The Effects of Smoking Cannabis on the Lungs

Do I need to worry about cannabis smoke damaging my lungs?

Scientists have been concerned about this question because cannabis and tobacco smoke have some of the same contents shown to have toxic effects on the lungs.

Here are a few of the things we know and don’t know about the effects of cannabis smoke:

• Symptoms of chronic bronchitis are increased by regular cannabis smoking (for example: frequent coughing, sputum production or wheezing).
• Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Diseases (COPD) such as emphysema, does not appear to be caused by smoking cannabis if you are not also smoking tobacco.
• Pulmonary infection (inflammation in the lungs) may be caused by cannabis smoking. This connection is uncertain, and more research is needed.
• Much more tar from cannabis smoke is deposited in the lungs if someone takes large puffs, inhales it deeply into their lungs, and holds their breath. It’s more tar than the typical user gets from smoking a cigarette.
• Cancer risk from smoking cannabis is still being studied, with no definitive answers yet. While many studies don’t find an increased risk, it’s still possible there is such a risk for heavier cannabis smokers.

Note: You may want to consider using vaporizers to reduce the risk of lung damage from inhaling smoke. Vaporizers are equipment that heats the cannabis plant to a temperature just below combustion. These devices are not that same as vape pens that use cartridges filled with cannabis concentrates and other additives or dab pens, that use- cannabis concentrates. Vape pens have been associated with harmful health effects. Using edible cannabis products is also an effective way to prevent any lung-related problems.

Secondhand smoke may also cause harm to people NOT smoking. Learn more about secondhand cannabis smoke.

Last updated June 2024.