Does Marijuana Cause Lung Cancer?
- Fact-checked by Dr. Desiree Granados
Marijuana is a plant that has been used for medicinal and recreational purposes for centuries. The debate over whether marijuana causes lung cancer is a heated one, with scientists on both sides of the argument presenting evidence to support their claims. In this article we will attempt to answer the question of whether or not marijuana can cause lung cancer.
What is Marijuana?
Marijuana, also known as cannabis, is a psychoactive drug that is used for recreational and medicinal purposes. It is made from the dried flowers of the cannabis plant.
The main psychoactive compound in marijuana is tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). THC can result in addiction and other health problems for some marijuana users, while for others it can merely invoke an altered state of consciousness.
Benefits of Marijuana
Marijuana has been shown to have many benefits for both mental and physical health. It can help relieve anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, as well as improve sleep quality. Marijuana also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, which may help protect against certain diseases. Some research suggests that marijuana may even help fight cancer, although more studies are needed to confirm that claim.
Side Effects of Marijuana
Marijuana has been used for centuries for medical and recreational purposes. The active ingredient in marijuana is THC (delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol). THC affects the brain by binding to cannabinoid receptors. These receptors are found in areas of the brain that control pleasure, memory, thinking, concentration, body movement, and awareness of time and place.
THC can cause the following side effects:
- Feeling happy and relaxed
- Changes in mood
- Changes in thinking and problem-solving skills
- Impaired balance and coordination
- Increased heart rate
- Red eyes
- Dry mouth
- Increased appetite
- Problems with memory and learning
Marijuana smoke also contains more than 400 chemicals, including 70 that are known to cause cancer. Marijuana smokers are at risk for the same health problems as tobacco smokers, including lung cancer, respiratory infections, and impaired immune function.
Ways to Consume Marijuana
Marijuana can be smoked, ingested, or vaped. When it is smoked, the THC is absorbed by the lungs and goes directly into the bloodstream. When it is ingested, the THC is absorbed by the stomach before entering the bloodstream. When it is vaped, the THC is absorbed by the lungs before going into the bloodstream.
Can Marijuana Cause Lung Cancer?
There is much debate as to whether marijuana can actually cause lung cancer. A lot of the research on this topic is inconclusive, and more research is needed to determine whether or not marijuana can cause the disease. However, there are some studies that suggest that marijuana may increase one’s risk of contracting lung cancer.
Conclusion
There is much debate over whether or not marijuana can actually cause lung cancer. There are some studies that suggest that marijuana may increase one’s risk of contracting the disease, but more research is needed to determine if marijuana smoke contains the carcinogens that lead to lung cancer.
How we reviewed this article:
- Health Effects of Marijuana
https://www.cdc.gov/marijuana/health-effects/index.html - Does smoking marijuana increase lung cancer risk?
https://www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org/hometown-health/speaking-of-health/marijuana-and-lung-cancer-risk
Current Version
March 5, 2022
Written By
John DiBella
Fact-checked By
Dr. Desiree Granados
Editorial Process
Our Editorial Process
John DiBella is the co-founder and CEO at The Sanctuary Wellness Institute. His goal is to foster healthier lifestyles to improve individuals’ quality of life and health span through online medical and non-medical services. When he’s not writing blogs about medical marijuana, he enjoys hiking, camping, surfing and sailing.
