Vaping cannabis may not be as safe as many people believe, according to new research from the Research Institute of the McGill University Health Centre.
Two studies led by Prof. Carolyn Baglole found that cannabis vapour can harm lung cells in ways similar to cannabis and tobacco smoke. The findings challenge the perception that vaping is a safer alternative and raise concerns about its potential health risks.
“Cannabis vaping has emerged as a growing trend, largely driven by the perception that it is safer than smoking. However, its health effects remain poorly understood,” said Baglole, senior author of both studies. “Our findings show that cannabis vapour, like cannabis and tobacco smoke, contain toxic substances that may increase the risk of health problems in regular users. They challenge the common belief that cannabis vaping is safer for health and highlight the urgent need for further research into its effects on respiratory health.”
The first study, published in the American Journal of Physiology – Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology, found that both cannabis smoke and vapour contain carcinogens and toxins that can stress lung cells and potentially increase the risk of cancer.
“Our research shows that the substances found in aerosols from cannabis vaping, when they come into contact with human epithelial cells, induce transcriptional responses (related to gene expression) similar to those caused by cannabis smoke. These reactions are known to pose risks to pulmonary health,” said Maddison T. Arlen, PhD student and first author of the study.
The second study, published in Cell Biology and Toxicology, showed that cannabis vapour altered gene function in lung cells, affecting processes linked to inflammation, cancer, and immune response. Researchers used three lab models to examine how vapour affects human airway cells.
“These studies are the first to demonstrate that the aerosol produced by cannabis vaping may have a significant impact on lung cell biology, affecting the regulation of genes that play essential roles in inflammatory, cellular and metabolic processes,” said Emily T. Wilson, PhD student and first author of the second study.
The researchers caution that the lab models used don’t fully replicate how the lungs function in the body, but say the findings highlight the need for more in-depth studies on vaping and respiratory health.
“Our research highlights some potential harmful effects of cannabis vaping on health. While there is much more to discover, these findings can help public health authorities better inform the public, reduce risks and guide health policy decisions,” said Baglole, who is also Director of the McGill Research Centre for Cannabis.
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