New Research Reveals Risks of Cannabis Vaping on Lung Health

Recent studies conducted by McGill University’s Research Institute highlight potential health risks associated with vaping cannabis. While many perceive vaping as a safer alternative to smoking, emerging evidence suggests that cannabis vapors contain toxic substances similar to those found in tobacco smoke, which may pose significant dangers to lung health.

Professor Carolyn Baglole, senior author of the studies, emphasizes that cannabis vapor includes carcinogens and harmful agents capable of causing cellular stress and genetic alterations in lung cells. These changes can elevate the risk of respiratory issues and cancer, challenging the common belief that vaping cannabis is a benign practice.

The first study, published in the American Journal of Physiology, compared the chemical makeup of cannabis smoke and vapor, revealing that both contain harmful compounds that induce gene expression changes linked to cellular stress and carcinogenesis. The second study, in Cell Biology and Toxicology, demonstrated that inhaling cannabis vapor alters gene functions associated with immune responses, stress, and cancer development in lung cells.

Despite limitations due to experimental models not fully replicating the human lung environment, these findings underscore the importance of further research. The studies advocate for increased public health awareness and informed policies, especially as cannabis becomes more socially accepted following legalization in many regions.

Experts acknowledge that cannabis is the third most used psychoactive substance after alcohol and tobacco, making understanding its health impacts urgent. The research aims to guide health authorities and consumers in making safer choices, recognizing that vaporized cannabis may carry similar risks as traditional smoking.

For more details, the studies are accessible via DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00131.2024 and DOI: 10.1007/s10565-025-09997-3.