Secondhand cannabis smoke exposure and respiratory symptoms among adults living in a state with legalized medical cannabis with limited smoke-free protections

Background Little is known about the demographic and health correlates of secondhand cannabis smoke (SHCS) exposure, despite increased availability and use of cannabis across the U.S. This study examined the prevalence and correlates of SHCS exposure in a sample of N=5,410 adults living in Oklahoma and the association of SHCS exposure with self-reported respiratory problems. Methods Data were from a repeated cross-sectional online survey of adults ages 18 and older who completed measurements of past 30-day SHCS exposure in the respondent’s home, in a vehicle, and/or in an indoor setting; harm perceptions of SHCS exposure; frequency of current respiratory symptoms; past 30-day use of cannabis, alcohol, and cigarettes Results Almost half (42 %) reported past 30-day SHCS exposure. In bivariate tests, those exposed were male, younger, non-Hispanic (NH) black or Hispanic, reported lower educational and financial attainment, had lower harm perceptions of SHCS exposure, endorsed more respiratory symptoms, and reported past 30-day cannabis and cigarette use (all p’s < 0.01). In an adjusted regression model, young adulthood (ages 18–24), NH black race (vs NH White), and past 30-day cigarette smoking and cannabis use emerged as the strongest correlates of SHCS exposure. In interaction models, respiratory symptoms were highest among those reporting past 30-day SHCS exposure and past 30-day cannabis use. Conclusion SHCS exposure is common and associated with more frequent respiratory symptoms, particularly among cannabis users. Those exposed were more socially and economically vulnerable.