The combination of smoking marijuana and cigarettes can have a more detrimental impact on lung health than using either substance alone, new research suggests.
Presented at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America, the study found that individuals who combined marijuana and cigarette smoking were 12 times more likely to have centrilobular emphysema, a type of lung damage in which the air sacs become damaged. This can lead to breathing difficulties and other serious symptoms.
The study, conducted by researchers at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Canada, examined chest CT images of four groups of people: nonsmokers, cigarette smokers, marijuana smokers, and those who smoked both substances. The findings showed that marijuana and cigarette smokers were also three to four times more likely to have thickening of the airway walls, which can lead to infections, injuries, and other damage.
The lead author of the study, Jessie Kang, emphasized the need for further research on the long-term effects of smoking marijuana. She noted that while there is significant research on the harms of cigarette smoking, there is limited knowledge about the effects of marijuana smoking, especially in combination with cigarette smoking.
Kang also pointed out that the average number of years of marijuana smoking was lower in participants than in cigarette smokers and in those who combined both substances. However, she highlighted that smoked marijuana is often unfiltered, allowing harmful particles to enter the airways and lungs.
Despite the increasing prevalence of marijuana use, particularly in light of its legalization for non-medical purposes, Kang stressed the importance of conducting more research on the physical effects of marijuana smoke on the lungs. She emphasized the need for people to have access to informed decisions about recreational use of the substance.
The findings of this study serve as a stark reminder of the potential risks associated with smoking marijuana and cigarettes, particularly when used in combination. As the debate around marijuana legalization continues, it is crucial for policymakers and public health officials to consider the potential impact on lung health and prioritize further research in this area.