Mixing cannabis
Cannabis and other drugs
It can be dangerous to mix cannabis with other drugs such as alcohol or prescription drugs. This is because the effects of cannabis and the other drug can become stronger and produce more unpredictable effects than if they were used separately.
There is no evidence that cannabis automatically leads to the use of other drugs.
Cannabis and tobacco.
There are many studies that report on the harmful health effects of smoking tobacco, such as cancer, respiratory disease and heart disease. While there have been few studies conducted on the effects of cannabis smoke, there is growing evidence that there are similar major health concerns for those that smoke cannabis.
Tobacco and cannabis smoke both contain harmful chemicals which are absorbed when inhaled. This exposes the smoker’s lungs to greater risk of developing major respiratory diseases and/or cancer.
International reports have found specific links between both tobacco and cannabis, such as:
- many people who try cannabis have previously smoked tobacco
- many current cannabis smokers are also current cigarette smokers
- early onset of tobacco use may act as a ‘gateway’ to future cannabis use
- nicotine dependence can develop if tobacco is used in combination with cannabis
- smoking both cannabis and tobacco together is a greater risk than smoking either on its own
Mixing tobacco and cannabis is polydrug use. Nicotine is an addictive drug and the combination of these two substances increases exposure to tar and other carcinogens, causing risks to the lungs, respiratory organs as well as the cardiovascular system.
Cannabis users are at risk of developing nicotine addictions if they mix the two.
Compared to smokers who only smoke tobacco, cannabis and tobacco smokers typically:
- inhale more smoke (two thirds larger puff volume)
- inhale the smoke deeper into the lungs (one-third greater depth inhalation)
- hold smoke in lungs longer (up to four times longer)
This results in the lungs being exposed to greater amounts of carbon monoxide and other smoke irritants as well as more tar being retained in the respiratory tract.
