With the Capital Regional District taking proactive steps to set the rules for where you can smoke and vape marijuana, the Chief Medical Health Officer for Island Health is also sharing his expertise on the health risks of smoking in general.
Dr. Richard Stanwick says not matter how you are inhaling it - cannabis smoke is just as dangerous as cigarette smoke.
"Smoke is smoke is smoke. Cannabis isn't that much 'kinder' to the lungs. According to a California study, there's probably about 33 known human carcinogens, and even with vape product, there can be heavy metals that excede the levels that excede that of tabacco smoke. All of them generate fine particulate matter which works its way deep into the lungs."
Dr. Stanwick says he remains concerned about the impact smoking and vaping has on the younger generation, saying youth shouldn't be taking up the habit until they're in a position to make an informed decision