What we know about cannabis and lung health

The main thing we know about cannabis is there are many questions that have yet to be answered. The Lung Association is working to ensure more research is done on the long term effects of cannabis.

Many of the harms can be associated with smoking cannabis as evidence suggests that frequent cannabis use can lead to chronic bronchitis later in life. The best thing to do if you want to use cannabis is not to smoke it.

The one thing we know for sure is smoking cannabis with tobacco has a significantly negative impact on lung health. You should never combine the two, if you are looking for help to quit smoking click here.

And while current research doesn’t give us enough information to definitively condemn all use of cannabis, we do know that inhalation of smoke from any source can be harmful to lungs. We caution Canadians against smoking cannabis once legal. We strongly advocate for more research, regulations and education to truly understand the long-term effects of this substance and to ensure all Canadians are well-informed and safe.

If you are looking to use cannabis for medical reasons, consult your healthcare provider. Conversely, The Canadian Lung Association urges Canadians to use alternative means of consumption of cannabis, if they choose to consume it at all.

For more information on cannabis and lung health:

Health effects of cannabis. Government of Canada.

Cannabasics. Canadian Public Health Association.

Cannabis. Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction.

Marijuana and lung health. American Lung Association.

Inhaled marijuana and the lungs. American Thoracic Society.