Please note: the use of cannabis for medial or recreational purposes may be illegal in your country. Healthiack.com does not encourage the use of this substance.
To keep your lungs healthy, you should avoid smoke! Right! Whether it is smoke from cigarettes, campfire or even ashen plant particles can be risky for your lung cavity.
However, does this hold true for cannabis smokers as well? Or is there an exception to the users of marijuana.
Let us find out in this guide how you can keep your lungs in good shape even when smoking weed regularly.
Are weed smokers vulnerable to lung damage?
According to the research by Atlanta’s Emory University, users of marijuana who smoked one joint per day for up to 20 years did not show any significant sign of lung damage. The study used the spirometry test that measures airflow as the person exhales and concluded that the chances of lung cancer remains low even after the regular usage of weed.
However, a study performed in 2006 and 2014 both suggested that smoking cannabis does leave unhealthy tar behind in the lungs. On the contrary, the risk of lung cancer remains the same as that of an average person who has never smoked in his life.
Why are weed smokers at a low risk?
The health industry is puzzled about why marijuana smoke is not linked to cancer when it contains some of the same cancer-causing toxins as tobacco.
According to the Complutense University of Madrid, the THC present in weed is one of the primary reason marijuana users remain unaffected by the smoke. The research conducted on animals show that the THC causes tumor cells to destroy themselves in animals.
Although, no conclusion has yet been obtained regarding the THC’s power as a true tumor-killing potent for humans as well – the results from animal studies show hope and health experts anticipate further studies to establish similar results.
Is there a healthy way to smoke weed?
Nevertheless, many weed smokers are concerned about their healthy and request for a healthier option to avoid lung damage.
As we know, edible cannabis does not cause any damage to the lung. However, for marijuana users who prefer to smoke the weed, here are some other options to try.
Vaporizers
Some of the Vapes enlisted at Headshop headquarters are the healthiest choice for regular weed smokers as they heat the herb only as much as required. Vaporizers are also beneficial as the user can prevent direct inhalation of the hot plant particles and enjoy the vapors only.
Joints and pipes
Did you know that when you light up your ordinary lighter, it could reach approximately 3,590.6 degrees Fahrenheit or 1,977 Celsius? That is very hot! And it typically means that when you light up a pre-rolled, joint, or pipe, you are allowing too much heat to your marijuana and inhaling the ashes particles in less than a second causing massive damage to your lungs.
To stay safe when using joints and pipes, we recommend using filters that will eliminate tar build-up and irritation. One of the best ways is to use all-natural rolling papers or a screen for your pipe.
Water pipes and bongs
Glass bongs, bubblers, and water pipes are some of the different tools that require cold water to cool down the herb. This ensures that the ashes and burnt particles don’t enter your lungs and become tar.
Unfortunately, the ice, cold water is unable to strain all the plant resin that is present in smoke and you might inhale some of the toxins along with the vapors. To avoid the mishap, make sure to purchase extra-large water bubbler that puts distance between you and the flame. Also, ensure that you add some ice to the water that you are using to cool the herb.
Breathing exercises
Besides the use of these apparatus, practicing breathing exercises can also help cleanse the lungs and make you feel healthier.
Jennifer Ryan, the cardiovascular and pulmonary physical therapist at the Rush University Medical Center, comments, “To help counteract the build-up of toxins and tar in the lungs caused by environmental pollutants, allergens, dust, and cigarette – you need to help your lung cleanse themselves.”
Here are some exercises that you can easily do during the day to cleanse your lungs.
1. The 4, 7, 8 exercise
As the name suggests, the exercise requires inhaling for four seconds, holding for seven, and exhaling for eight. The exercise not only helps clear lungs but also keeps the individuals calm and free from anxiety.
2. Deep belly breath breathing
Imagine that you are breathing deep into your belly and slowly inhale/exhale for five seconds or longer.
3. The cleansing breath pranayama
To perform this breathing exercise, stand with your feet hip-width apart. Exhale by using your abdominal muscles for power and keep your mouth relaxed open. Remember that this exercise should not be conducted when lying down.
4. Diaphragmatic breathing
The diaphragm is the lung muscle that is situated at the base of your lungs. Exercising them enhances the capacity of lungs and allows them to function optimally. For this exercise, imagine you are expanding your diaphragm as you inhale slowly.
Final thoughts
As you can see, there are many ways to eliminate the harmful tar from the weed and ensure your lungs stay healthy even if you smoke regularly. Try the above tips and let us know how they helped.
