According to the study, smoking three marijuana cigarettes a day can cause the same damage as 20 cigarettes. And those who smoke both marijuana and cigarettes are further increasing their risk of lung damage.

Dr. Mark Britton, chairman of the foundation, said that tar from cannabis cigarettes contains 50 percent more carcinogens than tobacco. Since marijuana smokers tend to inhale up to four times more deeply than tobacco users, more poisonous carbon monoxide and tar enter the lungs, he added.

"These statistics will come as a surprise to many people, especially those who choose to smoke cannabis rather than tobacco in the belief it is safer for them," said Britton. "It is vital that people are fully aware of the dangers so they can make an educated decision and know the damage they may be causing."

As a result of the study's findings, the group is urging the British government to implement a public-health education campaign on the health risks of marijuana smoking.

COMMENTS ON THIS ARTICLE:

Posted by sharon on 14 May 08 05:28 PM EDT

Its funny how people have the wrong idea about which is more harmful tobacco or marijuana. Most people think tobacco is more harmful. I think its a good idea that the group urges the British government to implement an educational campaign.

Posted by inSANE on 03 Mar 09 03:23 AM EST

Different researches have different results..today someone came up with this report, tomorrow someone else.. some reports have claimed that weed is 3 times safer than tobacco in terms of the overall damage it does to your body.. it all depends on wat you smokers or dopers want to be convinced with.. anything that makes you happy.

Posted by indentity on 06 Jul 09 02:40 AM EDT

so true on what info. is decided to be divulged. tobacco, even natural, pound for pound produces way more tar than marijuana does. also, the type of tar is so different. the tar in marijuana has been proven to help decay tobacco tar to an extent. manufactured chemically abused cigarette tobacco and filler is undeniably worse and way more harmful for any part of the body than marijuana. people need to stop drinking and get ALL the facts they can before deciding HOW to believe marijuana affects the human body.

Posted by User on 15 Sep 09 10:49 PM EDT

It doesn't cause cancer though...unlike tobacco. So while it may be harmful you'll live longer smoking that than tobacco.

Posted by hypocrit420 on 29 Oct 09 10:14 PM EDT

Who stated it doesn't cause cancer? Damage to internal organs causes cancer, and we're talking about lung damage so. . . Also, emphysema, is possible and that's no dip in the pool. Oh yeah, mary jane makes you forgetful, or did you forget that again?

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