Heavy marijuana smoking may raise the risk of lung cancer, according to new research from Keck Medicine of USC. Studies show a potential link between regular cannabis use and both small cell and non-small cell lung cancers.
Thoracic surgeon Brooks Udelsman noted that occasional users may face minimal risk, but those with dependency-level usage show higher cancer rates. The presence of similar chemical compounds in marijuana and tobacco smoke raises concerns.
Dr. Luis Herrera of Orlando Health confirmed that while tobacco’s link to lung cancer is definitive, emerging data connects daily cannabis smoking to increased risk. Both forms of smoke cause lung inflammation and DNA damage over time.
Research from the University of New South Wales also warns that vaping, especially nicotine-based e-cigarettes, may lead to oral and lung cancers. Lead researcher Bernard Stewart said clinical and animal studies support these findings.
Experts caution that long-term effects of vaping marijuana or tobacco remain uncertain, but inhaling any foreign substance into the lungs poses potential dangers.