Clearing the Smoke on Cannabis: Respiratory and Cardiovascular Effects of Cannabis Smoking [report]

Reviews research about the effects of smoking cannabis on the cardiovascular and respiratory systems (heart and lungs). Findings of the report include that cannabis smoke contains many of the same chemicals as tobacco smoke, emerging evidence that quitting cannabis smoking can reverse some of the negative respiratory symptoms associated with its use, and the effects of cannabis vaping.

Key findings include: 

• Cannabis, when inhaled, can potentially trigger stroke, heart attack or inflammation of arteries, especially in those who use cannabis heavily.
• Cannabis smoking increases the risk for coughing, wheezing, aggravation of asthma, sore throat, tightness of chest and hoarse voice.
• It is not yet clear if there is a link between cannabis smoking and serious lung conditions such as lung cancer or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
• There is some evidence to suggest that quitting cannabis smoking can reverse some of the negative respiratory symptoms associated with smoking.