The British Lung Foundation is calling for increased awareness of the dangers cannabis pose to the lungs following the publication of research in the journal Chemical Research in Toxicology highlighting the levels of chemicals in cannabis smoke.
The study found that certain chemicals were present in marijuana smoke at much higher levels than in tobacco smoke.
“This study highlights that marijuana smoke contains similar carcinogens to tobacco, in particular volatile organic compounds such as aromatic amines and hydrocarbons," says Professor Stephen Spiro, spokesperson for the British Lung Foundation.
“The fact that these exist in similar or even greater proportions to tobacco smoke is a great worry and shows once again that cannabis poses a serious health risk to the lungs.
“It’s important to remember, though, that tobacco continues to be more harmful overall because it is typically smoked in much higher quantities than cannabis.”
The BLF is calling for:
- A public health campaign to make young people fully aware about the increased risk of lung infections and respiratory cancers
- Further research into potential links between cannabis smoking and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) - an umbrella term for conditions including emphysema and chronic bronchitis.
Click here to read the British Lung Foundation report on the impact of cannabis smoking on respiratory health entitled 'Cannabis - A Smoking Gun?'.
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