The Big Picture: Dr. Adriana Davis, Family Medicine, “…no doubt about it, cannabis use is making asthma worse in teens and beyond.”
A new study highlights a worrying pattern: as more states legalize recreational cannabis, there’s an increase in asthma cases among teenagers and certain groups of minority children. This finding suggests that the use of cannabis by adults and teens might be harming the respiratory health of children.
Doctor’s Expert Insights about Cannabis Use and Asthma in Georgia
Know this: “This new finding underscores that increased cannabis use by teens and use around children is impacting their health negatively. Rising teen asthma rates in states with legal recreational cannabis hint at the unintended consequences of legalization. This isn’t just a statistic–it’s a wake-up call! Every puff of cannabis smoke that lingers in our homes is weaving a complex web of respiratory challenges for our children. It’s crucial that we understand the far-reaching impact of our actions and ensure the air our kids breathe is as safe and clean as possible.” Dr. Adriana Davis, Family Medicine.
Beyond the news: The implications of this study are highlighting future public health challenges. Especially as more states consider legalizing recreational cannabis.
Next steps for you in Clarke County: If you’re using cannabis around young children in the home, please understand the negative impact of the smoke on their lung health.
Key Findings:
Asthma Prevalence: Asthma affects approximately 5 million children in the United States. Asthma is one of the most common chronic health conditions among children. In 2019, the nationwide rate of asthma in children was approximately 7%.
Secondhand Smoke Exposure: The link between Secondhand Tobacco Smoke (STS) exposure and increased asthma exacerbation in children is well known. Exposure to STS is…
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