Contrary to popular impression, waterpipes don't necessarily protect smokers from harmful tars in marijuana smoke, according to a new study sponsored by MAPS and California NORML (National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws). The reason is that waterpipes filter out more psychoactive THC than they do other tars, thereby requiring users to smoke more to reach their desired effect. The study does not rule out the possibility that waterpipes could have other benefits, such as filtering out gases, but it suggests that other methods, such as the use of high potency marijuana, vaporizers, or oral ingestion are needed to avoid harmful toxins in marijuana smoke.

and this

Surprisingly, the unfiltered joint outperformed all devices except the vaporizers, with a ratio of about 1 part cannabinoids to 13 parts tar. This disturbingly poor ratio may be explained by the low potency of the NIDA-supplied marijuana used in the study, which was around 2.3%.


Well see, it's obvious not enough research has been done to make a conclusion just yet. I mean, the variable of the smoke lost through joints wasn't taken into account. I'm not saying you're wrong or right, just that not enough research has been performed to give conclusive evidence that waterpipes are a less effective and more harmful smoking method.

I felt I had to edit and add another thing. It's still unconclusive if marijuana really does cause cancer. I believe it does, but that's beside the point. Now, a waterpipe, for me anyways, results in less coughing, which means that I have a lower chance of developing bronchitis than someone who is thrown into coughing fits. Choose your poison, I guess.