Science & tech

Study Finds a Joint a Day for 20 Years Shows No Impact on Lung Health

Published on January 27, 2015 · Last updated September 7, 2022

New research surveying 20 years of data reiterated a conclusion replicated by several other studies: smoking cannabis does not appear to damage the lungs, even with long-term use.

By measuring FEV1 (the capacity one is able to exhale) decline in U.S. adults, researchers discovered that marijuana use was not associated with worsened lung function. Whether the person was an 18-year-old cannabis newcomer or a champion joint smoker of 20 years, it doesn’t seem to make a huge difference according to the study results. While it’s good to know that cannabis smoking isn’t wreaking havoc in the lungs, many cannabis-only smokers still report some bronchitis symptoms with long-term use. Luckily in this glorious marijuana golden age, healthier vaporizer options are virtually endless.

If the sweet, sweet satisfaction of longitudinal research isn’t enough for you, read on. We’ve got more research from recent weeks to highlight:

Image Credit: Theo via Photopin CC

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Bailey Rahn
Bailey Rahn
Bailey is a senior content manager at Leafly, specializing in strains and health. She's spent 7+ years researching cannabis products, spreading patients’ stories, and exploring healthy ways of integrating cannabis into daily life.
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