{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/lungs/","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2249-markdown","title":"Can Secondhand Cannabis Smoke Hurt Your Kids?","slug":"can-secondhand-cannabis-smoke-hurt-your-kids","content":"When it comes to cigarettes, we hear a lot about secondhand smoke, but it’s a topic that’s starting to come up within the world of cannabis. Cigarette smokers are often advised to abstain from smoking when their children are present so as not to expose them to carcinogens in the smoke. But when it comes to cannabis, many people are left wondering if there are similar negative effects with secondhand smoke from marijuana.\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n\n### Is Secondhand Smoke from Marijuana Dangerous?\n\nOne of the first studies on the issue of secondhand marijuana smoke was published in the _Pediatric Resource Journal_ in December 2016. The study looked at children, ranging in age from one month to two years old, and how they reacted to secondhand smoke from cannabis and tobacco in their households.\n\nResearchers found that the children didn’t have any cannabidiol (CBD) or tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in their system, despite being exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke. There were, however, small amounts of COOH-THC, a THC metabolite, found in the systems of 16% of the participants. No long-term problems have been associated with COOH-THC. That said, it hasn’t been extensively studied.\n\nRELATED: [IS CANNABIS SAFE FOR BREASTFEEDING MOMS?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5a8a1474f24d1300077ccb50/is-cannabis-safe-for-breastfeeding-moms)\n\nIn light of their findings, researchers concluded that the study’s participants absorbed some components found in the cannabis smoke. They also found that children exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke were far more likely to be exposed to tobacco smoke.\n\nThis is the first study in which cannabis metabolites have been detected in children exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke. However, the study lacks a clear conclusion on whether there’s a danger associated with secondhand marijuana smoke exposure. \n\n### What About Vaporizing Cannabis—Is Secondhand Marijuana Vapor Dangerous?\n\nVaporizing cannabis has become a popular alternative to smoking marijuana in recent years due to its smoke-free nature, but the health effects of secondhand vapor have also been questioned. There have been no studies on secondhand cannabis vapor, but studies on e-cigarettes have shown that there are some negative effects associated with this type of exposure.\n\nA study by the [Bavarian Health and Food Safety Authority](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/bill-chameides/e-cigs-and-secondhand-va_b_4948399.html) published in the _International Journal of Hygiene and Environmental Health_ found that tobacco vaporizers decreased the surrounding air quality. When vaporizers were used in a room, they increased the amount of nicotine, particulate matter, PAH and aluminum in the air. All of the substances found in the air after vaporizing tobacco have been associated with health problems.\n\nOf course, it’s important to note again that this study involved the use of e-cigarettes rather than the use of cannabis vaporizers. \n\n### Definitive Research on Secondhand Marijuana Smoke Is Lacking\n\nAfter recreational marijuana use was legalized in the state, Colorado touched on the issue of secondhand marijuana smoke in a pamphlet it released covering [frequently asked questions related to methods of marijuana use](https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/sites/default/files/M_RM_Marijuana-and-Methods-of-Use-FAQs.pdf). The guide warns against smoking marijuana around children, due to dangers in cannabis smoke similar to that of tobacco smoke. The pamphlet also warns that vaporizers may lead to secondhand exposure to chemicals that could be potentially harmful to children. Though extensive research to back up the recommendations made by Colorado is lacking, erring on the side of caution is a good path to take.\n\nThe true effects of secondhand marijuana smoke are unknown. As with many questions related to marijuana, the topic of secondhand smoke and vapor hasn’t been studied to an extent where definitive conclusions can be drawn. What we do know is that there are components of cannabis smoke absorbed by those who are exposed to it second hand, though the ultimate effect of those components on these individuals is unknown. Since the effects are still unknown, it’s best to keep your children clear of any secondhand smoke or vapor from marijuana. \n\n### Play It Safe & Don’t Expose Your Kids to Secondhand Cannabis Smoke \n\nCannabis comes in many different forms, which don’t have secondhand smoke or vapor as a byproduct. Marijuana-infused tinctures and edibles can be a great alternative to smoking or vaporizing, because they don’t expose the people around you to any of the cannabis you’re consuming. One of the most important things to remember is to store all of your cannabis products responsibly, especially if children also reside in your household. Make sure your products are out of reach of children and preferably moved into child-proof containers to reduce the possibility of accidental consumption. And again, be sure to smoke or vape your marijuana when your children aren’t around.\n\nIf you’re new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56201c206430320006bb0000/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's easy, private and 100% online.   ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAGQAAAgMBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIBAwQF/8QAFQEBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAH/2gAMAwEAAhADEAAAAeJLNWcuD//EABoQAAIDAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABAhESAzH/2gAIAQEAAQUCSHB3RqLF1yP3/8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAwEBPwE//8QAFBEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEP/aAAgBAgEBPwE//8QAGBAAAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEhARD/2gAIAQEABj8ColzHCEP/xAAbEAADAAIDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREhMUFRYf/aAAgBAQABPyGMeF7NgUbEOwlPDCnXLJbOIz//2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAENQf/8QAFREBAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABH/2gAIAQMBAT8QR//EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARIf/aAAgBAgEBPxDEf//EABsQAQACAwEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEAESFBcTFR/9oACAEBAAE/EFNK6i1WbYTDl0WPINoF5CpKbIVBvG4tFv0PnIhpZC/Sf//Z","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/5d8e6526253711dbe22dcbc536d78014/14b42/e8316911a32ddf0cbccfd6d6109a16d8.jpg","srcSet":"/static/5d8e6526253711dbe22dcbc536d78014/f836f/e8316911a32ddf0cbccfd6d6109a16d8.jpg 200w,\n/static/5d8e6526253711dbe22dcbc536d78014/2244e/e8316911a32ddf0cbccfd6d6109a16d8.jpg 400w,\n/static/5d8e6526253711dbe22dcbc536d78014/14b42/e8316911a32ddf0cbccfd6d6109a16d8.jpg 800w,\n/static/5d8e6526253711dbe22dcbc536d78014/47498/e8316911a32ddf0cbccfd6d6109a16d8.jpg 1200w,\n/static/5d8e6526253711dbe22dcbc536d78014/54ac5/e8316911a32ddf0cbccfd6d6109a16d8.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/5d8e6526253711dbe22dcbc536d78014/58556/e8316911a32ddf0cbccfd6d6109a16d8.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/5d8e6526253711dbe22dcbc536d78014/61e93/e8316911a32ddf0cbccfd6d6109a16d8.webp 200w,\n/static/5d8e6526253711dbe22dcbc536d78014/1f5c5/e8316911a32ddf0cbccfd6d6109a16d8.webp 400w,\n/static/5d8e6526253711dbe22dcbc536d78014/58556/e8316911a32ddf0cbccfd6d6109a16d8.webp 800w,\n/static/5d8e6526253711dbe22dcbc536d78014/99238/e8316911a32ddf0cbccfd6d6109a16d8.webp 1200w,\n/static/5d8e6526253711dbe22dcbc536d78014/5e0b8/e8316911a32ddf0cbccfd6d6109a16d8.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1999-markdown","title":"Marijuana & Your Lungs: Should You Be Worried?","slug":"marijuana-and-your-lungs-should-you-be-worried","content":"It's a well-known fact that smoke is bad for the lungs. From lung cancer\nto upper respiratory disease, smoking presents a variety of risks to the\nwell-being of our lungs. Because of this, many marijuana smokers are\nconcerned about the effect that inhaling cannabis will have on their\nrespiratory health, and indeed, there have been some studies linking\nmarijuana with slightly [increased risks of lung\ncancer](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2516340/) and\nrespiratory problems. The issue of cannabis and lung health, however, is\nfar from simple. Here's what you need to know about how marijuana\naffects your lungs.\n\n**Cannabis Smoke and Lung Health**\n\nWhile it may seem logical to assume that cannabis smoke and tobacco\nsmoke are equally harmful to the lungs, this simply isn't true. While\ntobacco smokers often experience drastic lung damage as a result of\ntheir smoking habits,\n[data](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25521349) reviewed by\nresearchers at Emory University showed that cannabis consumers who enjoy\na single joint each day for as long as 20 years don't actually\nexperience lung damage. These results change, however, when scientists\nevaluate heavy marijuana smokers (more than a joint a day for 20 years);\nthese smokers often suffer from [respiratory\nconditions](http://www.medscape.org/viewarticle/747982_4) such as\ndifficult exhalation and inflammation in the lungs.\n\nWhile the Emory University data seems to discount the risk of lung\ndamage from marijuana smoke, there have been several other studies (a\n[2006\nstudy](http://archinte.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=410634)\nand a [2014\nstudy](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/ijc.29036/abstract),\nrespectively) that have found that marijuana smoke does leave tar\nremnants in the human lung, although the risk for lung cancer remains\nlow despite this.\n\n[READ MORE ABOUT VAPORIZERS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5b0326f6bf4c4d000a0e7389/how-to-vape-marijuana-safely)\n\nIn light of these conflicting results, it's difficult to say\nconclusively that smoking marijuana doesn't harm the lungs and equally\ndifficult to claim that it causes irreparable damage. With that in mind,\nit's wise to turn our attention, instead, to how to consume marijuana in\na way that poses as little risk as possible to the lungs.\n\n**Popular Cannabis Inhalation Methods and Their Effect on Your Lungs**\n\nBecause the data on lung damage and cannabis smoke is still quite\ncontradictory, many dedicated cannabis users have begun to focus on\nfinding more lung-friendly ways to inhale cannabis. While there are many\nways to inhale cannabis smoke, some are healthier than others.\n\n### Vaporization\n\nThe popularity of [vaporization](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56b10a386d677f000b00007d/vaporizing-or-vaping-what-you-need-to-know) has risen in recent years due to the fact\nthat the method is widely considered to be the healthiest and cleanest\nway to use marijuana. While smoking creates ash that is hard on the\nlungs and edibles often come in the form of sugary treats, vaporizers\nproduce a clean, streamlined product that is easy to use on the go and\npresents a low risk of damage to the body. Vaporizers work by heating\nthe herb at temperatures lower than the those needed to induce\ncombustion. Instead of burning, the active ingredients in the cannabis\nplant are vaporized and inhaled. This mitigates the risks associated\nwith inhaling burnt cannabis byproducts.\n\n### Pipes or Rolled Joints\n\nThere are many cannabis users out there who love the tactile and oral\nexperience of a pipe or a joint. Unfortunately, if you're looking to\nmake consuming marijuana easier on your lungs, these probably aren't\nyour best go-to options. Hot, ashy smoke is tough on the lungs, and over\ntime, aficionados of these methods are likely to experience some of the\nadverse effects mentioned earlier. There is, however, a way to make\nsmoking a little safer. By purchasing a screen for your glass pipe, you\ncan filter some of the particulate out of the marijuana smoke and\nproduce a somewhat cleaner product.\n\n### Water Pipes\n\nFor people who still want the experience of smoking without all the\nharmful ash and debris, a water pipe may be the way to go. Water pipes\nwork by filtering smoke through a water reserve before it is inhaled by\nthe user. In addition to helping cool the hot smoke before it reaches\nyour lungs, this method also filters particulate and harsh ash out of\nthe smoke, producing a cleaner product and limiting the material that\ncan later build up as tar in the lungs. Keep in mind that while water\npipes can't filter all the harmful particulate from marijuana smoke,\nthey are quite a bit cleaner than inhaling directly from a pipe or\njoint.\n\n### Dabbing\n\n[Dabbing](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55d4b9616531660006070000/is-dabbing-good-for-you) is the process by which cannabis extract is heated and inhaled\nas smoke. Compounds such as BHO (butane hash oil) are commonly used.\nWhile dabbing uses extract rather than the whole herb, the torch used to\nproduce the smoke super heats the extract, making it harsh on the lungs.\nThis can be mitigated by using crushed ice to cool the smoke before it\nreaches the lungs. However, dabbing also presents the risk of inhaling\ntraces of butane, which is a controversial topic. While it's true that\nbutane evaporates quickly, some people report headaches and irritation\nin the membranes of their mouths and noses during dabbing.\n\n**Conclusion**\n\nWhile the information surrounding smoking marijuana and lung health is\nspotty and often contradictory, there's no question that inhaling hot\nparticulate isn't beneficial for our respiratory tracts. Fortunately,\npeople who love inhaling marijuana can easily make the process safer by\nopting for a vaporizer or a water pipe over a joint or a dabbing setup.\nAdditionally, simple things such as [breathing\ndeeply](https://www.rush.edu/health-wellness/discover-health/keeping-your-lungs-healthy)\nand getting [daily\nexercise](https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/health-topics/topics/phys/benefits)\ncan help keep the lungs clean and strong.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/cc_chapman/390319691/in/photolist-AuurR-iejKgn-scm7V7-aALmEQ-8QXgMX-fgHPjD-BVSPsP-6mwgt7-8A1GKV-5ZBv3P-qeZXdn-fbR2RA-dYjTaZ-92psSC-5SjTRM-76hZp1-5SE4Yv-7zYSpF-8wYad-9n9u6t-6mwgpm-8DFWgQ-4qywET-4B8mHh-4wKUX6-cWHUwY-8Q3ZyX-6JuqQ2-4Y5JZi-9U5rjb-cHq85A-77tPi9-AFZqfh-5NRZeS-tg1GpF-csVSAQ-eZ15qW-qFsZrx-3A8MjM-sAsikS-biBuha-46YY9f-4QhLHU-4V8ARe-6JPsPY-4ck95X-tfTe2Q-4c29tE-46USGV-46YXYQ)\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4492753623188406,"src":"/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/ee604/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.png","srcSet":"/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/69585/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.png 200w,\n/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/497c6/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.png 400w,\n/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/ee604/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.png 800w,\n/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/44ef2/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.png 890w","srcWebp":"/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/58556/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/61e93/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.webp 200w,\n/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/1f5c5/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.webp 400w,\n/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/58556/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.webp 800w,\n/static/73cc7b78b9a9c55bc5143f1ae656b781/ff2f7/c74441757da6f50f39a5179b041af16d.webp 890w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":0,"numPages":1,"currentPage":1,"id":5464,"name":"Lungs","slug":"lungs","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}