People these days have come up with a variety of reasons why it would be best to steer clear of hemp and all of its derivatives. But the one reason that sticks out the most is the alleged effects that hemp smoke has on the lungs. Often compared with tobacco in terms of its impact on the lungs, hemp is said to produce the same dangerous, debilitating diseases as cigarettes.
But is there any substance to these claims? Although the logic might seem sound, there are some crucial intricacies that make hemp smoke completely different from tobacco. And what might seem like fact-based science could actually be nothing but conjecture, especially when you consider modern research.
How Does Hemp Smoke Affect the Lungs?
Comparing the extent of research exploring tobacco use versus the studies that look into hemp smoking, it’s easy to see that there’s a major discrepancy. For starters, there aren’t half as many hemp-related studies compared to those that discuss the effects of tobacco, so it might not be as easy to fully understand how hemp smoke affects the lungs.
But with what research is available, there’s reason to believe that hemp causes completely different effects versus its nicotine-based counterpart. One study found that smoking hemp flower could actually increase lung volume without obstructing airflow or impairing gas transfer.
This is completely juxtaposed to the effects of tobacco which constrict the airways and lower lung volume. Of course, these studies are still in their infantile state, and there isn’t a lot of other research to support these findings. But with what we do know, it seems that hemp smoke could be beneficial to some extent.
Can Smoking Hemp Cause Lung Cancer?
They say that hemp smoke can cause lung cancer, which works against the herb’s chemistry since it’s often touted as a medical treatment for all sorts of cancer. As of present, however, there is no evidence that suggests that there’s a link between hemp smoke and lung cancer.
However, it’s still important to tread lightly when it comes to this subject. Because studies are scarce, and there isn’t a lot of evidence to support the theory that hemp smoke can’t cause lung cancer, we still can’t draw conclusions.
If you feel that you might benefit from the use of CBD hemp flower, but you are worried about lung health, it would be advisable to seek the advice of a health professional before trying hemp flower treatment.
Can Hemp Smoke Damage the Lungs?
Now that it’s clear that hemp smoke isn’t like tobacco smoke, and that it isn’t likely to cause cancer in the lungs, it’s important to note that it’s still a foreign substance. The thing about the human lungs is that they’re designed to take in air and nothing else. So even smoke from public transport, dirt, and other contaminants in the atmosphere can cause damage and irritation.
And the same goes for hemp smoke. Studies have found that hemp smoke and tobacco smoke have a similar mix of contaminants and irritants. When these are introduced into the lungs, the tissues are ruffled. That’s why most people will cough and retch after a deep drag of CBD hemp flower.
On the upside, studies show that there aren’t any known long term damages or effects that hemp smoke can impose on the lungs. But that doesn’t mean there aren’t any potential risks. Some researchers assert that constant exposure of the lungs to hemp smoke can cause chronic bronchitis. This can lead to spitting up sputum, coughing, and itching of the throat.
Alternatives to Smoking Hemp Flower
While hemp flower smoke doesn’t seem to be as damaging or dangerous as tobacco smoke, there’s still sound reason for some users to veer away from raw flower. That’s especially true for users who struggle with all sorts of lung-related conditions, or for those who just don’t like the feeling of coughing up their guts when they take a drag.
Fortunately, hemp products come in a wide variety these days, and buyers aren’t limited to just CBD flower. So if you don’t want to introduce smoke into your system, you might want to try other CBD products from Industrial Hemp Farms, including:
CBD Oil – Considered the most popular hemp-derived product to date, CBD oil is perhaps the easiest way to get a dose. Developed to give you a concentrated portion of CBD, oils have been found to be the easiest form of CBD to tolerate.
Edibles – CBD is often incorporated into food products and beverages, giving people a variety of options to suit their taste buds. Of course, bioavailability tends to be lower than other forms of CBD, but they’re worth trying nonetheless.
Concentrates – If you still want to experience the smoke, but aren’t interested in the coughing fit that follows, you can try dabbing concentrates. The vapor that results from the process is much smoother and lighter than the typical hemp flower smoke, so you’re not as likely to feel irritated.
Patches – These aren’t as easy to come by, but they deliver a consistent dose of CBD over a prolonged period of time. Patches are great for those who don’t have the time to keep taking CBD doses throughout the day since you can wear it and forget it.
The Bottom Line
While hemp flower smoke might have some effect on your lungs, the outcomes aren’t quite as dramatic as people paint them out to be. All in all, you can expect hemp smoke to have much milder effects on the lungs compared to tobacco, with studies pointing to the conclusion that hemp smoke might only cause bronchitis as its worst.
Of course, it still pays to tread lightly. As these studies evolve, we can learn more about how hemp smoke affects the lungs and make more confident decisions with the way we enjoy the herb’s effects.
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