In recent months, a public health issue that previously went unremarked has started garnering attention. People, especially parents, teachers, and health professionals, have become increasingly concerned about adults openly smoking marijuana in locations where children may be present. Public marijuana usage has increased the perception as a public nuisance by some. Vaping marijuana and then blowing vapors away, however invisible, is a practice that most parents and health professionals do not regard as harmless.
Health concerns
Even if the vapor cloud is invisible, it is a health hazard, especially to children. Virginia Lopez, a public health nurse, notes that the vapor is a health hazard even if it is not visible. According to Lopez, the problem is exacerbated by the fact that the children are particularly vulnerable. Their lungs, which explode in growth during infancy, are more vulnerable to the damage caused by any pollutants that they may inhale. The damage which such children may sustain includes interference with the formation of the brain and lungs, especially the regulatory aspects of the control of the loss of co2. Children, like all primates, possess a highly developed tendency to imitate what they see and teachers are understandably concerned. Public vaping complicates educating students about drug use and drug prevention. Jordan Hill, a teacher, says, “Children are more likely to pick up and emulate the habits of the adults they see.
If they see them vaping, they likely won’t think anything of it.” Such a mixed message clearly undermines the harm of the lessons schools are trying to teach students. Another concern is the design of some vape pens. There are many such as flash drives, pens, and other small electronics. Children’s curiosity is likely sparked. Confusion about what the object is meant to do may occur. Parents can easily picture a scenario where a child mistakes a vape left in a public area, say a park or fringe of a store, for a toy. Such a child, unknowing of the device’s nature, could activate it and, in the process, inhale alarming and toxic chemicals.
According to an article in Parents Magazine, ” Vaping around babies and kids can expose them to harmful chemicals that affect their health. Secondhand and thirdhand vape smoke can linger on clothes and surfaces, posing risks even after vaping stops.”
New Jersey Laws about weed
Many parents, and the community as a whole, are requesting more public awareness of the use of vape pens. They are suggesting that vape pens not be used in the sight of children and, essentially, in child-friendly environments. Some in the community have proposed specific places for vaping. While others see adequate awareness as sufficient.
According to the New Jersey Government website:
- “New Jersey’s Cannabis Regulatory, Enforcement Assistance, and Marketplace Modernization (CREAMM) Act allows adults 21 years or older to purchase, carry, and use cannabis (commonly called marijuana, pot, or weed) legally.”
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“You can use cannabis on private property, but property owners have the right to restrict cannabis use on their property. You may also use, smoke, eat, or vape in dispensaries licensed and zoned for onsite consumption. You cannot use, smoke, eat, or vape cannabis on federal lands, in federal buildings, or smoke in public spaces where smoking is banned.”
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“The rules and consequences for impaired driving are the same whether the intoxication is the result of cannabis use, alcohol, medication, or some other substance.”
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“Workplaces have the right to prohibit cannabis at work, and to require a drug test if work procedure or safety is compromised.”
