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In an age where ‘natural’ is often equated with ‘healthy’, a doctor is warning against the misconception that cannabis was a safe alternative to tobacco. Dr. Manan Vora, a Mumbai-based orthopedic surgeon and sports medicine specialist, took to Instagram to challenge the narrative often promoted by proponents of recreational cannabis. Read this also ,You live in Jayanagar…’: Karnataka HC responds to Bengaluru man who claimed 27 kg of ganja had grown on its own in his backyard.
The myth of ‘clean’ smoke
In a video titled ‘Is Marijuana Better Than Cigarettes?’ Posted on December 19, 2025 Dr. Vora warned that the human respiratory system does not differentiate between types of smoke. Dr. Vora took a direct hit at the misinformation spreading among young adults, saying in Hindi: “Your weed dealer has convinced you that marijuana is better than cigarettes.”
Then he began to lay out the physical reality of breathing. According to Dr. Vora, the primary danger lies in the act of combustion itself: “You already know that smoking is a major cause of lung cancer and heart disease. Nicotine is highly addictive, making it difficult to quit. Now, smoking weed is practically no better. This still exposes your lungs to very harmful products like tar and fine particles. He added: “Your lungs don’t care whether it’s hookah, vape, cigarette, or marijuana. They only care about the smoke, and smoking anything works against you.”
addiction vs dependence
The doctor also shared the difference between addiction and biological dependence – while Dr. Vora acknowledged that cannabis may be statistically less addictive than nicotine, he warned that ‘cannabis dependence’ is a very real medical phenomenon.
He said, “Regular use will affect your memory, your attention levels, and your mental health. In fact, it is even known to increase the risk of anxiety and psychosis. Yes, it is less addictive than nicotine, but marijuana dependence is real.”
cognitive and mental health risks
Apart from the physical damage caused to the lungs, Dr. Vora highlighted the neurological damage caused by repeated consumption of cannabis and said, “You need to understand the difference between addiction and dependence. Addiction means lack of control or inability to resist an urge or craving. But substance dependence refers to the biological effects that occur when a substance is taken for weeks, months, or years. Dependence is the problem with smoking marijuana. Now you might say, ‘But I heard weed is safer.’ Let me tell you, people say this because it is natural, but natural does not mean harmless.
Note to readers: This report is based on user-generated content from social media. HT.com has not independently verified the claims and does not endorse them.
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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