Answered by SecondMedic Expert
Oncologist · Cancer / Oncology / Cancer Surgery
It has long been debated whether or not marijuana consumption can cause lung cancer. According to a study published in Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention, the smoking of marijuana was not found to increase the risk of developing lung cancer among participants who reported using it for more than 20 years.
The association between marijuana and lung cancer has been further investigated by scientists around the world, with studies showing that there is no direct link between cannabis consumption and increased risk of the disease. On the contrary, some researchers have determined that THC (a primary psychoactive constituent in cannabis) could even protect against certain forms of carcinoma cell death – which would be beneficial for smokers and non-smokers alike.
This doesn't mean that smoking weed is totally safe for your lungs; it still poses potential health risks such as irritation to your throat and lungs, coughs/wheezing, bronchitis-like symptoms (when smoked frequently), and an increased chance of sinus infections due to bacteria buildup within your sinuses from smoke inhalation. For those reasons alone it's advised you only use cannabis responsibly while taking other precautionary measures into consideration like avoiding combustible paper wraps or choosing methods other than smoking such as edibles or topicals.