Marijuana drug test has to be conducted regularly in order to avoid drug addiction. Marijuana is the mostly widely used illegal drug in the United States. Long-term use of marijuana causes many respiratory problems.
Smoke of marijuana contains 50 percent more carcinogenic hydrocarbons than that of tobacco. A 5-fold greater increase in carboxyhaemoglobin levels in blood is seen in marijuana smokers. This decreases oxygen supply to vital organs of the body leading to their dysfunction. Toxins present in tar of marijuana are responsible for lung cancer. It can also cause cancer in oral cavity, pharynx, and larynx.
Pulmonary infections and respiratory cancer may be caused due to continuous use of marijuana. As the smoke of marijuana passes through air passages of lungs, cells associated with defense mechanism and others are damaged due to carcinogenic substances present in the drug. Macrophages, ciliated epithelial cells, of bronchi and trachea are some of the cells which get damaged. As a result, bacteria, viruses or any other microbes that enter air passages cannot be destroyed. This may in turn increase susceptibility to other infections causing various pulmonary diseases.
Inflammation of lungs, chronic bronchitis, and dysfunction of small air passages are some of the effects of marijuana use on lungs. Frequency of chronic cough and shortness of breath increases among people who use marijuana for at least one day in a month. Effects of marijuana smoking on lungs is much higher when compared to nicotine smoking. THC drug test conducted in marijuana smokers detects the concentration of the drug in smokers. When high levels of drug are found in the test, it is necessary to undergo treatment to prevent occurrence of the associated respiratory problems.