Applicable in: United Kingdom

The British Lung Foundation’s report, Cannabis – a smoking gun? (BLF 2002) states that the main effects of smoking cannabis on the lungs are increased risk of pulmonary infections and respiratory cancers. Benzpyrene, a known constituent of the tar of cannabis cigarettes, has been shown to promote alterations in one of the most common tumour suppresser genes, p53, hence facilitating the development of respiratory cancer. Gene p53 is thought to play a role in 75 per cent of all lung cancers. BLF recommends a public health education campaign aimed at young people to ensure that they are fully aware of the increased risk of pulmonary infections and respiratory cancers associated with cannabis smoking.

References
BLF (British Lung Foundation) (2002). Cannabis – a smoking gun? British Lung Foundation. London.