The effects of smoking marijuana on the lungs

Aside from the finding (summarized here) that marijuana smoking is not associated with lung cancer, here is a list of its effects on lung function.

This review of 34 studies published over almost 40 years was published in the Archives of Internal Medicine.

• An association between short-term marijuana use and bronchodilation
• No consistent association between long-term marijuana smoking and airflow obstruction measures
• Long-term marijuana smoking was associated with increased respiratory symptoms, including cough, phlegm, and wheezing

Studies were variable in their overall quality, but the bottom line, according to the researchers is that “long-term marijuana smoking is associated with increased respiratory symptoms suggestive of obstructive lung disease.”

2/14/07 22:02 JR