Does Smoking Weed Cause Lung Cancer? What You Should Know About Weed and Lung Health

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People are using cannabis (marijuana) more frequently these days for both medical and personal uses. And because it's more common, researchers are learning more about its potential benefits - and risks. For example, a recent study found that people who used cannabis on a regular basis are at increased risk for heart disease. And it may worsen certain mental health conditions. But what about lung cancer?

For those who prefer to smoke it, the research on cannabis and lung cancer is still evolving. We'll go through what the studies have shown, and discuss other risks to your lung health over the long term.

Does smoking weed cause lung cancer?

Researchers are still investigating whether cannabis smoke is a direct cause of lung cancer. Like tobacco, cannabis contains carcinogens and other chemicals that are harmful to the body. These include ammonia, carbon monoxide, and formaldehyde.

A review article looked at previous research on cannabis and lung cancer. The research found that cannabis hasn't been directly linked to lung cancer. But it pointed out that there might still be a connection.

More research using larger participant sizes is needed.

There's also concern that some people who smoke cannabis may also have a history of smoking cigarettes. This history of smoking both cannabis and cigarettes may mask the true relationship between cannabis and lung cancer risk.

What causes lung cancer?

Smoking cigarettes is the number one cause of lung cancer cases. The risk of lung cancer also increases with exposure to secondhand smoke. And that risk builds over time. So, if you used to smoke but quit, you decrease your risk of developing lung cancer down the line.

Smoking isn't the only substance linked to lung cancer. Other risk factors include:

• Chemicals:Radon is a colorless and odorless gas, found in soil. It can cause lung cancer. Asbestos, chromium, nickel, and arsenic can also increase a person's risk for lung cancer.

• Radiation treatment: Any type of radiation treatment to the chest area may also have an increased risk of lung cancer. This includes people who've had radiation treatment for breast cancer and Hodgkin's lymphoma.

• Your medical history: Some lung conditions like pulmonary fibrosis can increase risk of lung cancer. A family history of lung cancer can also increase your risk.

What does smoking weed do to your lungs?

Cannabis may be legal in many states, but that doesn't necessarily mean it can't do any harm in the long run. Smoking cannabis daily and near-daily can affect your lung health. For example, long inhales and breath holding while smoking cannabis can lead to difficulty breathing over time.

Even if you never develop lung cancer, smoking cannabis can still affect the lungs. Cannabis has been shown to damage and destroy the cell lining of the lungs. The destroyed cells are replaced with cells that produce mucus. This increase in mucus could eventually cause a chronic cough. This is because the body is trying to continually get rid of the excess mucus.

But this isn't the only way that smoking cannabis changes your lungs. Both inflammation and injury to this lining and the lung itself may also occur. Inflammation happens when the body is recovering from an injury. This can cause more breathing troubles over time.

What are the long-term effects of smoking weed?

Smoking cannabis can cause a number of long-term lung problems. These include:

• Cough

• Phlegm (mucus) buildup

• Wheezing

• Pneumonia (lung infection)

• Bronchitis

Bronchitis is a condition caused by inflammation in the lung airways. This causes the airways to swell and produce more mucus. Symptoms often include a lingering cough, shortness of breath, and wheezing.

Smoking cannabis can increase your risk of frequent lung illness - like bronchitis and pneumonia. But it can also increase your risk for more chronic conditions. For example, regularly smoking cannabis can increase your risk for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a broad term for lung diseases that happen when the lung becomes damaged.

How to stop smoking cannabis

If you're concerned about how smoking cannabis may impact your health or think you want to cut back or quit, resources are available. Your primary care provider is a great place to start. They can offer personalized advice and treatment options.

Support groups and counseling services may also be an option to help with managing your cannabis use. Taking steps to educate yourself on how cannabis use affects your health is a positive move toward taking control of your overall health.

If you or someone you know struggles with substance use, help is available. Call SAMHSA's National Helpline at 1-800-662-4357 to learn about resources in your area.

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