Cannabis Use

Smoke is harmful to lung health. Whether it’s from tobacco or cannabis, toxins and carcinogens are released from the burning of those substances. Smoke from cannabis has been shown to contain many of the same toxins, irritants and carcinogens as tobacco smoke.

More research is needed to understand the impacts of smoking cannabis on the lung health of users and those around them. Some studies show that heavy smoking of cannabis may lead to chronic bronchitis and a worsening of chronic lung disease symptoms. It may also lead to symptoms including cough, excessive sputum, wheezing, and a decline in lung function.

The impact of lung health is of particular concern for those who also smoke tobacco. The devastating impacts of tobacco smoke are well known and individuals who co-use may be at an increased risk.

If using cannabis, try to avoid smoking it, if possible.

Second-hand Cannabis Smoke

Second-hand cannabis smoke contains many of the same toxins and carcinogens found in directly inhaled cannabis smoke. While there is no data on the health risks associated with breathing second-hand cannabis smoke, there is concern that it could cause harmful effects, especially among vulnerable populations like children.

More long-term research is needed to fully understand the effects of cannabis smoke, including second-hand cannabis smoke, on lung health.

What are alternatives to smoking?

Alternatives to smoking includes forms of using cannabis that do not require burning or combustion. These may include oils, edibles, drinkables, and vaping.

Cannabis Oils and Edibles

Cannabis edibles are food products that are made with either cannabis or cannabis oils. They are used as an alternative to other ways cannabis is consumed such as smoking or vaping.

Vaping

Vaping is a means of breathing in cannabis through a vapourizer that heats e-liquid into an aerosol.If you do not smoke cannabis do not start vaping.

Is it safe to consume?

There is a significant chance that non-combustible cannabis (e.g. oils, edibles, drinkables) may be safer for your lungs than smoking it. However, due to the delayed effects, the potential risk for greater impairment is higher. It is important to understand how each non-combustible may affect your body and mind.

Vaping is likely less harmful for your lung health than smoking. While it may be less harmful than smoking, it is likely not harmless. More research is needed to determine whether there are longer term health impacts associated with vaping.

Mixing cannabis and tobacco should be avoided. This increases your risk of harmful respiratory symptoms. Dual use is associated with higher adverse health effects due to higher toxic exposure. Mixing cannabis with tobacco also exposes you to nicotine, making it more addictive.

Cannabis smoke contains more than 450 chemicals and cigarette smoke contains more than 4,000, many cancer-causing. When mixing cannabis with tobacco, you also increase the risks associated with second-hand smoke that contains many poisons including ammonia and cyanide. Third-hand smoke, the leftover residue left on clothes, furniture and carpets can also worsen respiratory symptoms.

Cannabis has properties that may be useful for pain and symptom management for people living with chronic diseases, and it has been legal in Canada since 2001. Learn more.

Harm reduction and prevention

While there is more research needed in this area, smoking of any substance has an impact on the respiratory system and should be avoided. Under no circumstances is smoking harmless to your health.

Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines provide the following recommendations:

• Most effective way to avoid cannabis risks is to abstain from use
• Avoid use entirely before age 16 and delay initiation until at least after adolescence
• Use cannabis products with lower THC or high CBD:THC ratios
• The use of synthetic products should be avoided
• Avoid modes of consumption that involve smoking to avoid respiratory effects
• Avoid deep inhalation which increases intake of toxic materials into pulmonary system
• Avoid frequent and intense use
• Refrain from driving for at least 6 hours after cannabis use
• Populations at higher risk should avoid cannabis use entirely
• Avoid combining risks which may amplify adverse effects

How to protect your children from cannabis

Children are at a greater health risk for cannabis use. Early and frequent cannabis use is associated with poorer health outcomes. The adolescent brain continues to develop until the mid 20s and cannabis use should be avoided completely before this time. Cannabis smoke may also be an asthma trigger and lead to worsening symptoms, as well as for other lung diseases.

What can second-hand cannabis smoke do?

Second-hand smoke from cannabis has many of the same cancer-causing chemicals as smoke from tobacco. A smoke-free environment is safest and healthiest. Don’t allow smoking in your home or around your child.

What can you do?

What you can do to protect your children from cannabis:

• Do not smoke around children or pets.
• Store all cannabis products in a locked area.
• Make sure children cannot see or reach the locked area.
• Keep cannabis in child-resistant packaging.
• Change how you store cannabis as children get older.
• Make sure your children can’t see or reach the locked cabinet or box.
• Extra precautions must be taken to make sure any visiting youth under 19 don’t have access to cannabis products.