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Last Updated on May 23, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta
Marijuana is a psychoactive drug derived from the Cannabis plant. It contains compounds such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) that can have mind-altering effects. It is known for its recreational and medicinal uses, but its legality and regulations vary across different places. There are extensive on-going studies on the relationship between marijuana uses and lung cancer. While tobacco smoking is a well-established risk factor for lung cancer, the association between marijuana smoking and lung cancer is less clear. Besides this, researchers are also exploring the anticancer compounds in marijuana that can be of use in the treatment of cancer. In this article, we will discuss marijuana and whether the consumption of marijuana can cause lung cancer.
Can the use of marijuana cause lung cancer?
Not enough evidence. The available published scientific research papers suggest marijuana consumption may induce lung cancer. Some studies have suggested an increased risk of lung cancer with long-term heavy marijuana smoking, while others have not found a significant association.
It is important to note that smoking marijuana involves inhaling various toxins and carcinogens, which can have negative effects on respiratory health. Non-smoked forms of marijuana, such as edibles or vaporizers, may pose fewer risks to lung health.
Research shows that the combustion of marijuana produces carcinogenic byproducts, including approximately 50% more benzoprene and 75% more benzanthracene compared to cigarette smoke, along with additional substances like phenols, vinyl chlorides, nitrosamines, and reactive oxygen species. Excessive and regular consumption can allow the toxic cancer-causing compounds in marijuana to attack healthy cells and compel them to behave abnormally. This abnormal behavior includes profuse multiplication and failure to perform regular metabolic functions. We found evidence that suggests consuming marijuana can increase the risk of lung cancer by 8%.
Are marijuana and cannabis the same thing?
Not exactly. People often interchange marijuana with cannabis. However, both are not the same thing. Cannabis is an umbrella term for all products derived from the plant Cannabis sativa. Marijuana is the product of this plant that contains substantial amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol.
Since the plant is widely popular for its medicinal properties, researchers contemplate whether marijuana cures cancer. Researchers widely consider Cannabidiol and Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) to be responsible for the curative nature of cannabis. Researchers believe these compounds may reduce cancer symptoms to improve the quality of life to a certain extent. Nevertheless, evidence is not enough to confirm whether cannabis or cannabis oil cure cancer.
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