What Does Cannabis Smoke Do To The Lungs?

Article by Anisha Dhiman, Growth Op

Smoke is no friend of the lungs, whether it’s from tobacco, cannabis or even a burning wood fire.

As for how cannabis smoke affects lung health, up to date and long-term data remains insufficient. But erring on the side of caution, the pandemic is still a good reason to hit pause. Here’s why.

Cannabis smoke and lungs

Cannabis smoke can injure the cell linings of the large airways in the body leading to an “increased likelihood of symptoms of chronic bronchitis (inflammation in the lungs),” notes a 2013 study. More recently, McMaster University researchers reported that the impacts of smoking cannabis and smoking tobacco are more similar than many think.

Research also suggests cannabis smoke contains toxins, chemicals and carcinogenic similar to the ones found in tobacco smoke. Furthermore, cannabis users may have a little more to worry about. Citing a 2016 study, the American Lung Association points out that cannabis smokers “tend to inhale more deeply and hold their breath longer than cigarette smokers, which leads to a greater exposure per breath to tar.” When it comes to second-hand cannabis smoke, research suggests toxins inhaled are similar to that of direct smoke.

Cannabis and young adults

COVID-19 poses a high risk to people over the age of 65 and others with serious underlying medical conditions. But since the symptoms include cough, and difficulty breathing, the Canadian Paediatric Society points out the virus can also be fatal among young people.

“While COVID-19 is less likely to cause serious symptoms in younger people, in combination with substance use like vaping or smoking cigarettes or cannabis, it could pose a serious health threat,” wrote Dr. Nicholas Chadi and Dr. Richard Bélanger of the Canadian Pediatric Society.

Vaping and smoking, cigarettes or cannabis, can weaken the lung’s regular defences and affect cardiovascular health, they say.

Read the full article here.