India, Dec. 2 -- Marijuana is often dismissed as "natural" and therefore harmless, with many believing that organic smoke somehow behaves differently in the body. But doctors warn that smoke is smoke - and whether it comes from tobacco or marijuana, it can damage the lungs and strain the heart. Regular marijuana use has been shown to raise cardiovascular risk to levels comparable with high blood pressure or elevated cholesterol, dispelling the myth that it is a safer alternative.

Dr Jeremy London, a board-certified cardiothoracic surgeon with more than 25 years of experience, is challenging the common myths and misconceptions that portray marijuana smoking as harmless. In an Instagram video posted on December 1, the cardiologist breaks d...