Parents' Marijuana Use Surges, Safety Concerns Grow

An increasing number of parents in the United States are using cannabis, a trend that has prompted concerns regarding child exposure and safety. Between 2012 and 2024, researchers noted a substantial rise in marijuana use among parents. By 2024, it's estimated that at least 5.9 million U.S. children were living with a parent who used marijuana on most days.

Daily cannabis use among these parents became four times more common than daily alcohol use. Notable increases were seen across various demographics, particularly among younger, unmarried parents, those in lower-income households, and individuals without a four-year college degree.

Medical professionals express concern that widespread social acceptance of marijuana may overshadow potential risks, including its impact on parenting. There are worries that regular home use normalizes marijuana for children, potentially increasing their likelihood of future use. THC's known effects on attention and coordination are also a concern for parents responsible for child safety.

Accidental ingestion of edibles, which can resemble candy, poses a significant risk to young children, leading to increased emergency room visits. Concerns also extend to secondhand smoke exposure and the potential for developing cannabis use disorder with frequent use, alongside possible psychiatric issues. The study, however, had limitations, including reliance on self-reported data and not assessing parenting quality or child health outcomes.