{"id":41183,"date":"2026-03-13T11:22:33","date_gmt":"2026-03-13T11:22:33","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/?p=41183"},"modified":"2026-03-13T11:22:33","modified_gmt":"2026-03-13T15:22:33","slug":"more-non-smokers-are-getting-lung-cancer-how-much-does-cannabis-contribute","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/more-non-smokers-are-getting-lung-cancer-how-much-does-cannabis-contribute\/","title":{"rendered":"More Non-Smokers are Getting Lung Cancer. How Much Does Cannabis Contribute?"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">An alarming trend has recently come to light: more <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/future\/article\/20250605-the-mystery-rise-of-lung-cancer-in-non-smokers#:~:text=The%20number%20of%20lung%20cancer%20cases%20in%20people%20who%20have%20never%20smoked%20is%20increasing.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">non-smokers are getting lung cancer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than ever before. Given that lung cancer is the most common worldwide and the leading cause of cancer death, you may be worried about the implications of your cannabis habits. How much does cannabis contribute to lung cancer risk?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">According to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/future\/article\/20250605-the-mystery-rise-of-lung-cancer-in-non-smokers#:~:text=Lung%20cancer%20is,have%20never%20smoked.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">BBC report<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the number of smokers around the globe is in decline, while lung cancer diagnoses among people who have never smoked cigarettes are on the rise. Now we\u2019re seeing somewhere between 10 and 20% of lung cancer cases in people who have never smoked before.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We know that smoking cigarettes is clearly not the only risk factor for lung cancer. Here\u2019s what the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/lcfamerica.org\/about-lung-cancer\/detection\/risks\/?gad_source=1&amp;gad_campaignid=329024698&amp;gbraid=0AAAAADnuvSbUqNnsMqC0OPpyoc9CjKibm&amp;gclid=Cj0KCQjwl5jHBhDHARIsAB0YqjwPnern8EolAm4Cly4G1WuoqRUjAkMs7fmmD8Hu0JCqjK2sNl31qeMaAqFVEALw_wcB\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Lung Cancer Foundation of America<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> lists as the most common risk factors for the disease, after smoking:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Secondhand smoke exposure\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Radon gas exposure\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Asbestos exposure<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Exposure to other carcinogens (inhaled arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, silica, etc.)<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Arsenic in drinking water\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pollution\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Previous exposure to lung radiation\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Past diagnosis or family history\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2><strong>Why Are Lung Cancer Rates Increasing Among Non-Smokers?<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-41186\" src=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/little-swans-fly-over-the-thick-smoking-oil-refine-2026-01-07-06-56-29-utc-scaled.jpg\" alt=\"little swans fly over the thick smoking oil refinery in the early morning by the Yangtze River, China\" width=\"918\" height=\"612\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/little-swans-fly-over-the-thick-smoking-oil-refine-2026-01-07-06-56-29-utc-scaled.jpg 2560w, https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/little-swans-fly-over-the-thick-smoking-oil-refine-2026-01-07-06-56-29-utc-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/little-swans-fly-over-the-thick-smoking-oil-refine-2026-01-07-06-56-29-utc-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/little-swans-fly-over-the-thick-smoking-oil-refine-2026-01-07-06-56-29-utc-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/little-swans-fly-over-the-thick-smoking-oil-refine-2026-01-07-06-56-29-utc-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/little-swans-fly-over-the-thick-smoking-oil-refine-2026-01-07-06-56-29-utc-2048x1365.jpg 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 918px) 100vw, 918px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Squamous cell carcinoma was the most commonly diagnosed form of lung cancer <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/future\/article\/20250605-the-mystery-rise-of-lung-cancer-in-non-smokers#:~:text=Another%20difference%20is,and%20never%2Dsmokers.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">until the 1950s and \u201860s.<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> That specific type of cancer begins with lung-lining cells. Today, we see adenocarcinoma starting in mucus-producing cells as the most commonly diagnosed form of lung cancer \u2013 often more aggressively at an advanced stage \u2013 both for smokers and those who have never smoked before.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">So what\u2019s causing people who have never smoked before to develop lung cancer? It\u2019s not always clear, as illustrated by the many risk factors listed above. The BBC reports that lung cancer in never-smokers is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.com\/future\/article\/20250605-the-mystery-rise-of-lung-cancer-in-non-smokers#:~:text=Lung%20cancer%20in%20never%2Dsmokers%20is%20also,prevalent%20is%20a%20mutation%20known%20as%20EGFR.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">more commonly diagnosed in women<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, over twice as likely perhaps due to genetic mutations most commonly associated with women, such as EGFR.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Researchers still don\u2019t fully understand why these mutations occur so commonly in women of Asian descent. Some evidence suggests that female hormones may impact the risk of developing genetic mutations, but we don\u2019t have concrete evidence of that yet.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some suggest that exposure to cooking fumes or burning wood stove tops in poorly ventilated rooms may also increase the risk of lung cancer. As the BBC points out, women traditionally <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/news.gallup.com\/poll\/283979\/women-handle-main-household-tasks.aspx#:~:text=Married%20or%20partnered,doing%20yardwork%20(59%25).\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">spend more time inside<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in the US, which could increase their exposure to such carcinogens.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Around the world, the UN Environment Programme acknowledges that women and children are at particular <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unep.org\/news-and-stories\/story\/cooking-smoke-kills-millions-every-year-heres-what-world-can-do-about#:~:text=Who%20suffers%20the,International%20Energy%20Agency.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">deadly risk from household smoke<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> exposure. For example, women and children in Africa account for 60% of early deaths from smoke inhalation and household air pollution, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.unep.org\/news-and-stories\/story\/cooking-smoke-kills-millions-every-year-heres-what-world-can-do-about#:~:text=What%20does%20household,birthweight%20and%20stillbirths.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">including lung cancer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The UN is working to raise awareness and promote clean cooking practices around the world (looking at you, too, trendy wood-fired restaurants polluting our neighborhoods and world).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of the exact causes, somewhere between <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/lung-cancer\/nonsmokers\/index.html#:~:text=cancer%2C%20and%20asbestos.-,In%20the%20United%20States%2C%20about%2010%25%20to%2020%25%20of%20lung%20cancers,about%207%2C300%20and%20radon%20to%20about%202%2C900%20of%20these%20lung%20cancers.,-Jackie%E2%80%99s%20Story\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">20,000 and 40,000 non-smokers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> (either those who have never smoked or have smoked fewer than 100 cigarettes in their lives) are developing lung cancer each year in the United States. Of these, researchers estimate about 7,300 are attributed to secondhand smoke. They estimate another 2,900 cases to stem from exposure to radon, an odorless radioactive gas that can <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/my.clevelandclinic.org\/health\/diseases\/21523-radon-gas#:~:text=Radon%20is%20a%20naturally%20occurring%2C%20colorless%2C%20odorless%2C%20radioactive%20gas.%20It%20can%20seep%20into%20homes%20and%20other%20buildings.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">seep into buildings and homes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Cannabis and Lung Cancer Risk\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">There is a clear link between lung cancer and cigarette smoking. After all, it\u2019s the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/lung-cancer\/risk-factors\/index.html#:~:text=Smoking-,Cigarette%20smoking%20is%20the%20number%20one%20risk%20factor%20for%20lung%20cancer.,-In%20the%20United\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">number one risk factor<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, accounting for 80 to 90% of cases. But do the same risks exist with cannabis smoking?<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">We\u2019ve previously compared tobacco and cannabis smoking risks, concluding that research shows <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/how-to-properly-store-cannabis-flower-so-that-it-lasts\/#:~:text=produce%20dangerous%20byproducts%3F-,RESEARCH%20SHOWS%20CANNABIS%20SMOKE%20IS%20CONSIDERABLY%20SAFER%20THAN%20TOBACCO%20SMOKE,-Cannabis%20opponents%20often\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">cannabis smoke is considerably safer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> than tobacco smoke. But some experts still believe that cannabis smoke may also be a risk factor<\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.mayoclinichealthsystem.org\/hometown-health\/speaking-of-health\/marijuana-and-lung-cancer-risk#:~:text=Smoking%20marijuana%20may%20be%20associated%20with%20an%20increased%20risk%20of%20developing%20lung%20cancer.%20Additional%20research%20is%20needed%20to%20fully%20understand%20the%20long%2Dterm%20health%20effects%20of%20marijuana%20smoking%20and%20how%20it%20affects%20a%20person%27s%20risk%20for%20lung%20cancer.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for lung cancer<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. We need more research to say whether that\u2019s true or not, but so far the connection certainly isn\u2019t nearly as evident as with tobacco smoke.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">A 2025 review of cannabis research <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/41089432\/#:~:text=Despite%20sharing%20toxic,a%20synergistic%20effect.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">concludes that there\u2019s no connection<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> between cannabis smoking and lung cancer, despite the fact that cannabis smoke can lead to changes in lung cells. Additionally, they point out that mixing cannabis and tobacco smoke can be worse than tobacco alone.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Because cannabis smoke contains many of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/quit-smoking\/smoking-facts\/health-effects\/marijuana-and-lung-health#:~:text=Smoke%20from%20marijuana,smoke%20is%20needed.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">same irritants, toxins, and carcinogens <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">as tobacco smoke, it\u2019s commonly suggested that it may also carry a lung cancer risk alone or synergistically. This risk may be furthered by the tendency for cannabis smokers to inhale for <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov\/articles\/PMC1125867\/#:~:text=Although%20cannabis%20cigarettes,effects%20on%20health%3F\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">longer periods of time<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, retaining more of the toxins and carcinogens in the lungs. Many consumers also <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/the-health-risks-you-need-to-be-aware-of-when-smoking-blunts\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">mix tobacco with cannabis<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> in blunts or water pipes for social bonding or longstanding cultural reasons (e.g. hookah, Northern Africa, West Asia).<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For now, the link between lung cancer and cannabis smoke is unknown \u2013 but evidently not strong. We don\u2019t know for sure if cannabis smoke may increase the risk of developing the disease, despite having some similarities to tobacco smoke, a known risk factor. While some studies link cannabis use with lung cancer, the majority have not found a concrete association.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><b>How to Reduce Your Risk of Lung Cancer<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter  wp-image-41184\" src=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/more-non-smokers-getting-lung-cancer-1.png\" alt=\"woman smoking a cigarette\" width=\"813\" height=\"542\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/more-non-smokers-getting-lung-cancer-1.png 1200w, https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/more-non-smokers-getting-lung-cancer-1-300x200.png 300w, https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/more-non-smokers-getting-lung-cancer-1-1024x683.png 1024w, https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/03\/more-non-smokers-getting-lung-cancer-1-768x512.png 768w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 813px) 100vw, 813px\" \/><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The CDC reports that the most important way to reduce your risk of lung cancer is <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cdc.gov\/lung-cancer\/prevention\/index.html#:~:text=KEY%20POINTS-,The%20most%20important%20thing%20you%20can%20do%20to%20prevent%20lung%20cancer%20is%20to%20not%20start%20smoking%2C%20or%2C%20if%20you%20smoke%2C%20to%20quit.,-Get%20your%20home\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">not to start smoking<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. And if you do smoke, they recommend you quit. In fact, quitting smoking at any age is always beneficial \u2013 health benefits of quitting start <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/quit-smoking\/i-want-to-quit\/benefits-of-quitting#:~:text=Health%20Benefits%20Include%3A,use%20cigarettes%20or%20other%20tobacco%20products.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">within the first 20 minutes<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and last even 15 years later.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their recommendation is broad and doesn\u2019t specify whether they mean all forms of smoking. But they do later specify the link between cigarette smoke and cancer, without any mention of cannabis.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In addition to not smoking, the CDC also recommends that people avoid secondhand smoke, as it can also increase their risk of developing lung cancer. They also suggest testing your home\u2019s radon levels and reducing your exposure if necessary. Likewise, they recommend following all health and safety guidelines at work to avoid carcinogen exposure.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The American Cancer Society also points to a <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.cancer.org\/cancer\/types\/lung-cancer\/causes-risks-prevention\/prevention.html#:~:text=A%20healthy%20diet%20with,increased%20risk%20from%20smoking.\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">healthy diet for cancer prevention<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. They suggest eating lots of fruits and vegetables to reduce the risk of developing lung cancer.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Alternatives to Smoking for Medical Cannabis Patients<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Regardless of the motivation, if you want to <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.lung.org\/quit-smoking\/i-want-to-quit\/top-tips-for-quitting-smoking\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">reduce or stop smoking<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> altogether, there are plenty of options to still consume cannabis. <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/is-marijuana-safe-the-healthiest-way-to-consume-thc-cbd\/#:~:text=EDIBLES%20AND%20TINCTURES,effects%20of%20THC.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Edibles, tinctures, and topicals<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> are all easy ways to get your cannabis fix without inhaling anything.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some people may opt to vape cannabis instead. We particularly like <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/dry-herb-vaporizing-a-healthier-alternative-to-smoking-cannabis\/#:~:text=Exposes%20your%20airways%20to%20less%20irritation%20and%20risk\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">dry herb vaporizers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> for a true-to-the-flower experience without any combustion. They\u2019re a great option for a smoke-adjacent experience with <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/dry-herb-vaporizing-a-healthier-alternative-to-smoking-cannabis\/#:~:text=Exposes%20your%20airways%20to%20less%20irritation%20and%20risk\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">less lung irritation.<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you want to quit smoking cigarettes, cannabidiol (CBD) may be your new favorite tool. Research shows that <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.veriheal.com\/blog\/quit-smoking-for-good-with-cbd-study-finds-cannabinoid-reduces-nicotine-cravings\/#:~:text=The%20study%20revealed,these%20positive%20effects.\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">CBD may help cigarette smokers<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> cut back on or quit their habit entirely.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>An alarming trend has recently come to light: more non-smokers are getting lung cancer than ever before. Given that lung cancer is the most common worldwide and the leading cause of cancer death, you may be worried about the implications of your cannabis habits. How much does cannabis contribute to lung cancer risk? According to&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":109,"featured_media":41187,"parent":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[17851,259],"tags":[18924,15001,19137,12810,13046,17359,13025],"class_list":["post-41183","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-and-wellness","category-research","tag-cannabis-consumption-methods","tag-cannabis-risks","tag-does-smoking-cannabis-cause-lung-cancer","tag-health-and-wellness","tag-lung-cancer","tag-smoking-risks","tag-vaping-cannabis"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v26.1 (Yoast SEO v26.1.1) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Does Smoking Cannabis Increase Risk of Lung Cancer?<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn more about how much smoking cannabis contributes to lung cancer risk. 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