British Researchers warn of severe health effects of cannibis

British researchers have found that smoking three pure cannabis joints is as bad for your lungs as smoking 20 normal cigarettes.

The British Lung Foundation (BLF) said tar from cannabis cigarettes contained 50% more carcinogens than tobacco.

“Three cannabis joints a day cause the same damage to the lining of the airways as 20 cigarettes,” said a spokesperson for the BLF.

Health dangers of cannabis are also greater than they were in the 1960’s because today’s marijuana has increased amounts of a key chemical compound.

“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 BFL chairman Mark 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,” he said.

The BFL has urged the British government to implement a public health education campaign on health risks of the drug.

(Source: ASCO and Reuters Health)