Self-reported exposure to, perceptions about, and attitudes about public marijuana smoking among US adults, 2018.

Abstract

Eleven US states and the District of Columbia have legalized the non-medical use of marijuana. Public marijuana smoking is generally prohibited, although some states have considered exemptions. This study assessed attitudes about public marijuana smoking, perceptions of harm from marijuana second-hand smoke (SHS) and self-reported marijuana SHS exposure. Internet panel survey fielded in June-July 2018. United States. US adults aged ≥18years (n=4088). Current (past-30day) tobacco product use, current marijuana use, opinions about public indoor marijuana smoking, perceptions of harm from marijuana SHS and self-reported past-7day exposure to marijuana SHS in public indoor or outdoor areas were assessed. Weighted prevalence estimates were computed and correlates were assessed using logistic and multinomial regression. Overall, 27.4% [95% confidence interval (CI)=25.7, 29.1] of adults reported past-week marijuana SHS exposure in indoor and/or outdoor public areas; younger adults, blacks, Hispanics, those in the Northeast or West, and current marijuana and/or tobacco users were more commonly exposed (Ps<0.0001). More than half of adults (52.4%; 95% CI=50.7, 54.2) regarded marijuana SHS as harmful, and most (81.0%; 95% CI=79.5, 82.4) opposed public marijuana smoking. Correlates of favoring public marijuana smoking included being male, younger (Ps<0.01), black or Hispanic, past-month tobacco and/or marijuana users and perceiving no/low harm from marijuana SHS (Ps<0.0001). While one in four US adults report recent marijuana second-hand smoke exposure, a majority believe marijuana second-hand smoke is harmful and most oppose public marijuana smoking.