Natural doesn’t mean harmless: Doctor warns cannabis smoke isn’t safer than cigarettes

A doctor warns that smoke from cannabis and cigarettes affects the lungs in similar ways. (Image: Pexels)

• Dr Vora warns that cannabis smoke is not safer than cigarette smoke
• Both cannabis and cigarettes expose lungs to harmful substances
• Regular cannabis use can cause dependence and mental health issues

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As people increasingly confuse "natural" with "harmless," a doctor from Mumbai is fighting against the common idea that cannabis is safer than cigarettes.

Dr Manan Vora, who specializes in orthopaedic surgery and sports medicine used Instagram to question the story that recreational cannabis is less harmful than tobacco. In a video called 'Weed is better than cigarettes?' shared on December 19, 2025, Dr Vora explained that our breathing system can't tell different types of smoke apart.

“Your weed dealer has convinced you that weed is better than cigarettes,” he said in Hindi, addressing the misinformation commonly shared among young adults.

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Dr Vora explained that the primary risk lies in combustion itself. “You already know that smoking is a leading cause of lung cancer and heart disease. Nicotine is highly addictive, making it hard to quit,” he said, adding that cannabis smoke is “practically no better” as it still exposes the lungs to harmful substances such as tar and fine particulate matter.

“Your lungs don’t care if it’s a hookah, a vape, a cigarette, or weed,” he said. “They only care about the smoke, and smoking anything works against you.”

Also Read: 6 health risks of smoking: It harms your heart, damages your bones, robs your skin's glow

While acknowledging that cannabis may be statistically less addictive than nicotine, Dr Vora cautioned against downplaying its health risks. He drew a distinction between addiction and biological dependence, stressing that regular cannabis use can still have serious consequences.

“Yes, it is less addictive than nicotine, but ganja dependence is real,” he said. “Regular use will affect your memory, your attention levels, and your mental health. It is also known to increase the risk of anxiety and psychosis.”

Also Read: All the health risks of tobacco chewing you should know: A dangerous addiction with systemic consequences  

Dr Vora further explained that addiction refers to a loss of control or inability to resist cravings, while substance dependence develops when a drug is used consistently over weeks, months or years. “In ganja smoking, dependence is the problem,” he said, adding that the perception of cannabis being safer often stems from the belief that it is natural.

“People say that because it’s natural,” he said. “But natural does not mean harmless.”

FAQs on cigarettes vs cannabis: Which is safer?

1. Is cannabis safer than cigarettes?

No, both cannabis and cigarette smoke expose the lungs to harmful substances and carry significant health risks.

2. Does cannabis have fewer health risks than tobacco?

While cannabis may be statistically less addictive than nicotine, it still poses serious health risks, including effects on memory, attention, mental health, and increased risk of anxiety and psychosis.

3. Can regular use of cannabis lead to dependence?

Yes, regular use of cannabis can lead to dependence, affecting various aspects of mental and physical health.

4. Is natural cannabis harmless?

No, being natural does not mean cannabis is harmless. It still exposes the lungs to harmful substances similar to those found in cigarette smoke.

Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.