In fact, although marijuana has several important therapeutic and medicinal purposes, cannavaping the substance can result in medical concerns.6 The vaping aerosols of some compounds can induce lung pathology and may be carcinogenic, since they often contain a number of dangerous toxins.4
Chronic marijuana use can increase the likelihood of motor vehicles accidents, cognitive impairment, psychoses, and demotivation.4 It may predispose certain individuals to use other drugs and tobacco products and could increase the consumption of marijuana.4,5 Increased consumption could have a detrimental effect on intellect and behavior when used chronically—especially in youngsters, whose nervous systems are not yet fully matured.7-9
Because cannavaping has potentially deleterious effects, more regulations on the manufacture, distribution, access, and use are indicated—at least until research sheds more light on issues surrounding this practice.
Steven Lippman, MD; Devina Singh, MD
Louisville, KY