. Significance: Cannabis exposure in children has been associated with adverse health outcomes. Yet, over the past decade, cannabis use among parents and caregivers of children has increased in the US. In our study, we found that approximately 70% of participants allowed cannabis in their home, with the majority of participants (43%) reporting that smoking cannabis was allowed in their home. These findings provide evidence that future public heath efforts to reduce cannabis exposure in children should focus on promoting safe cannabis storage and smoking practices for families with children in the home. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]