Is passive smoke from cannabis dangerous for children?

Is passive smoke from cannabis dangerous for children? The BIÖG writes that particular caution applies to children and toddlers, who should never be exposed to smoke from cannabis or tobacco products. Anyone with children in the household or nearby should therefore not bring the smoke near them in the first place. This article explains what prevention says, which rules the law sets and how to put protection into practice in everyday life.

What prevention says

In its frequently asked questions, the BIÖG describes two sides. Under extreme conditions (an unventilated small room, heavy smoke, a stay of several hours), THC can be taken up through passive smoking. Outdoors, the risk for adults can be considered negligible. At the same time, passively inhaled tobacco smoke causes many health harms. For children and toddlers, the caution the BIÖG names therefore applies.

The BIÖG does not state from what amount passive smoke would be harmless for children. The simple conclusion is: where children are, no one smokes.

Why children are particularly affected

The BIÖG says that young people are far more at risk from cannabis use than adults, because the young brain is in an important stage of development and THC disrupts maturation processes in the brain. The sources refer here to use itself. How much THC children take in through passive smoke, they do not describe, which is why the cautious rule applies.

The rules in the law

Under § 5 para. 1 of the Cannabis Act (KCanG), consuming cannabis in the immediate presence of persons who have not yet turned 18 is prohibited. A breach is an administrative offence (§ 36 para. 1 no. 4 KCanG) that can be penalised with a fine (§ 36 para. 2 KCanG). Whether a situation counts as “immediate presence” is decided case by case by the authority or the court.

§ 5 para. 2 KCanG also names places such as schools and children’s playgrounds. Public consumption is prohibited there, including within sight of them. Under the law, the sight distance ends at a distance of more than 100 metres from the entrance area.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

The Deutsche Hauptstelle für Suchtfragen (DHS) explicitly advises people who wish to have children, are pregnant or are breastfeeding to abstain from cannabis. Anyone who is pregnant should seek advice from a doctor on this.

Putting it into practice at home

Use takes place where children are not and cannot get. The sources do not say whether airing a room is enough; the safe solution is spatial separation.

Agree with all adults in the household which rule applies.

Visitors and the wider environment

Visitors can also expose children to smoke. If you have guests, clarify in advance where smoking is allowed. When in doubt, the rule is: children stay in another room, and use takes place outside.

Prevention: simple rules

The most important prevention is a simple rule: where children are, no cannabis is smoked. This rule is easy to remember.

The law reinforces this protection. Supplying and passing on cannabis, handing it over for immediate consumption and administering it are punishable under § 34 para. 1 nos. 7 to 9 KCanG.

When to seek advice

If a child was exposed to smoke and you are worried, speak to the paediatrician. Even if a child has ongoing complaints, medical help is the right step. In an emergency, call the emergency number 112.

Counselling is available for parents. The Elterntelefon (parents’ helpline) of the Nummer gegen Kummer can be reached on 0800 111 0 550. For questions about your own use, the Sucht und Drogen Hotline helps on 01806 313031 (calls are charged, daily 8 a.m. to midnight).

When passive smoke occurs in everyday life

Passive smoke does not only arise in your own home. Balconies, shared rooms and communal areas can also come into question. A simple rule such as “children are never near smoke” helps more than any exception if in doubt.

Schools, playgrounds and public places

Further reading: Are children at risk from cannabis products?, How do parents protect their children from cannabis at home? and May you use cannabis at home if children live in the household?

What you can do now

• Set a clear rule: where children are, there is no smoking.
• Talk to all adults in the household about this rule.
• Agree in advance with guests where smoking is allowed.
• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to a doctor about abstaining.