A new study from the University of Otago in New Zealand has found that both cannabis and tobacco smoking harm the lungs, but they do so in different ways.
This research is being called groundbreaking, especially as cannabis use becomes more common around the world.
Professor Bob Hancox, one of the study’s authors, explained that long-term cannabis use leads to over-inflated lungs and higher resistance to airflow—more so than tobacco smoking. Cannabis also reduces the lungs’ ability to absorb oxygen, which was once believed to be a problem only linked to tobacco.
The study used data from the Dunedin Multidisciplinary Health and Development Study, which followed more than 1,000 people born in Dunedin in 1972/73. These individuals were tracked up to age 45, making this one of the most complete studies of lifetime cannabis use and lung function.
About 75% of the participants had used cannabis at least once. However, research on the effects of cannabis on lung health has been limited, mainly because cannabis has been illegal in many places.
Doctors have noted a specific type of lung damage in heavy cannabis users known as ‘bong lung,’ which is a severe form of emphysema. This new research suggests that the lung issues it found could be early warning signs of bong lung.
The findings also confirm earlier studies that showed cannabis and tobacco affect the lungs in different ways. Professor Hancox warned that people who smoke both substances may suffer from the combined damage caused by each.
It’s still unclear why cannabis affects the lungs differently than tobacco. With many countries now easing laws on cannabis, the researchers say it’s more important than ever to understand its health risks.
This study gives important insights into how cannabis and tobacco each harm the lungs in their own way. The results could help guide public health policies and medical advice as more people use cannabis.
If you’re concerned about lung health, other studies have shown that a two-year course of immunotherapy may be an effective treatment for lung cancer. Researchers are also finding new ways to treat cancer and improve blood sugar control in cancer patients with diets like keto.
This study was published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine.
For more health information, please read studies about New diabetes drugs can benefit your kidney and lung health and Many smokers have unrecognized lung problems.
For more about lung health, please read studies about What is the link between cough and lung cancer? and findings of Scientists find new cause of lung cancer.
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