Characterizing the effects of cannabis smoking on airway epithelial cell reprogramming

Cannabis is the 2nd most used recreational drug in Canada, with 6 % of Canadians reporting daily use. Despite the known dangers of cigarette smoking to the lungs which involves exposure to inhaled toxins, smoking is the main method of cannabis consumption. The lungs are protected by a cell barrier called the airway epithelium that is damaged with cigarette smoking and can lead to lung disease. Whether this is true for cannabis smoking is unknown. In this study we aim to understand if cannabis smoking damages the airway epithelium and whether it can be reversed. Epithelial cells collected from cannabis smokers will be analyzed to identify any changes that indicate harm to cells. We believe cannabis smoking is toxic to epithelial cells, reducing the protective ability of the airway epithelium and ultimately leading to worse lung outcomes. This damage may be reversed by stopping cannabis smoking, which would restore epithelial cells back to health. Study findings will be presented at international conferences, published in leading journals and importantly, shared with students using in-school initiatives. This work will build on our understanding of how cannabis smoking affects the lungs and may change how people use cannabis.