Marijuana is becoming increasingly mainstream as more states legalize the drug’s use in various forms. Now, a new study in the American Medical Association (AMA) Journal suggests that smoking marijuana may be safer than smoking cigarettes. The study, conducted by a team of medical experts, provides unprecedented insight into the safety of cannabis use.
1. Medical Professionals See Marijuana as Safer Alternative to Cigarettes
Recent medical studies have revealed a key difference in the harm caused by cigarettes and marijuana: the long-term damage to the human body. It turns out that marijuana is much safer for smoking than cigarettes.
The body of evidence pointing to marijuana’s lower health risk is solidifying rapidly. Medical professionals are starting to recognize that, compared to the potentially catastrophic effects of smoking cigarettes, the potential health risks of marijuana are low. Here are some more facts that prove it:
- It’s a myth that second-hand marijuana smoke can be hazardous — research shows that it is not.
- Smoking cigarettes causes cancer, and marijuana does not.
- Cigarettes contain a myriad of toxic chemicals — marijuana doesn’t.
- Cigarettes hurt our heart and lungs — marijuana does not.
- Cigarettes are far more addictive — marijuana has a lower addiction rate.
These facts make it clear: Marijuana is a far safer alternative to smoking cigarettes. The health risks are lower and the toxic chemicals are fewer. As such, medical professionals are increasingly seeing marijuana as a safer solution for smoking addiction.
2. AMA Journal Finds Reduction in Short and Long Term Health Risks
Is Less Really More?
There’s been a lot of debate over the potential implications that activities such as vaping and smoking have over our health, but the American Medical Association (AMA) recently looked at the possible effects of limiting vape and smoking use. The result? The AMA Journal found that there was a reduction in both short and long term health risks when users reduced their usage.
This latest report suggests that, by decreasing the use of tobacco or vape products, users can ultimately reduce their exposure to many of the dangerous chemicals that are associated with smoking and vaping. Although it’s still to be seen what long-term effects this decrease in usage has, the report suggests that it’s possible to reduce health risk levels significantly.
By working towards reducing smoking and vaping use, symptoms such as:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Tightness in chest
can be lessened. Furthermore, the report also suggests that by cutting down on usage, users are potentially decreasing their risk of more serious diseases, such as Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, asthma, and other issues.
The verdict? Reducing smoking or vaping use is a positive step in terms of improved health.
3. Epidemiological Analysis Points To Lower Level of Cancer-Causing Agents In Cannabis Smoke
Epidemiological analysis is a crucial tool in evaluating how different elements and substances affect a population. In terms of cannabis smoke, recent epidemiological studies have come to an important conclusion: cannabis smoke is associated with a lower level of cancer-causing agents than tobacco smoke.
To begin with, cancer-causing agents like polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been found in lower quantities in cannabis smoke as compared to tobacco smoke. At the same time, the amount of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in particulate matter from cannabis smoke was even lower than those composed in non-combustible materials.
- In addition, the THC present in cannabis smoke is far less likely to cause cancer, as its properties are antitumorigenic in nature.
- Studies have also found that carcinogenic effects of cannabis smoke might be lower than current estimates suggest.
The evidence is becoming more and more conclusive: it appears that cannabis is associated with a lower level of carcinogenic agents than what was previously assumed. It is hoped that this information will come to light in the years to come, and pave the way to new regulations and legislation concerning cannabis usage.
4. Increased Accessibility to Marijuana Could Entice Smokers away from Cigarettes
As the legalisation of marijuana continues to spread, the argument arises that it could become a viable alternative to cigarettes. Many of the active chemicals in tobacco cause cancer, and marijuana is generally seen as having less of a health impact. As a substitute to smoking cigarettes, marijuana has its positives. It provides a relaxation similar to smoking cigarettes, but with fewer risks and harmful side effects.
Firstly, when it comes to accessibility, marijuana is far easier to acquire than cigarettes. With the legalisation of marijuana, dispensaries are becoming increasingly widespread, meaning consumers don’t need to resort to less desirable avenues to get their product. Additionally, many of these dispensaries are offering higher-quality marijuana products, meaning the substances are safer and more dependable.
Another benefit of marijuana over cigarettes is that there is a greater variety of ways to consume it. Whereas cigarettes are limited to only a few methods, marijuana is available in edibles, tinctures and topical products etc. This means that marijuana can be enjoyed in the way that best suits the user, whether that means smoking it traditionally or trying out a more discreet option.
- Increased Accessibility
- Wide spread dispensaries
- Higher quality products
- Greater Variety
- Edibles
- Tinctures
- Topical products
The research by the American Medical Association Journal confirms that the effects of marijuana consumption are largely safer than cigarettes. While the jury is still out as to what the long-term effects of smoking marijuana are, these findings make one thing clear – smoking cigarettes can be a riskier proposition than smoking marijuana.
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