Does Smoking Weed Cause Lung Cancer

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, weed, or pot, ranks as the second most widely used substance in the U.S., gaining popularity, particularly among the younger generation. A crucial step toward promoting informed decision-making is comprehending the associated risks and effects of its use.

The legalization of marijuana is rapidly spreading across states. However, it’s important to note its impact on our health, especially the lungs. Similar to tobacco, marijuana can irritate the throat and lungs and cause coughs. 

Although the legal landscape surrounding weed is shifting, the health implications of smoking remain. Making an informed decision about our health is imperative to avoid regrets and serious complications in the long run. Does smoking weed cause lung cancer? Here’s what you need to know.

Can smoking marijuana cause lung cancer?

It’s vital to know the components of marijuana and its physical effects to understand that smoking increases the risk of lung cancer. In comparison to cigarette smoke, marijuana has the following contaminants:

• 50% more benzopyrene 
• 75% more benzanthracene, 
• Higher levels of phenols, vinyl chlorides, nitrosamines, and reactive oxygen species. 

These elements are considered environmental contaminants that can indeed harm the throat and lungs when inhaled. Weed is also inhaled and held longer than tobacco, so the risk of damaging lung tissues is higher.

Because of the way that marijuana is typically consumed and its composition, there is a higher chance of respiratory illnesses. Even with this correlation, more research is necessary to determine conclusively if severe and prolonged marijuana usage increases the risk of lung cancer. The information available now emphasizes how crucial it is to continue research to assess marijuana’s impacts on respiratory health fully and to offer more complex insights into any potential carcinogenic implications.

Chemical in Marijuana 

Marijuana is made up of 480 compounds, and the two main ones are responsible for the intoxicating effects. The delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) found in the leaves and buds of female marijuana can create paranoia and hallucinations since it’s mind-altering.

Another active compound is cannabidiol (CBD), which is considered therapeutic and a muscle relaxant. A specific form of CBD is used as a prescription drug for seizure in the U.S.

Other cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids contribute to marijuana’s overall effects. Terpenes are aromatic compounds that influence the flavors and scents of strains. Flavonoids possess antioxidant properties.

In addition, it has carcinogenic elements that can be more harmful than the ones in a cigarette. These are benzopyrene, benzanthracene, phenols, vinyl chlorides, and nitrosamines.

Does the way you smoke it affect its overall impact?

Marijuana is used in different ways, such as:

• Joints – weed rolled in paper and smoked like a cigarette.

• Blunts – weed wrapped in cigar wrap and longer or bigger than joints.

• Bongs – use water to filter the weed and then inhale the smoke.

• Vapes -inhaled through an electronic device such as a vape pen.

• Eating Edibles – weed mixed in food and drinks such as cookies, cakes, brownies, or alcohol, tea, and sodas.

• Dabbing – Inhaling oil concentrates of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that may contain other substances.

Smoking is still the most common way to consume marijuana through inhalation. Compared to other ways of ingestion, smoking allows THC, the psychoactive ingredient, to enter the lungs more quickly and be absorbed into the circulation, which results in an instant effect on the brain. 

On the other hand, eating and drinking food and beverages infused with marijuana travels a longer path through the digestive system, which causes the effects to take longer to manifest—usually between thirty and sixty minutes. 

While edibles can have a longer-lasting effect, smoked marijuana can have an impact that lasts anywhere between one and three hours. Even after the effects have faded, the body may still have marijuana chemicals for a few days.

Is there a level of risk involved in vaping marijuana?

The popularity of vaping is not only limited to the use of nicotine but also to cannabis. Youth vaping has changed the landscape of substance abuse, especially with the most common drug, which is weed. 

Vaping heats a cannabis product to create vapor. This may lead to new chemicals that can be harmful upon inhalation. There are vaping products that have higher levels of THC, which can lead to overdosage. The individual may accidentally ingest more cannabis than their body can handle. 

Research states that vaping cannabis can produce more long-term lung injuries compared to vaping nicotine. Teenagers who vape marijuana have reported wheezing and whistling in the chest, dry coughs, and altered sleep patterns due to respiratory-related issues.

Does secondhand marijuana smoke carry potential risks?

Secondhand marijuana smoke has many of the same dangerous ingredients as secondhand tobacco smoke, such as respiratory irritants and carcinogens. Several important points about the possible dangers of marijuana smoking in the vicinity are as follows:

Breathing in toxic substances: Although inhaled substances may not be as many, secondhand smoke still carries harmful substances that others can inhale.

Negative impacts on respiratory health: Secondhand smoke can still cause respiratory health issues, such as irritants to the throat and lungs that can lead to coughing or chest pain.

Exposure to cannabinoids: Exposure to weed components increases in social gatherings or enclosed spaces, especially if done frequently. 

Health risks for vulnerable people: Secondhand smoke may reach individuals with existing diseases, pregnant women, and children.

Legal risks: Secondhand smoke exposure may have legal consequences in areas where marijuana usage is restricted or prohibited, particularly in public areas or workplaces.

It’s critical to remember that knowledge about the health impacts of secondhand marijuana smoking is still developing, and additional research is required to comprehend the hazards completely.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

The symptoms of lung cancer can vary depending on the type and stage. In the early stage of the disease, the symptoms may not be so noticeable. However, as it progresses, an individual may exhibit these signs:

• Persistent cough
• Wheezing
• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Sudden weight loss
• Fatigue
• Frequent respiratory infections
• Bone pain
• Coughing up blood

It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be associated with other respiratory health problems. As always, seeking advice and consulting a medical professional for early detection, proper diagnosis,  and appropriate treatment is best.

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