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Effects of smoking cannabis on lung function
Marcus H S Lee1, Robert J Hancox
1Department of Respiratory Medicine, Waikato Hospital, Pembroke St, Hamilton, New Zealand.
Expert Review of Respiratory Medicine
|August 24, 2011
Summary
Smoking cannabis causes large airway inflammation and bronchitis symptoms, unlike tobacco. Evidence for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or cancer from cannabis use remains inconclusive, though rare cases of emphysema exist.
Area of Science:
- Respiratory Medicine
- Public Health
Background:
- Cannabis is a widely used illicit drug with limited research on its respiratory health effects.
- Assumptions of similar respiratory effects to tobacco smoking are being challenged by recent studies.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the specific effects of cannabis smoking on lung function and respiratory health.
- To differentiate cannabis-induced respiratory effects from those of tobacco smoking.
Main Methods:
- Review of recent observational studies and case reports on cannabis smoking and respiratory health.
- Analysis of findings related to lung function, airway inflammation, and disease development.
Main Results:
- Consistent association between cannabis smoking and large airway inflammation, bronchitis symptoms, increased airway resistance, and lung hyperinflation.
- Inconclusive evidence for cannabis smoking causing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) features like airflow obstruction or emphysema.
- Numerous case reports of bullous emphysema in heavy cannabis smokers, likely uncommon adverse effects.
- Controversial and inconclusive evidence regarding cannabis as a cause of respiratory malignancies.
Conclusions:
- Cannabis smoking has distinct effects on the respiratory system compared to tobacco.
- While associated with airway inflammation and bronchitis, cannabis's role in COPD and cancer requires further investigation.
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