Photo by Luka Malic
Most adults today remember growing up and seeing government and organizational campaigns about the dangers and risks of smoking cigarettes and tobacco in general. While smoking was relatively widespread in earlier decades, the impacts of cigarettes on the lungs and body became more apparent as time went on, and the 1990s and beyond saw many places ban smoking in public.
These days, most people know that smoking cigarettes is harmful to the body. Smoking is the leading cause of lung cancer, and while many still smoke, there is a general awareness of the risks.
However, as more and more states in the country legalize weed, there are still a lot of questions and concerns about smoking weed and how it impacts lung health. While studies are still being done, there is emerging research on the impacts of smoking weed, for both good and bad.
Here’s what you need to know about whether or not smoking weed hurts your lungs.
A Note On Respiratory Health
Regardless of age, taking care of your lung health is essential. Suppose you do smoke cigarettes or have other lifestyle or genetic factors that could impact your lung health. In that case, seeing a doctor for preventive care is essential.
There are also many other lung conditions and cancers that aren’t caused by smoking or lifestyle choices. Problems like mesothelioma can occur because of environmental exposures, while other lung conditions are genetic or caused by diseases.
Smoking Weed and Lung Health
If you’ve ever asked yourself if smoking weed is bad for your health, the simple answer is yes. Smoke, in general, can negatively impact your lungs and other systems in your body.
According to the American Lung Association, smoke from many sources can bring toxins and carcinogens into the lungs. Even wood-burning smoke and wildfires can be very harmful to the respiratory system. So, it’s best to avoid inhaling smoke in general.
It’s also important to note that the smoke that comes from marijuana often contains some of the same toxins and irritants as cigarette smoke.
What Marijuana Smoke Does To The Lungs
If you live in an area where recreational marijuana use is legal, knowing the risks is still essential. Think of it like alcohol. While it may be legal to use, there are still impacts on the mind and body, and making educated decisions about disturbances is vital for everyone.
According to research, ongoing marijuana use can lead to injury in the airways and can also cause conditions like acute or chronic bronchitis. While smoking marijuana or any other substance, the immune system is also impacted as the smoke kills the cells that remove germs.
It’s also important to note that some research on marijuana is ongoing. While there seem to be links between respiratory issues and marijuana, many links between health conditions and marijuana are still being studied.
Marijuana Use And Treating Other Conditions
While smoking marijuana impacts the lungs and respiratory systems, studies are still being conducted to determine the long-term effects and how they compare with cigarette smoke.
It’s also important to note that doctors may prescribe marijuana to help patients with cancer as they go through chemotherapy, as marijuana can help with appetite. However, for these uses, marijuana is ingested, not smoked.
If you smoke weed or any other substance, you must see a doctor if you’re noticing impacts on your health. If you have trouble breathing, chest pain, or other symptoms, don’t wait to get assistance from a healthcare professional.
