Long-term cannabis use does not harm lung function like tobacco

A study published in the journal Respiratory Medicine found that inhaling cannabis smoke does not have the same impact on lung function as inhaling tobacco smoke. The study, led by a team of Australian researchers, evaluated the impact of tobacco and cannabis on lung function in a group of 30-year-old people. Participants had started smoking tobacco, cannabis, or both as young adults and lung performance was assessed at ages 21 and 30 using spirometric assessments.

The results showed that those who only smoked cigarettes “already showed signs of impaired lung function” at the age of 30, while those who had only consumed cannabis “did not appear to have signs of impaired lung function”. The study authors acknowledged that co-use of tobacco and cannabis did not improve lung function beyond the effects of tobacco consumption alone.

“Those who have [only] consumed cannabis since their teenage years do not appear to have evidence of decreased lung function,” the researchers reported.

They concluded that “cannabis use does not appear to be related to lung function, even after years of use.” These findings are consistent with previous studies, which have reported that exposure to cannabis smoke, even long-term, is not predictive of significant adverse pulmonary effects, as seen with tobacco.

It is also worth mentioning that consumers who wish to reduce their exposure to combustible smoke can do so by using vaporizers, which heat cannabinoids to the point of vaporization, but below the point of combustion. Clinical trials have found weed vaporizers to be a “safe and effective” cannabinoid delivery device.

It is important to note that this study was based on a small sample size and more research is needed to confirm these findings. However, the results are promising and suggest that cannabis use does not have the same harmful effects on lung function as tobacco use.

Overall, this study provides evidence that cannabis consumption does not have the same harmful effects on lung function as smoking, even after years of consumption. This is a significant finding for people who use cannabis medicinally or recreationally, and highlights the importance of considering alternative consumption methods, such as vaporization.