Cannabis and the risk of developing various types of cancer are among the most widely discussed topics. Particularly, it is consistently linked to lung cancer, just like that caused from smoking. The use of cannabis is relatively similar with cigarettes, both being combusted and inhaled. While tobacco contains nicotine and cannabis has tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), both are chemically the same when smoked.
Several studies reveal that cannabis may be causing more damage to the lungs. Since a deeper inhalation is performed, the lungs are exposed to a greater ration of carbon monoxide compared to sifting a tobacco. However, no clear isolation has been made as a solid evidence. Many people who smoke cannabis are tobacco users as well. This is one of the study’s challenge, making it more difficult to identify the risk particularly to cancer. Therefore, no assurance can be inferred from quitting cannabis, and being saved from cancer and other respiratory dysfunctions like coughing.
Some arguments opposing the adverse effects are instead, being raised. Cancer patients claim to have reduced pain and needed less pain medicine upon taking extracts of the substance after chemotherapy. Some studies suggest that cannabis can, if not inhibit, slow down the growth and spread of toxic cells. More recently, this theory was tested among transgenic mice. Surprisingly, the increase in doses made good improvement on certain types of cancer such as liver cancer. Tumor cells placed in petri dishes, when treated with cannabis, were killed. It aggressively shuts down cellular growth receptors.
If further developments are made, other diseases that can be offered treatment may include leukemia, cancer of the brain and breast. In response to this, a number of drugs made from cannabis compounds have been approved and are legally being distributed. All though, like any other medication, these can cause certain side effects and complications. Among the many are worsened emotional symptoms, poor coordination of the body and senses, and an increase in heart rate or palpitations. Cases may however depend on the patient.
Effects would vary in the case of other respiratory concerns that cause coughing. Generally, chronic cough is a condition faced by cannabis users. Its regular use causes a microscopic injury to the airways associated with the increased possibility of having the likelihood symptoms of chronic bronchitis. Should the lungs be damaged, stopping the intake will generally improve its overall functionality. The physiological repair includes improved elasticity and the reduction of airway inflammation, causing the decrease in mucus production and reduced coughing.
Excreting mucus and phlegm from coughs can also be a healthy sign after cessation. It is the human body’s natural way to push rid of toxins that accumulated overtime. Like the stages a smoker goes through, quitting may cause more of the coughing than prevent it. From being damaged, the cilia regain its function of projecting out the harmful substances in the lungs.
Until then, the association between cannabis, cancer and respiratory concerns remains unclear. More studies are being carried out to further explore the benefits of quitting cannabis.
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