Question: My teenage son recently confessed to me that he smokes marijuana. He says it is safer than cigarettes, which I smoke. Is this true?

Dr. Hibberd's answer:
Inhaling smoke of any kind is harmful to health and can carry grave consequences. There are some reports that carry news that marijuana is safe, or safer than cigarette smoking. Although marijuana has been used to treat certain medical conditions, its safety has also been questioned. It can cause hypoglycemia, low blood pressure, drowsiness, asthma and lung disease, and increase the risk of bleeding. Many experts believe heavy pot smokers are at increased risk for lung cancer.
I would advise both you and your son to abstain from smoking.