Cannabis

Smoking 6: Carbon monoxide

The cannabis smoke inhaled into the lungs also contains carbon monoxide (CO).

Once the carbon monoxide enters the bloodstream, it attaches to red blood cells. This attachment is far stronger than that of oxygen (O2), and the CO will not let go of the cells. This interferes with their ability to absorb and transport oxygen from the lungs.

In order to obtain enough oxygen, the body has to send more red blood cells per minute to the lungs. In other words, the heartbeat will increase and the blood will flow faster. The nicotine in the smoke will also make the heart beat faster.