MYTH:
Cannabis smoke is riskless,
especially when compared to
known respiratory threats like
cigarette smoke.
fact:
Any kind of smoke is bad news for breathing – including cannabis smoke. In fact, when we compare it to cigarette smoke, cannabis smoke has two additional things1 going against it:
1. People tend to inhale deeply and for longer periods when using cannabis (vs. when smoking cigarettes); and
2. Cannabis is smoked at higher temperatures, without filters, and to a shorter butt length when in joint form.
This means that the harmful substances lurking in cannabis smoke have more time and opportunity to wreak havoc on your lungs.
SHOWDOWN:
TOBACCO VS. CANNABIS
When evaluating the safety of cannabis smoke, it’s natural to want to compare it to tobacco smoke. Spoiler alert: both can cause serious harm to your lungs. And this harm increases the more frequently you inhale it.
You should also know that cannabis smoke shares more than a few common toxic ingredients with tobacco smoke2 – and some in even greater quantity!
30% more TAR
than a typical cigarette
500% more HYDROGEN
CYANIDE than a typical cigarette
1900% more AMMONIA
than a typical cigarette
CBD & THC 101
The cannabis plant contains more
than 100 different chemical compounds
called cannabinoids, all with different
effects on the body. The two that you’ll
hear mentioned the most are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
and cannabidiol (CBD):
THC is psychoactive – it binds with certain receptors in the brain and produces that “high” feeling.
CBD is not psychoactive – it does not produce a “high” like THC. It is being investigated for multiple benefits, including pain management and anti-inflammatory properties. It is thought that CBD may block some of the psychoactive effects of THC.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Choose cannabis strains or products that are lower in THC, or choose products with a higher ratio of CBD to THC. Steer clear of synthetic cannabis products, which can contain massive doses of THC.
Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines suggest choosing products that are lower in THC for your general health. When it comes to your respiratory health, there are additional benefits to choosing products lower in THC.
Upon initial use, the THC component of cannabis smoke/vapour may dilate your airways, causing a temporary decrease in airway resistance. You may even feel like you have more airflow to your lungs for anywhere from several minutes to several hours3. However, with long term use, the same compound is thought to cause bronchoconstriction – the very opposite effect. Cough, cough.
CBD & THC 101
The cannabis plant contains morethan 100 different chemical compounds called cannabinoids, all with different effects on the body. The two that you’ll hear mentioned the most are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD):
THC is psychoactive – it binds with certain receptors in the brain and produces that “high” feeling.
CBD is not psychoactive – it does not produce a “high” like THC. It is being investigated for multiple benefits, including pain management and anti-inflammatory properties. It is thought that CBD may block some of the psychoactive effects of THC.
OUR RECOMMENDATION: Choose cannabis strains or products that are lower in THC, or choose products with a higher ratio of CBD to THC. Steer clear of synthetic cannabis products, which can contain massive doses of THC.
Canada’s Lower-Risk Cannabis Use Guidelines suggest choosing products that are lower in THC for your general health. When it comes to your respiratory health, there are additional benefits to choosing products lower in THC.
Upon initial use, the THC component of cannabis smoke/vapour may dilate your airways, causing a temporary decrease in airway resistance. You may even feel like you have more airflow to your lungs for anywhere from several minutes to several hours3. However, with long term use, the same compound is thought to cause bronchoconstriction – the very opposite effect. Cough, cough.
TOKER-FACT:
Concentrations of THC in recreational cannabis are much higher
now than they were a few decades years ago because of selective
breeding4. It’s important that we continue to conduct up-to-date
research into the respiratory effects of cannabis smoke.
TOKER-FACT:
Concentrations of THC in recreational cannabis are much higher
now than they were a few decades years ago because of selective
breeding4. It’s important that we continue to conduct up-to-date
research into the respiratory effects of cannabis smoke.
SHARE THE TOKER’S SAGA
Share the misadventures, and help your friends breathe a little easier.
SHARE THE TOKER’S SAGA
Share the misadventures, and help your friends breathe a little easier.