The article, “Effects of Smoking Marijuana on the Respiratory System: A Systematic Review,” has been published in SAj.
In this commentary, the authors state that the prevalence of marijuana use and its derivatives has surged over the past century, largely due to increasing legalization globally. Despite arguments advocating its benefits, marijuana smoking exposes the lungs to harmful combustion byproducts, leading to various respiratory issues such as asthma, pneumonia, emphysema, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease.
In the AUTHORS’ OWN WORDS, they relate the importance of their work:
“Despite existing research, significant knowledge gaps remain. Few studies have isolated the effects of individual components of marijuana smoke on lung tissue, meaning our understanding of how marijuana smoke impacts the lungs and how these effects compare to tobacco smoke remains limited. Additionally, the long-term effects of marijuana use on lung health are inadequately understood, making it difficult to develop effective risk minimization strategies. Further complicating matters, varying legal statuses and stigma attached to marijuana use impede large-scale, longitudinal studies, contributing to these knowledge gaps.
There is an undeniable need for more research to shed light on the unknowns, particularly given the increasing usage and changing legal landscape. This study aims to consolidate available information on the immediate and long-term effects of marijuana on the respiratory system and underscore areas requiring further investigation.”