While marijuana smoke does contain harmful chemicals, including some that are carcinogenic, research indicates that the risk of developing COPD from smoking cannabis is significantly lower than from tobacco use. Dr. Jonathan Parsons, a pulmonologist at The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, emphasized that while marijuana smoke can cause lung damage, the overall risk of developing COPD is not as high as with tobacco use. Nevertheless, any form of smoke inhalation poses a risk to lung health.
Cannabis smokers, however, may expose their lungs to more harm due to their inhalation practices. Unlike tobacco smokers, cannabis users often inhale more deeply and hold the smoke longer, increasing their exposure to the toxic chemicals present in the smoke. This intensified inhalation process could potentially contribute to lung damage over time.
Moreover, many individuals use both tobacco and cannabis, which could increase the likelihood of lung damage. A 2023 study found that individuals who smoke both substances have more damage to the small airways in their lungs compared to those who smoke only tobacco. This suggests that combining the two compounds could result in greater lung harm, although the long-term impact on lung function is still unclear. Interestingly, the study did not find an increased risk of COPD in those who smoked both substances compared to tobacco-only smokers.
The symptoms of chronic coughing and shortness of breath were reported equally among those who smoked either tobacco alone or both tobacco and cannabis. This highlights the potential for similar lung issues between the two groups, but further research is needed to understand the long-term consequences fully.
For those already diagnosed with COPD, the most common recommendation is to cease smoking altogether. While it remains uncertain whether the same advice applies to cannabis users, pulmonologists generally advise COPD patients to avoid any form of smoking or vaping, including cannabis. Dr. E. Neil Schachter, a pulmonologist at Mount Sinai, stated that patients diagnosed with COPD should stop smoking or inhaling cannabis in any form to protect their lung health.
Given the challenges posed by federal and state regulations on cannabis research, studying its full impact on lung health is complicated. Despite the difficulties in conducting research, many experts suspect that smoking cannabis could eventually contribute to COPD, similar to the long-established link between cigarette smoking and the disease. Dr. Schachter expressed concern that as cannabis use becomes more widespread and people consume it in larger quantities, similar findings related to lung damage could emerge, much like the evidence accumulated about tobacco use.
In light of these concerns, health experts continue to urge caution regarding any form of smoking or vaping. For those who wish to use cannabis, exploring methods that do not involve inhaling smoke or vapor may be the safer option. As research continues, it is crucial for individuals to be aware of the potential risks and take proactive steps to safeguard their lung health.
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