{"id":25349,"date":"2022-12-20T08:00:07","date_gmt":"2022-12-20T13:00:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=25349"},"modified":"2024-10-01T15:49:57","modified_gmt":"2024-10-01T19:49:57","slug":"debunking-old-myths-is-cannabis-smoke-safer-than-tobacco-smoke","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/debunking-old-myths-is-cannabis-smoke-safer-than-tobacco-smoke\/","title":{"rendered":"Debunking Old Myths: Is Cannabis Smoke Safer Than Tobacco Smoke?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Following the 1936 release of the propaganda cult-classic Reefer Madness<\/a>, misconceptions and fake news plagued and stifled scientific research about marijuana for decades. And until recently, studies on cannabis smoke have been severely restricted since marijuana is classified as a Schedule I<\/a> controlled substance\u2014like heroin\u2014by the federal government.<\/p>\n

As a result, the conventional wisdom has been that cannabis smoke contains dangerous carcinogenic byproducts that can cause cancer, breathing problems, and a host of other health issues\u2014not only for the user but for anyone exposed to the smoke second-hand<\/a>.<\/p>\n

But is this actually true?\u00a0Let’s take a look at the science to see if there’s any merit to this claim.<\/p>\n

Cannabis Smoke vs. Tobacco Smoke: Key Differences<\/h2>\n

One of the first key differences between marijuana smoke and tobacco smoke is that the two have entirely different scents. But what exactly causes this difference?<\/p>\n

It all comes down to the chemicals released when burning the plants. Marijuana smoke contains more than 100 compounds, including THC<\/a>, CBD<\/a>, and terpenes<\/a>. These chemicals give cannabis its signature smell<\/a>, often described as earthy, pungent, or skunky.<\/p>\n

Tobacco smoke, on the other hand, does not contain any useful compounds. The dominant scent in tobacco smoke is nicotine, which has a distinct aroma. Plus, tobacco smoke contains pollutants like tar and carbon monoxide, which can add a harsh, unpleasant note to the smell.<\/p>\n

Another difference between marijuana smoking and tobacco smoking involves inhalation. As reported in the British Medical Journal<\/a>, when compared with cigarette smoking, cannabis smoking involves a larger puff and inhaled volume due to a longer time spent holding the breath. Consequently, the smoke and its components remain in the lungs for a longer period of time. But does this inherently spell danger for the smoker? Does smoking marijuana produce dangerous byproducts?<\/p>\n

Research Shows Cannabis Smoke Is Considerably Safer Than Tobacco Smoke<\/h2>\n

Cannabis opponents often cite antiquated research<\/a> that suggests smoking alone leads to lung cancer and lung disease. In response, an October 2022 literature review<\/a> titled Marijuana and the Lung: Evolving Understandings examined whether marijuana smoke bears the same risks as tobacco smoke<\/a> with the goal of putting the age-old debate to rest. As part of the study, researchers from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences examined data to determine if cannabis smoke exposure negatively impacts pulmonary health.<\/p>\n

The study concluded that cannabis smoke is “distinctly different from tobacco.” Their findings show marijuana smoking can lead to respiratory inflammation and irritation (bronchitis), and it is unlikely to contribute to severe lung disease.<\/p>\n

Interestingly, the findings of this most recent review remain consistent with several previous research<\/a> studies, which all have determined that cannabis has different long-term respiratory effects than traditional smoking and those who smoke cannabis exclusively experience a lower level of carcinogenic and toxicant exposure than tobacco smokers. Most notably, in a 2012 landmark study<\/a> that followed over 5,000 U.S. adults for more than 20 years, researchers from the University of California San Francisco and the University of Alabama at Birmingham found marijuana use less harmful to users’ lungs than exposure to tobacco<\/a>.<\/p>\n

The study, initially published in the Journal of American Medical Association (JAMA)<\/a>, found that although tobacco smoking can result in extensive lung damage, the long-term impact of marijuana usage on the pulmonary system is much less severe. The paper’s chief author Mark Pletcher<\/a> said they were surprised to find marijuana exposure had different patterns compared to tobacco exposure.<\/p>\n

As a result, their findings had significant implications for public health policy. They confirmed that marijuana smoking might not be as harmful as previously thought.<\/p>\n

Several Studies Debunk Myth that Marijuana Smoke Causes Cancer<\/h2>\n

Although smoking cigarettes has been linked to many types of deadly cancers, in 2006, a review<\/a> of marijuana research found that while smoking cannabis led to changes in lung cells, there was no connection between smoking cannabis and the type of cancers caused by tobacco use, which includes throat, mouth, esophageal, colon, and rectal cancers.<\/p>\n

Additionally, cigarette smoking can result in:<\/p>\n