In this article, let’s have a closer look at “does marijuana cause cancer”.
1. Marijuana: What is it?
Marijuana is also known as cannabis, it is generally a plant that contains chemicals and those chemicals are called cannabinoids. The chemical compounds present in cannabis are responsible for its psychoactive activities.
Marijuana is consumed by people in different forms like smoking marijuana and vaping. Marijuana can also be consumed in the form of edibles, such as brownies, gummies, or other food products infused with marijuana oil or butter.
Smoking marijuana can make you unconscious and can change us into a different person. As with any drug, it is important to use marijuana or cannabis responsibly and in moderation and to seek medical attention if any adverse effects or symptoms are experienced.
2. Cancer –
Cancer is a complex disease that occurs when abnormal cells in the body begin to grow and divide, forming a mass of tissue called a tumor.
It is one of the main causes of death worldwide and can affect any part of the human body. There are over 100 different types of cancer, each with its own characteristics, symptoms, and medical treatment options.
The exact causes of cancer are unknown, but a number of risk factors have been identified. So does marijuana cause cancer?
Early detection through routine screening tests can improve treatment outcomes and new therapies such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy are promising in treating certain types of cancer risk.
Cancer continues to be a major public health issue, and much more research is required to better understand the disease.
3. Types of cancer –
3.1. Lung cancer :
Lung cancer is the primary type of cancer that causes death. Lung cancer is typically classified into two types and they are –
small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer.
Tobacco smoke is the main reason which leads to lung cancer. Tobacco smoke elevates the risk of lung cancer for a wide range of reasons such as the type of tobacco product used, the amount and time of tobacco smoke used, and genetic factors.
Secondhand smoke can also raise the chance of developing lung cancer.
Carcinogens in tobacco smoke damage the DNA cells and cause abnormalities that lead to cancer when the tobacco smoke is inhaled. Smoking tobacco can also damage other organs, causing irritation or inflammation and an increase in cell growth, resulting in cancer risk.
Tobacco smokers should quit smoking as it is the best way to reduce cancer risk of lung cancer.
It might be difficult for the chain-smokers to quit suddenly, but there are many other resources available, like nicotine and medications which would be helpful to reduce the smoking of tobacco. Does marijuana cause cancer?
Smoking tobacco can cause lung infections like –
I.) Chronic bronchitis –
Chronic bronchitis is one of the lung infections diseases which causes inflammation or irritation in the bronchial tubes.
Symptoms of this lung infection disease are coughing, difficulty in breathing, and excess production of mucus in the respiratory system or respiratory tract.
II.) Tuberculosis –
It is caused by a bacterial infection and this lung disease mainly affects the lungs and spreads to the other parts of the body.
Symptoms of this lung disease include coughing up blood, fever or tiredness, and sudden decrease in weight or reduction in weight(weight loss).
Suggested reading: Lung cancer: Symptoms, and Treatment
3.2. Blood cancer :
Blood cancer is a type of cancer that begins in the bone marrow or plasma cells. It can disrupt the production of blood cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
Young adults who smoke tobacco may have a chance of increasing certain types of blood cancer called leukemia. The chemicals in tobacco smoke may disrupt the functioning of DNA cells.
The best way to avoid getting affected by blood cancer is to avoid using tobacco and exposure to tobacco smoke.
3.3. Pancreatic cancer :
Does marijuana cause cancer?
Pancreatic cancer is a type of cancer that affects the pancreas, which is located behind the stomach. Pancreas produces digestive enzymes and insulin.
Pancreatic cancer is extremely dangerous and the survival rate of people who are affected by this cancer is very low.
Tobacco cigarette smoke produced chemicals that can harm the pancreatic cells and increase the cancer risk.
Reduction of cigarette smoking can improve the overall health of a person.
3.4. Bladder cancer :
Does marijuana cause cancer?
Bladder cancer is a common type of cancer that develops in the cells that line the bladder. The bladder stores urine.
Tobacco smoke contains chemicals that are excreted in urine and get into contact with the cells in the bladder, elevating the chances of getting affected by cancer.
Tobacco smoke generally disrupts the normal functionality of the cells in the body which results in cancer, so it is better to avoid the use of cigarettes to cure cancer.
3.5. Testicular cancer :
Does marijuana cause cancer?
Testicular cancer is a rare type of cancer that affects the male reproductive organ. This cancer can be cured by removing the affected testicle with the help of surgery. The survival rate is good if the male individual is diagnosed early.
4. Bad Causes Of Smoking Marijuana –
Cannabis smoking can cause a variety of respiratory issues that can be harmful to a person’s health. This is because of the presence of harmful substances like carbon monoxide and carcinogens in marijuana.
4.1. Bronchitis :
Bronchitis is one of the most familiar or common respiratory diseases. Bronchitis refers to the inflammation or irritation of the bronchial tubes, these tubes carry oxygen and carbon dioxide to and from the lungs.
Marijuana smoking can irritate the lining of the bronchial tube and results in causing irritation or swelling.
Symptoms of bronchitis are coughing, wheezing, and breathing difficulties. Chronic bronchitis can end up causing permanent harm to the lungs.
4.2. Asthma :
Marijuana smoke can be very harmful to people who are suffering from asthma. Asthma is a respiratory condition that affects the airways in the lungs causing inflammation or irritation and breathing difficulties.
Marijuana smoking can worsen the symptoms of asthma in people who are affected by it.
According to medical research, smoking cannabis can reduce the function of the lungs, and this is common in people who are suffering from asthma.
Increased respiratory symptoms such as wheezing, coughing, and difficulty in breathing can result in a decrease in lung function.
5. Marijuana and Lung cancer: Are they related?
So, now let’s have a detailed view or look at “does marijuana cause cancer”.
Smoking marijuana or smoking cannabis includes inhaling smoke, which contains harmful substances or harmful chemicals like tobacco smoke, carbon monoxide, and carcinogens. Smoked marijuana delivers THC.
These carcinogens permanently damage the cells present in the lungs, which results in developing the risk of lung cancer. This has raised concerns that smoking marijuana would result in developing lung cancer.
While some research has found that there is a link between smoking marijuana and developing cancer, there is no proper evidence to prove the fact about this. Smoking marijuana contains harmful substances so it might result in lung-related infections.
A marijuana cigarette is also called a joint.
6. Two Machine Smoking Conditions –
This is a structured laboratory method for measuring the amount of tar, nicotine, and other harmful substances produced when smoking a cigarette. These conditions are designed to replicate how a smoker would smoke a cigarette. Does marijuana cause cancer?
These methods are used to compare the levels of harmful chemicals in multiple cigarette brands.
7. Difference Between Mainstream And Sidestream Marijuana –
There are two primary methods to consume marijuana and they are called mainstream and sidestream marijuana.
Smoking or inhaling the smoke generated by burning the cannabis plant is known as mainstream marijuana. In this method, the dried marijuana flowers are inserted into a joint or by using a pipe.
When cannabis is burned, the smoke is inhaled into the lungs, which allows the plant’s psychoactive compounds to enter the bloodstream and exhibit their effects.
Sidestream marijuana is defined as consuming the drug in other ways apart from smoking. This method includes the consumption of edible products which contain marijuana in them.
This method also includes the use of a vaporizer, where the marijuana or cannabis is heated at a certain temperature without burning the cannabis or marijuana plant material.
One of the primary differences between mainstream and sidestream marijuana is how the drug is absorbed by the body.
When marijuana is smoked, psychoactive compounds are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream which results in negative side effects on the health of a person, like lung damage or other respiratory infections.
On the other hand, when marijuana is consumed in the form of edibles and vaporizers, it takes a longer time to produce the side effects. Edibles can be difficult to dose accurately and might produce harmful effects when compared to smoking marijuana or cannabis.
Vaporizer is the best method to consume marijuana when compared to smoking, marijuana delivers harmful substances which can affect the person’s health.
8. American Cancer Society –
Does marijuana cause cancer?
Marijuana is a drug, and the use of this drug can also produce harm and side effects to the body of a person. The American cancer society identifies the risks of consuming marijuana drug.
Addiction is one of the most serious and complicated risks with the usage of marijuana drug. Chronic marijuana use can result in depending on others, and motivation issues.
Regular marijuana smoking has been linked to chronic bronchitis, lung or respiratory diseases, and also increased risk of lung cancer. The American cancer society advises people who use marijuana to choose alternatives like edibles or vaporizers.
The usage of marijuana or cannabis can also result in mental health issues, like an increased risk of depression and anxiety.
Cannabis use can affect the driving ability of a person, resulting in accidents or injuries. It can also interact with other medications or treatments, so cancer patients should be cautious while using marijuana.
Cancer patients should seek advice from a healthcare provider about the usage of marijuana.
9. National Cancer Institue –
The national cancer institute conducts awareness on the prevention or detection of cancer.
The NCI also claims that smoking marijuana is similar to smoking tobacco and it can harm the lungs because of the harmful chemicals present in them.
Cancer patients and their healthcare providers must carefully consider the risks and benefits of using marijuana. Marijuana smoke or cannabis smoke should be avoided by cancer patients.
10. Prevention of Respiratory or lung disease –
Respiratory diseases and lung diseases are significant health problems that affect hundreds of millions of individuals globally. Asthma, Tuberculosis, and lung cancer are some examples of respiratory diseases.
While a few respiratory diseases are caused due to genetic factors or environment, many can be avoided by having a good lifestyle and active healthcare availabilities.
Understanding the risk factors that lead to the growth of respiratory diseases is the first step in preventing them. Air pollutants such as cigarette smoke or air pollution are among the risk factors.
people can reduce their risk of developing respiratory diseases by limiting their exposure to these mentioned risk factors.
Some major respiratory disease preventative measures are:
10.1. Avoid smoking:
Tobacco use is a major risk factor for lung cancer and other respiratory diseases. One of the best ways to avoid these lung-related diseases is to quit the usage of cigarettes or cigarette smoking.
10.2. Avoid secondhand smoke:
Secondhand smoke is also equally dangerous as smoking or the usage of tobacco. Try to avoid going to places where smoking is allowed or permitted. Request your family or friends to smoke outside.
10.3. Protect your health from air pollution:
Air pollution has a connection or link to the development of respiratory diseases. Prevent yourself from going out when the air is highly polluted with toxic air pollutants.
10.4. Be active physically:
Regular exercise or physical activity may enhance lung function and decreases the chance of getting affected by respiratory diseases.
10.5. Maintain a healthy diet:
A balanced or nutritious diet can help you maintain a healthy weight, which is crucial for your respiratory health. Consumption of fruits, vegetables, and proteins can also provide your body with the nutrients required to stay healthy.
10.6. Regular health checkups:
Regular checkups with healthcare professionals can help determine early indications of respiratory diseases and ensure that current or already present conditions are managed effectively.
Preventive measures for individuals who are affected by respiratory diseases –
10.7. Following a medical plan:
Following a treatment or medical plan as recommended by healthcare professionals is critical for controlling or managing symptoms in people who are affected by respiratory diseases such as asthma, tuberculosis, and pneumonia
10.8. Intake of prescribed or recommended medications:
Medications like inhalers can help manage the symptoms of respiratory disease in people who are affected by this. It is essential to take these medications recommended by the health care provider.
10.9. Avoiding risk points:
External or environmental factors can cause many types of respiratory diseases in individuals. It can also worsen the situation in people who are already affected by respiratory diseases.
So, it is better to avoid the risks or triggers which can lead us to get affected by lung-related health issues.
10.10. Vaccinations:
Vaccinations like flu vaccine or pneumonia shots can help or prevent us from getting affected by respiratory diseases.
11. Medical Journals –
Does marijuana cause cancer?
The British Journal of Cancer is a freely accessible journal that publishes original research articles, reviews, and commentaries across all parts of cancer research.
Recent studies on the role of obesity in the development of breast cancer, the use of targeted therapies for the treatment of lung cancer, and the development of new biomarkers for the early detection of ovarian cancer have all been published in the British Journal of Cancer.
Both BMC Cancer and the British Journal of Cancer contribute significantly to our understanding of cancer and the development of new cancer treatments.
12. Medical Marijuana –
Does marijuana cause cancer?
Medical marijuana is defined as the usage of cannabis for treating different medical conditions. The use of cannabis as a medical drug is not widely accepted by many people around the world.
use of cannabis was banned all over the world. In the 1990s America accepted the usage of marijuana for medical treatments.
California was the first state which legalized the usage of marijuana in 1996 for medical purposes.
Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of medical conditions, including chronic pain, muscle spasms, nausea, and anxiety.
Cannabinoids, the active compounds in cannabis, have been shown in studies to reduce pain and inflammation, as well as to have anti-anxiety and anti-depressant properties.
Despite its potential benefits, medical marijuana has been met with criticism and debate. One concern is that using cannabis for medicinal purposes may lead to addiction which is not good for human health.
Another source of concern is that the long-term effects of cannabis use on the brain are unknown. According to research, heavy cannabis use can impair memory function.
Medical marijuana use cases in Medical treatments –
12.1. Medical marijuana for pain relief:
Does marijuana cause cancer?
Medical marijuana is a strong pain reliever and it has shown good results in treating pain. Cancer patients are highly benefited from medical marijuana.
12.2. Medical marijuana for nausea or vomiting:
Does marijuana cause cancer?
Patients undergoing chemotherapy or radiation therapy can benefit from medical marijuana to alleviate nausea and vomiting. The psychoactive compound in cannabis has the ability to activate brain receptors that control nausea and vomiting.
12.3. Medical marijuana for anxiety or depression:
Does marijuana cause cancer?
Mental disorders or mental illnesses are common among people all over the world. Anxiety and depression are two major mental disorders that are faced by individuals.
A non-psychoactive compound that is present in cannabis is used to treat these mental disorders.
12.4. Medical marijuana for sleep disorders:
Does marijuana cause cancer?
Insomnia is a sleeping disorder, and most people suffer from having healthy sleep. So cannabis is used to treat this disorder in individuals so that they can have healthy sleep or normal sleep.
12.5. Medical marijuana for Post-traumatic stress disorder:
Does marijuana cause cancer?
Medical marijuana can help PTSD patients to relieve the pain they experienced from the traumatic past.
Cannabis can help in reducing anxiety or panic attacks in individuals and make them relax for a while. Stress can also be relieved by the intake of marijuana.
13. Cancer chemotherapy
Does marijuana cause cancer?
Chemotherapy is a popular cancer treatment that is used to reduce or kill the cancer cells present in the cancer patient’s body.
Chemotherapy can be done for cancer patients of all types of stages in cancer. The side effects of chemotherapy are they can result in fatigue or tiredness, hair loss, and a decrease in the immunity of the person’s body.
Chemotherapy can be used along with other cancer treatments like surgery or radiation therapy or treatment.
Chemotherapy is an effective treatment for cancer but it does have risk points that have to be considered. Nausea and vomiting are also major side effects of this chemotherapy treatment.
14. Conclusion –
In conclusion, the usage of marijuana gives both benefits and risks to people. It has resulted in improving symptoms like relieving pain during medical treatments, treating stress, treating anxiety and depression, and so on …
It is important to consider seeking help from a medical professional before using marijuana for medical purposes because marijuana causes harmful side effects and it can also result in addiction.
The usage of marijuana can also have negative health consequences causing respiratory diseases and it can also cause or result in lung cancer. There is a high chance of an increase in mental health issues if marijuana is consumed without a proper limit.
Smoking marijuana should be avoided by individuals as it is not healthy and it can cause serious damage to the lungs. There are other alternatives for replacing smoking marijuana.
Marijuana can also result in causing different types of cancer and can result to death. So we should be careful while consuming this drug.
Tobacco smoke should also be avoided by people as it contains harmful or hazardous substances in them. Pollution can also result in lung-related health issues. So it is better to avoid going out during the time when the air is highly polluted.
As an Amazon Associate, Icy Health earns from qualifying purchases.
