Search research articles

ABOUT JoVE

Overview Leadership Blog JoVE Help Center

AUTHORS

Publishing Process Editorial Board Scope & Policies Peer Review FAQ Submit

LIBRARIANS

Testimonials Subscriptions Access Resources Library Advisory Board FAQ

RESEARCH

JoVE Journal Methods Collections JoVE Encyclopedia of Experiments Archive

EDUCATION

JoVE Core JoVE Business JoVE Science Education JoVE Lab Manual Faculty Resource Center Faculty Site

Terms & Conditions of Use

Related Concept Videos

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Other Pulmonary Disorders

Respiratory disorders encompass a range of conditions with varying levels of severity. Asthma, marked by chronic airway inflammation and hypersensitivity, is one such condition. It can lead to airway obstruction due to factors like bronchial spasms, mucosal edema, increased mucus secretion, or epithelial damage. Asthma triggers are diverse, ranging from allergens to emotional upset, and treatment focuses on both immediate relief through bronchodilators and long-term inflammation suppression.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease III: Chronic Bronchitis Features

Chronic bronchitis is a key phenotype of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), characterized by airway-centered inflammation and mucus overproduction. It develops from long-term exposure to harmful particles or gases, most commonly cigarette smoke, which triggers a persistent inflammatory response.Cellular and Structural ChangesInflammation initially affects the large bronchi and later the smaller airways, with infiltration by immune cells, including neutrophils, macrophages, and...

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease I: Introduction

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease is a common, preventable, and treatable respiratory disorder characterized by persistent symptoms and progressive airflow limitation. This limitation results from a combination of small-airway disease (obstructive bronchiolitis) and parenchymal destruction (emphysema), both driven by chronic inflammation from exposure to harmful particles or gases.The disease includes two main pathological entities: emphysema, marked by destruction of alveolar walls and...

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease-II: Pathophysiology

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) pathophysiology is intricate and multifaceted, involving a complex interplay of physiological processes. Understanding these mechanisms is crucial for effectively managing and treating COPD. Here is an in-depth look at the critical elements in the pathophysiology of COPD:
Chronic Inflammation

Hallucinogens and Psychedelics

Hallucinogens and Psychedelics

Hallucinogens are psychoactive substances that profoundly alter perceptual experiences, generating unreal visual and sensory images. Often referred to as psychedelic drugs — a term derived from the Greek words "psyche" (mind) and "delos" (revealing) — these substances include marijuana and lysergic acid diethylamide (LSD), among others. These drugs vary in intensity and effects.
Marijuana, derived from the dried leaves and flowers of the hemp plant, contains...

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

COPD is defined as a heterogeneous lung condition marked by persistent respiratory symptoms such as dyspnea, cough, and sputum production, caused by abnormalities in the airways that cause airflow obstruction.
Smoking is a primary risk factor for COPD, with over 80% of patients having a history of it. Patients typically experience progressive dyspnea or labored breathing, frequent coughing, and recurrent pulmonary infections. Many eventually succumb to respiratory failure, characterized by...

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by

Same author

Are "race-neutral" lung volume prediction equations appropriate? A critical review of the contributions of anthropometric differences and socioeconomic factors to lung volumes.

The European respiratory journal·2026

Same author

Assessment of uranium with toxicological and radiological implications in potable water sources of the eastern region of Kumaun Himalaya, India.

Isotopes in environmental and health studies·2026

Same author

Water parks, vaping, COPD topics on team management, exacerbations, bronchoscopic therapies, lung transplantation, and artificial intelligence.

Current opinion in pulmonary medicine·2026

Same author

Ability of Radiomics Versus Humans in Predicting First-Pass Effect After Endovascular Treatment in the ESCAPE-NA1 Trial.

Stroke (Hoboken, N.J.)·2026

Same author

Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease exacerbations for the academic hospitalist: an opportunity to learn and improve care.

Current opinion in pulmonary medicine·2025

Same author

Understanding radon behaviour in traditional Indian dwellings: Insights from a validated CFD study of a representative mud test house.

Environmental pollution (Barking, Essex : 1987)·2025

Search research articles

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 4, 2026

Development of a Preclinical Inhalation Model to Test Vaporized Cannabis Distillates

Development of a Preclinical Inhalation Model to Test Vaporized Cannabis Distillates

Published on: May 30, 2025

Marijuana and lung diseases.

Manish Joshi¹, Anita Joshi, Thaddeus Bartter

¹aUniversity of Arkansas for Medical Sciences bCentral Arkansas, Veterans Healthcare System, Little Rock, Arkansas, USA.

Current Opinion in Pulmonary Medicine

|January 4, 2014

Summary

This summary is machine-generated.

Regular marijuana smoking is not harmless, potentially causing bronchitis and airflow obstruction. Heavy use may increase lung cancer risk, though evidence is still developing. Medicinal use in low doses may be safe, but limits require definition.

More Related Videos

Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System

Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System

Published on: October 22, 2020

Studying Effects of Cigarette Smoke on Pseudomonas Infection in Lung Epithelial Cells

Studying Effects of Cigarette Smoke on Pseudomonas Infection in Lung Epithelial Cells

Published on: May 11, 2020

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 4, 2026

Development of a Preclinical Inhalation Model to Test Vaporized Cannabis Distillates

Development of a Preclinical Inhalation Model to Test Vaporized Cannabis Distillates

Published on: May 30, 2025

Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System

Cigarette Smoke Exposure in Mice using a Whole-Body Inhalation System

Published on: October 22, 2020

Studying Effects of Cigarette Smoke on Pseudomonas Infection in Lung Epithelial Cells

Studying Effects of Cigarette Smoke on Pseudomonas Infection in Lung Epithelial Cells

Published on: May 11, 2020

Area of Science:

Respiratory Medicine
Toxicology

Background:

Cannabis sativa (marijuana) use is increasing globally.
Inhalation of marijuana smoke is a common but potentially harmful method of consumption.
Concerns exist regarding the adverse effects of marijuana smoke on lung health.

Purpose of the Study:

To review recent studies on the respiratory effects of inhaling marijuana smoke.
To highlight the impact of marijuana smoke on the pulmonary system.

Main Methods:

Literature review of recent studies.
Analysis of epidemiological and immuno-histopathologic evidence.

Main Results:

Marijuana smoking is linked to chronic bronchitis symptoms and airway inflammation.
Heavy marijuana use may cause airflow obstruction; occasional use is not a COPD risk factor.
Evidence suggests biological plausibility for marijuana smoking as a lung cancer risk, but conclusive links are difficult to establish.

Conclusions:

Habitual marijuana smoking carries risks and is not harmless.
Caution against heavy marijuana use is advised.
Medicinal use in low doses may be safe, but dose limits need further research; recreational use should be discouraged.