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Marijuana less damaging to lungs than tobacco

Very interesting report from the Los Angeles Times. I suggest you spark up a bowl to celebrate:

Marijuana smoke does not damage lungs in the same manner as tobacco smoke, according to a study released Tuesday. But that conclusion probably will not change minds as to whether the drug should be legalized.

The study found that smoking marijuana on an occasional basis does not appear to significantly damage the lungs. Published in the Journal of the American Medical Assn., the paper supports previous research that has also failed to find a link between low or moderate exposure to marijuana smoke and lung damage. Marijuana contains many of the same chemicals as tobacco smoke.

Unfortunately, the article is likely right that “the conclusion probably will not change minds as to whether the drug should be legalized.” That’s because prohibition has more to do with power and fear of pleasure than it does with science.

Posted in Self-medication

3 Comments

  • [P]rohibition has more to do with power and fear of pleasure than it does with science.

    You forgot to add the word “ignorance” to the above quote. Other than that, a perfectly precise and unassailable statement.

  • I found the idea that people might smoke so little to be pretty silly. In my nursing career, I knew quite a few cannabis users and none of them was that frugal with it unless they had to be.

    Burning cannabis does produce numerous gases, tars and other products that are not particularly healthy, just as tobacco does. Smoking anything is not a great idea in the long run, and it is good that there are other options. Those who love to smoke, of course, will probably go on doing so. Their choice.

  • There are a variety of options now, but I was always a fan of using the stuff in baking. The munchies issue is already resolved, that way. 😉

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