Lung cancer is not directly caused by marijuana use, according to available data. However, there may be a higher chance of lung cancer if you smoke marijuana. It should be mentioned that smoking cannabis is linked to the majority of the risks for lung cancer related to cannabis use. Some of these risks may be reduced by using topicals, tinctures, and inhalers as alternative administration methods. We always recommend speaking with an MMJ doctor before beginning to use marijuana to treat any health conditions.
Although vaping and/or smoking marijuana may not be much better for the respiratory system, smoking cigarettes is the leading risk factor for lung cancer. Find out about the possible link between smoking marijuana and lung cancer as well as other possible health risks associated with vaping and smoking. Conversely, learn how cannabis may be able to help control the negative effects of cancer and its treatments.
The Link Between Smoking and Lung Cancer
Each cigarette contains a toxic cocktail of over 7,000 carcinogenic chemicals. At least 70 of these are known carcinogens, or substances that cause cancer, and they are dangerous to both people and animals. Compared to nonsmokers, tobacco users have a 30 times higher chance of receiving a lung cancer diagnosis.
Although some research indicates that cannabis and tobacco smoke are not equally carcinogenic, marijuana smoke may contain many of the same carcinogens as tobacco smoke. Researchers link cannabis use to chronic bronchitis, inflammation of the large airways, and other respiratory conditions.
Additionally, studies indicate that the primary psychoactive ingredient in cannabis, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), may have immune-suppressive properties that raise the risk of lung infections. However, it is still unknown if cannabis use directly contributes to the development of lung cancer. Fungi, pesticide residues, and other adulterants may also be the cause of some of these risks.
Marijuana and Lung Cancer: What the Studies Reveal
Although there is currently little information on marijuana and lung cancer, some research indicates that marijuana may increase the risk of developing lung cancer. Cannabis use may raise the risk of lung cancer, according to a 40-year study. According to the study, “heavy” cannabis use was linked to a risk of lung cancer that was more than doubled.
Other studies, however, have not produced the same findings. Cannabis use was not linked to an increased risk of lung cancer, according to data published in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology. “There is no conclusive evidence that cannabis smoking is associated with an increased incidence of lung cancer,” the study’s authors stated. The report’s authors continued by going over the different advantages that cannabis might offer cancer patients.
Despite the fact that both cannabis and tobacco smoke contain polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), a class of chemicals produced by combustion, the two substances have distinct physiological effects. According to some research, THC and other cannabinoids may even be able to partially mitigate the effects of PAHs. According to one case study and review of the literature, CBD (and specifically CBD oil in the case study) “may have anti-neoplastic [anti-cancer] properties and enhance the immune response to cancer.”
The Other Side: How Marijuana May Aid in Cancer Treatment
Cannabis has helped a lot of cancer patients, especially when it comes to pain relief. In certain cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, cannabis has been shown to alleviate particularly difficult neuropathic (nerve) pain.
Cannabis has shown promise in the treatment of nausea and vomiting, two common side effects of chemotherapy. A cannabis-based prescription drug called dronabinol is used to treat chemotherapy patients’ nausea and vomiting.
Cannabis, particularly the cannabinoid CBD, may even be able to shrink tumors, according to additional research. Due to its effectiveness in combating cancer cell lines and tumors in a variety of cancer types, including colorectal, cervical, and pancreatic cancers, one study praised CBD as a promising anti-cancer medication.
Because of their anti-inflammatory qualities, cannabinoids like THC and CBD may be helpful in preventing the growth of lung cancer cells. It should be emphasized, though, that the majority of studies on cannabinoids as a lung cancer treatment are conducted on animals and cell lines rather than on people.
Although research on cannabis’s potential for cancer healing is still ongoing, we are unable to say with certainty whether cannabis and cannabinoids can be used to treat cancer. Under a doctor’s supervision, cannabis may be an additional treatment option for some cancer patients as well as those experiencing nausea, appetite loss, and chronic pain from chemotherapy.
Additional Risks of Smoking or Vaping Marijuana
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has advised consumers to abstain from using THC-containing vaping products, particularly those that are purchased illegally. Vitamin E acetate-containing vaping products are also harmful to the lungs, particularly because they can cause EVALI. Vitamin E acetate-containing marijuana vaping products have been closely associated with e-cigarette or vaping use-associated lung injury (EVALI).
In addition to the health risks associated with vaping, there may be additional risks associated with inhaling marijuana through other methods, such as a blunt or bong.
Secondhand Smoke
Secondhand smoke from marijuana use can be harmful. First, the THC released into the air by a joint or vape pen poses a risk of intoxication for secondhand smokers, particularly children. Additionally, studies have shown that secondhand marijuana smoke exposure causes cognitive problems in kids and teenagers, such as memory and attention problems.
It is well known that secondhand tobacco smoke increases the risk of heart and lung problems. Further research is required as these risks have not yet been conclusively linked to secondhand cannabis smoke.
Lung Damage
The phrase “bong lung” refers to lung damage brought on by marijuana use. However, there are other smoking devices besides bongs that can harm the lungs. If carcinogens are inhaled, smoking anything—a joint, vape pen, blunt, or bong—can harm the lungs.
Recreational marijuana use, particularly with bongs, has been linked to a “range of lung disorders, including potentially life-threatening lung infection,” according to research published in the medical journal Respirology Case Reports.
The Bottom Line: Can Smoking Marijuana Lead to Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer has not yet been directly linked to marijuana use. On the other hand, smoking and vaping marijuana can exacerbate respiratory conditions like chronic bronchitis and lung inflammation. Other methods of administration, like topicals, edibles, and sublingual (under the tongue) delivery, should be taken into account just to be safe.
New patients who would like to apply for a medical marijuana card online can do so at NY Medical Card virtual clinic. Get in touch with us right now, and one of our medical experts will begin the Rochester medical marijuana card application process.
