By Michael Barenboym, Medical Engineer and Founder of Weedgets

Cannabis has undergone a remarkable transformation in recent years. There is a level of acceptance, but it is still taboo with many in the medical profession and beyond. Thirty-nine states now have some level of a regulated medical Cannabis program. Although still federally illegal, the plant has become a beacon of hope for an estimated 3.6 million (1) state-legal medical marijuana patients seeking relief from chronic pain, insomnia, and other ailments.

Breaking the stigma surrounding medical Cannabis use means advocating for its benefits and prioritizing consumer safety and well-being. Instead of the more traditional bong or joint consumption method, innovative brands are developing hardware devices that deliver Cannabis therapeutics in ways that align with modern health-conscious lifestyles and focus on harm reduction.

One area that remains under intense scrutiny is the impact that smoking or vaping medicinal Cannabis flower has on lung health. The stigma associated with Cannabis consumption—particularly smoking—continues to cast a shadow over its medical potential. However, a 2012 study (2) published by The Journal of the American Medical Association shows that smoking medical Cannabis in moderation doesn’t seem to adversely affect lung function long term.

The Importance of Lung Health  

Our lungs are one of the most vital organs responsible for moving oxygen in our bodies. The lungs are our body’s primary organ for oxygen exchange, drawing in oxygen from the air and transferring it to the bloodstream. This oxygen fuels energy production and supports vital functions like sleep, emotion, regulation, and disease prevention.

When healthy lungs are compromised, we risk impairing our body’s ability to function optimally.

The Stigma of Smoking and Lung Health Concerns

The link between Cannabis smoking and lung health is well-documented (3) in association with tobacco smoking. For medical Cannabis, this stigma has been a double-edged sword. The plant can offer relief from some conditions, but smoking Cannabis often invites skepticism from both the medical community and the general public.

The CDC states the most common ways to smoke Cannabis are as a joint (hand-rolled cigarettes), bongs (pipes or water pipes), bowls (pipe), or blunts (cigars or cigar wrappers that have been partly or completely refilled with Cannabis). The latter three are all considered more adult-use or recreational consumption methods. A 2006 study (4) by the Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences suggests that vaping Cannabis flower is less harmful to your respiratory system than smoking.

Mitigating the Risks of Cannabis Inhalation on Lung Health

In my opinion, medical Cannabis consumers should consider cooler temperatures and irritant filtration as two effective harm reduction strategies if combustion is the chosen method of consumption.

The temperature at which medical Cannabis is smoked may significantly influence a person’s overall experience and long-term well-being. Consistently smoking Cannabis concentrates at high temperatures could have adverse effects on your respiratory health by damaging the delicate tissues of your lungs.

Vaping is typically lower, around 300-350°F, depending on personal preference and terpene profiles. When vaporized at 350°F (180°C), Cannabis flower releases cannabinoids without any combustion.

Opting for cooler vaping temperatures has been shown (4) to reduce respiratory harm for medical Cannabis patients. This gentler approach is also less likely (5) to create long-term damage to the respiratory system, a particularly crucial factor for immunocompromised individuals who may be more susceptible to respiratory complications. Vaping is typically lower, around 300-350°F, depending on personal preference and terpene profiles.

The Benefits of Filtration When Smoking

Smoke filtration is a key factor in lung health. Filters significantly reduce health risks by blocking hot ash and irritants while cooling the smoke to minimize harshness and irritation. However, not all filters are created equal. For example, charcoal filters use a process called “adsorption” (6) to remove impurities from the air. As air passes through the filter, impurities stick to the surface of the carbon.

On the other hand, Nanocrystalline-activated charcoal may offer better filtration for individuals who prioritize lung health while enjoying Cannabis. When heated, charcoal nanocrystals form tiny pores, giving activated charcoal a huge surface area to trap molecules in smoke from pipes or joints. It effectively captures carcinogens and toxins that would otherwise reach your lungs.

The Road Ahead: Balancing Enjoyment and Health

As innovations in medical devices for consumption and the Cannabis industry continue to evolve beside each other, we must continue the fight to destigmatize the plant and consumers. Further clinical studies that investigate the potential benefits of medical Cannabis use are crucial. Medical professionals must be educated on medical Cannabis to provide their patients with harm reduction strategies; creating an environment where they feel comfortable discussing their consumption habits with healthcare providers can lead to better health outcomes and more personalized care.

We must continue to provide medical Cannabis consumers with clear, science-based information about the potential risks and benefits of different consumption methods.
More clinical research is needed on medical Cannabis inhalation consumption methods and long-term benefits vs any effects on lung health.

Confronting the stigma surrounding medical Cannabis use means acknowledging both its potential benefits and risks. By focusing on lung health and discussing safer consumption methods, we can help ensure that the growing acceptance of Cannabis doesn’t come at the cost of public health.

Ultimately, the goal should be to educate medical Cannabis consumers so they can make informed decisions that prioritize their health.

References

1. Martha S. Rosenthal, R. Nathan Pipitone; Demographics, Perceptions, and Use of Medical Marijuana among Patients in Florida. Med Cannabis Cannabinoids 8 June 2021; 4 (1): 13–20.  https://doi.org/10.1159/000512342

2. Pletcher MJ, Vittinghoff E, Kalhan R, et al. Association Between Marijuana Exposure and Pulmonary Function Over 20 Years. JAMA. 2012;307(2):173–181. doi:10.1001/jama.2011.1961

3. Ribeiro L, Ind PW. Marijuana and the lung: hysteria or cause for concern? Breathe (Sheff). 2018 Sep;14(3):196-205. doi: 10.1183/20734735.020418. PMID: 30186517; PMCID: PMC6118880.

4. Gieringer, Dale. Maps/NORML Study Shows Vaporizers Reduce Toxins in Marijuana Smoke, maps.org/news-letters/v11n1/11120gie.html. Accessed 3 Apr. 2025.

5. Earleywine M, Barnwell SS. Decreased respiratory symptoms in cannabis users who vaporize. Harm Reduct J. 2007 Apr 16;4:11. doi: 10.1186/1477-7517-4-11. PMID: 17437626; PMCID: PMC1853086.

6. Christina. “Adsorption vs. Absorption: The Difference for Carbon Filters.” Air Science, 7 Feb. 2022, www.airscience.com/adsorption-vs-absorption-the-difference-for-carbon-filters.

Michael Barenboym:

Michael Barenboym is a renowned engineer, entrepreneur, and founder of Weedgets, dedicated to advancing health-focused innovations. With over 300 life-saving medical technologies to his name, he has worked with industry leaders like Boston Scientific and Johnson & Johnson, specializing in pulmonary health solutions. As the founder of Baren-Boym Company, he has designed and patented over 100 groundbreaking medical devices, including artificial heart systems and cancer ablation tools. His work continues to push the boundaries of biomedical engineering to improve patient outcomes worldwide.

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 Effective Cannabis Newsletter is a platform to educate on the vital role of the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) in one's health. The information is not intended or implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. All content, including text, graphics, images, and information, contained in or available through this newsletter is for general information purposes only. It is not medical advice; it is health awareness.