Harvard study: Pot safer than tobacco for respiratory health

A recent study published in the journal Current Problems in Diagnostic Radiology provides further scientific backing to the long-held position of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, or NORML: Cannabis smoking poses fewer pulmonary risks than tobacco smoking and is unassociated with an increased risk of emphysema.

This research underscores NORML’s advocacy for the reform of marijuana laws, particularly in states like Michigan where the debate surrounding cannabis regulation continues.

The Harvard Medical School study compared chest CT scans of 89 non-smokers, 97 tobacco smokers and 99 marijuana smokers. The findings revealed a significant divergence in the respiratory health of these groups.

Tobacco smokers exhibited considerably more damage to their lungs, including a higher incidence of emphysema. Strikingly, the study found no positive correlation between exclusive marijuana smoking and the development of emphysema or pulmonary hyperinflation.

“The findings of our study collectively highlight the distinct patterns of pulmonary and cardiovascular manifestations associated with smoking and marijuana use,” the researchers concluded. This adds to the growing body of scientific evidence indicating that the combustion byproducts of cannabis and tobacco have different impacts on the respiratory system.

NORML has long argued for a science-based approach to cannabis policy. “Most Americans agree that tobacco smoking poses far greater harms to health than the use of cannabis,” NORML deputy director Paul Armentano reiterated. “They’re right.”

Armentano criticized the federal classification of cannabis as a Schedule I controlled substance, which implies a high potential for abuse and no accepted medical use — while tobacco, linked to hundreds of thousands of preventable deaths annually, remains federally descheduled.

This incongruity is particularly relevant in Michigan, which has established a regulated cannabis market. While this framework allows for some level of quality control and consumer information, NORML emphasizes that broader policy reforms are necessary to align with the scientific understanding of cannabis’ relative risks.

The study also pointed to vaporization as a method of cannabis consumption that significantly reduces exposure to harmful combustion byproducts. By heating cannabis to a temperature below the point of burning, vaporization minimizes the intake of toxic gases and has been recognized as a “safe and effective” delivery method in clinical trials.

Michigan’s current regulations permit the sale of vaporizable cannabis products, a step that aligns with the principles of harm reduction. NORML advocates for continued education and access to such alternatives to further mitigate any potential respiratory risks associated with cannabis use.

The findings of this study arrive at a critical juncture for Michigan, as the state continues to navigate its evolving cannabis landscape. Since legalizing adult-use cannabis, Michigan has been at the forefront of developing regulations for cultivation, processing and sale. However, ongoing discussions regarding public health, product safety and social equity remain paramount.

NORML believes that this latest research provides further support for policies in Michigan that:

— Prioritize public education regarding the differing health risks associated with cannabis and tobacco.

— Encourage and fund further research into the long-term health effects of various cannabis consumption methods.

— Support and promote harm reduction strategies, including access to and information about vaporization technology.

— Advocate for federal cannabis rescheduling to enable comprehensive research and consistent national policies.

— Continuously refine state-level regulations based on the most current scientific understanding.

The evidence presented in this study reinforces NORML’s long-standing argument that cannabis policy should be rooted in scientific fact, not outdated assumptions. Treating cannabis as equally or more dangerous than tobacco flies in the face of mounting scientific evidence and hinders the development of sensible and effective regulations.

As Michigan continues to shape its cannabis policies, the findings of the Harvard Medical School study offer crucial insights. NORML remains dedicated to advocating for evidence-based reforms in Michigan and across the nation, aiming for a future where cannabis laws reflect the reality of its risk profile compared to other substances.