Lung cancer cannabis link

A new scientific study conducted in New Zealand indicates that long term cannabis use increases the risk of lung cancer in young adults.

The risk of lung cancer increased by 8 per cent for each joint or year of use- that is a 10 year cannabis use increased the risk by 80 per cent.

In New Zealand cannabis is rarely mixed with tobacco so cannabis risk can be isolated.

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of lung cancer in the world.

The study of 79 lung cancer patients were all aged less than 55 years in order to study the effects of the cannabis epidemic that happened in New Zealand since the 1960’s.

The study recognized that cannabis smoke has been shown to have greater concentrations of carcinogenic hydrocarbons than tobacco.

The study recommended that greater initiatives to reduce cannabis smoking should be directed at young people.

(Source: European Respiratory Journal, February 2008, P280-6)

DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS-

Like Australia, New Zealand has a high rate of cannabis use.

This study confirms previous case control studies that show a six to eight fold increased risk of lung cancer with cannabis smoking.

Australia will also be impacted by high levels of lung cancer from cannabis smoking.

Cannabis use health problems are preventable which is why we need early intervention programs to get young adults off smoking cannabis.

Lets ditch harm minimization for what works.