We've updated our Privacy Policy to make it clearer how we use your personal data.

We use cookies to provide you with a better experience, read our Cookie Policy

Advertisement
Analytical Cannabis Logo
×
Home > News > Science & Health > Content Piece

Effects of Smoked Cannabis on Lung Health Unknown: More Research is Needed

Published: Oct 23, 2018   

Credit: Chmee2 on Wikimedia Commons

Listen with
Speechify
0:00
Register for FREE to listen to this article
Thank you. Listen to this article using the player above.

Despite the legalization of cannabis in Canada on October 17, the long-term effects of smoked cannabis on lung health are unknown and more research is needed, argue authors in a commentary in CMAJ (Canadian Medical Association Journal).


"Whereas many view marijuana as a relatively safe drug, and the numerous health benefits and safety of marijuana, especially when used for medicinal purposes, are touted in various media, others have expressed concern that the overall health benefits of 'medical' marijuana have been overstated and the drug's harms understated, as was the case for tobacco cigarettes before 1964," write Drs. Wan Tan and Don Sin, Centre for Heart Lung Innovation at the University of British Columbia and St. Paul's Hospital, Vancouver, BC.


Marijuana is quite similar to tobacco, except for tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), its active ingredient.


There is evidence of the effects of marijuana on lung health, but much of it is conflicting, with some types of research finding respiratory symptoms and increased risk of chronic bronchitis, but longer-term epidemiological and clinical studies finding less clear results.


The commentary authors call for more research into the effects of marijuana on lung health and the risk of lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disorder (COPD).


"It is essential that, with the legalization of marijuana, well-designed preclinical in vitro, animal and clinical human studies are conducted to address pressing gaps in knowledge. (...) With further research, the mysteries and myths behind marijuana can be resolved," the authors conclude.


This article has been republished from materials provided by CMAJ. Note: material may have been edited for length and content. For further information, please contact the cited source.

 

Like what you just read? You can find similar content on the topic tag shown below.

Science & Health

Stay connected with the latest news in cannabis extraction, science and testing

Get the latest news with the FREE weekly Analytical Cannabis newsletter

 
Advertisement