Marijuana smoke causes cancer, that’s a fact. Does smoking weed lead to cancer? How strong a carcinogen is weed smoke? Let us learn about the connection between smoking marijuana and cancer.
The toxic effects of marijuana smoke are similar to those of tobacco smoke. The reason is not difficult to understand. Weed smoke is remarkably similar to cigarette smoke in its chemical makeup. Research shows that both smokes share at least 33 common constituents that are recognized as carcinogens. The really disturbing news is that wee smoke contains nearly 70% more cancer-causing ingredients as compared to cigarette smoke.
In 2009, the Environmental Protection Agency of the state of California added smoked weed to the list of substances that are known to lead to cancer. Marijuana smoke has been shown to have a statistically significant causal influence on brain cancer, bladder cancer, lung cancer, testicular cancer, and head and neck cancer. The last mentioned shows the most direct evidence of the relationship between smoking marijuana and cancer.
There is research to suggest that parental marijuana smoking can lead to cancer in children. Mothers who smoke weed expose their children to the risk of acute myeloid leukemia, neuroblastoma, and rhabdomyosarcoma. Paternal marijuana smoking increases the risk of leukemia, infant leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, acute myeloid leukemia, and rhabdomyosarcoma. However, when it comes to second hand marijuana smoke, the jury is still out. Further research is required before any concrete conclusions can be arrived at.
While weed smoke is carcinogenic, THC, the main ingredient in marijuana can actually help in treating cancer. Marijuana, when consumed as food and not smoked, helps alleviate symptoms such as nausea, retching and pain. It helps patients regain their appetite. This is particularly useful for those undergoing chemotherapy. More importantly, researchers are investigating the possibility of cannabinoids serving as anticancer agents. THC may help in stopping tumors from spreading by hindering the manufacture of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Cannabinoids do not come with the same side effects as traditional cancer treatment, and can be a better alternative that is easier to tolerate by the body.
The bottom line is that smoking weed in excess can lead to cancer. If you have any questions about the carcinogenic properties of marijuana, or wish to learn about how to stop taking weed, then get in touch with The Villa Treatment Center. Call us. 1-818-639-7160.
