Secondhand Marijuana Exposure is Increasing

As more states legalize marijuana for recreational or medical use, there can be significant implications for current and future smokefree protections.

Marijuana, just like other forms of smoking or vaping, is not “safe” compared to breathing clean air.

Secondhand marijuana smoke contains hazardous fine particulates and hundreds of chemicals, similar to secondhand tobacco smoke. For workers and the public, it can become another source of indoor air pollution.  Nobody should have to breathe drifting secondhand smoke of any kind in the job, in an apartment building, or in other shared air spaces.

Supporting decriminalization of marijuana  does not mean that non-users should have to breathe the secondhand emissions.

As of January, 2024, 1009 localities and 39 states/territories/commonwealths restrict marijuana use in some or all smokefree spaces. Of these, 551 localities and 22 states/territories/commonwealths prohibit smoking and vaping of recreational and medical marijuana in one or more of the following venues: non-hospitality workplaces, restaurants, bars, and/or gambling facilities.

ANY KIND OF SMOKE IS STILL SMOKE

Click on the green-colored states below to view our state-specific marijuana fact sheets.

(Last updated December 2022)

STATES WITH LEGALIZED SMOKING AND/OR VAPING OF MARIJUANA

This map shows which U.S. states have legalized marijuana.

STATE AND LOCAL LAWS PROHIBITING SMOKING AND VAPING MARIJUANA

This map shows which U.S. states and municipalities have laws that prohibit smoking and vaping marijuana workplaces, restaurants, bars, and/or gambling facilities.

STATE LAWS WITH EXEMPTIONS FOR MARIJUANA SMOKING

This color-coded map shows which U.S. states have smokefree laws with certain exemptions for marijuana smoking in 100% smokefree restaurants and/or bars.

100% WRBG SMOKEFREE AND VAPE-FREE AIR LAWS INCLUDING MARIJUANA

This color-coded map shows U.S. state and local jurisdictions with 100% smokefree and vape-free workplace, restaurant, bar, and gaming laws, including smoking and vaping of both medical and recreational marijuana.

PROTECTING NONSMOKERS FROM SECONDHAND MARIJUANA SMOKE

This position paper provides information on marijuana smoke, policy trends, opposition arguments, case studies, and much more!

SECONDHAND MARIJUANA SMOKE FACT SHEET

This fact sheet describes the potential health hazards of secondhand marijuana smoke exposure.

SMOKEFREE IS SMOKEFREE INFO SHEET

This one page info sheet provides information on chemicals found in marijuana smoke; graphics; and recommendations for including marijuana in smokefree policies.

On-Site Cannabis Consumption Policy Guidance

This tip sheet is meant to guide discussions on policy requirements for on-site cannabis consumption at retailers, dispensaries, and other establishments.

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