According to a recent study published in JAMA Network Open, an increasing number of Americans believe that smoking marijuana daily and being exposed to secondhand marijuana smoke is safer than tobacco, despite medical research suggesting otherwise. The study surveyed 5,035 adults over the course of three years and found that respondents perceived cannabis smoking and exposure to be safer than tobacco, and this preference for cannabis over tobacco increased with each subsequent survey. The researchers argue that as more states legalize marijuana and the cannabis industry promotes positive messages about the drug, there is a need for further research and education to inform consumers about the potential health risks.
The study revealed that more than one-third of adults surveyed viewed daily cannabis smoking as safer than tobacco, with this number increasing from 36.7% in 2017 to 44.3% in 2021. Similarly, attitudes toward secondhand marijuana smoke also shifted, with the percentage of participants who considered it safer than tobacco rising from 35.1% in 2017 to 40.2% in 2021. The study noted that younger participants aged 18-29 and unmarried individuals were more likely to hold these views on marijuana smoking being safer than their older and married counterparts.
However, doctors have issued warnings that both tobacco and marijuana smoke contain similar harmful particles, carcinogens, and toxins that can pose serious health risks to the lungs, heart, and airway tissue. Although detailed research on the risks of cannabis smoking is limited, animal studies have shown concerning cardiovascular effects associated with both tobacco and cannabis smoke. Moreover, analyses of the chemicals present in tobacco and cannabis smoke have revealed the presence of many of the same toxins and carcinogens.
Existing research has linked marijuana use to various negative health outcomes, including cannabis dependence, respiratory symptoms, impaired cognitive performance, and increased incidence of psychiatric disorders. Additionally, similar to alcohol, smoking marijuana can impair driving skills and pose a risk to highway safety. The study also highlighted that the average potency of marijuana has significantly increased in recent years, with THC concentrations ranging from 18% to 23% today compared to 1% to 3% in the 1970s.
The growing perception that marijuana is safer than tobacco comes at a time when more states are legalizing recreational marijuana. The legalization trend, coupled with increasing marijuana usage and higher THC concentrations, calls for continued research and education to ensure individuals are well-informed about the potential health risks associated with cannabis use.
It is important to note that while cigarette smoking has decreased among most age groups, the use of electronic cigarettes, or vaping, has risen, especially among young adults. Around 11% of adults aged 18-24 reported using e-cigarettes in 2021, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Vaping can also carry its own set of health risks, including nicotine addiction and various diseases affecting the heart, lungs, and blood vessels.
In conclusion, the study highlights the shifting perceptions of adults regarding the safety of marijuana compared to tobacco, despite similar health dangers associated with smoking both substances. The findings underscore the need for further research, education, and public awareness to ensure individuals are well-informed about the potential risks of cannabis use. Additionally, as more states legalize recreational marijuana, it becomes crucial to strike a balance between regulation and public health measures to protect individuals from the harmful effects of marijuana smoking.
