"A chronic marijuana user asked me if the drug affects the immune system. Does it?" inquires E.J. FRANCZAK, MD, of Agincourt, ON.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the major active component of cannabis, or marijuana. Receptors to THC have been found on B cells, natural killer cells, neutrophils, monocytes, lymphocytes and macrophages (Life Sci 1999; 65:637-644). Marijuana has measurable in vitro effects on the immune system, particularly in reducing cell-mediated immunity, which might increase susceptibility to infection. Clinical studies in humans so far, though, haven't demonstrated that these effects are clinically relevant (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1976;58:483-490). Chronic smoking of marijuana, however, can raise one's susceptibility to respiratory infection and cancer (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev. 1999;8:1071-1078). If the marijuana is contaminated with mould spores, which is common, smoking it may lead to allergic asthma, infection or hypersensitivity pneumonitis (J Allergy Clin Immunol 1983;71:389-393).
ROTFL so they get sick from the mold and that's your evidence? Do you have any links to any deaths at all?
Do you really believe that quote supports your off-the-wall statement?
Source?
>>>>"A chronic marijuana user asked me if the drug affects the immune system. Does it?" inquires E.J. FRANCZAK, MD, of Agincourt, ON........<<<<
Of course it affects the immune system. But you claimed (as shown above) that: "People die from marijuana pneumonitis and allergic reactions all the time"
Your follow-up post does *nothing* to prove your original assertion. Of course, you already know that.
I thought so. Doesn't support the statement at all.
Because marijuana is illegal and thus unregulated. Thanks for the pro-legalization argument.