Can I Use Cannabis If I Have Asthma?
Asthma is a long-term condition that affects more than 27 million in the United States. It causes swelling, tightness, and narrowing of the airways. While many use inhalers and pills to help, some are exploring other ways to ease their symptoms. Cannabis being one of them.
For some people cannabis acts as an immediate bronchodilator because it helps reduce inflammation and help open up the airways. Cannabis contains various active substances known as cannabinoids. The most common terms that people are familiar with are CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC).
THC contains psychoactive ingredients while CBD will not make you high. But both have its health benefits such as anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. A study conducted on mice in 2015 found that CBD was effective in decreasing the immune response triggered by allergens.
The finding showed that CBD had “potent immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties” and also reduced mucus hypersecretion, a common ailment for asthma patients. Another study on THC also supports the theory, showing positive results on T-cells and resistance to infections.
Assessing risks and choosing the right treatment
It goes without saying that smoking and vaping is not a good option for asthma patients. Studies on the long-term effects of smoking marijuana can lead to a higher risk of bronchitis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
“Smoking and vaping are not recommended for lung health due to reported adverse effects. “Inhaling can give you quick relief, which is great for those dealing with severe acute pain. But if you have asthma, it’s something to steer clear of,” says Dr. Joanna Zeiger, CEO and researcher at Canna Research Group.
“Edibles can take a bit longer to kick in—usually around 45-70 minutes—but the effects last way longer than smoking and can keep going for hours. This makes them great for helping with sleep. On the other hand, topicals work in a different way, and how well they work really depends on what kind of injury or pain you’re dealing with. So, figuring out your goal for using cannabis can really help you choose the right treatment.”
Zeiger, a former professional Olympic athlete also suffers from asthma and uses edibles and topicals to manage her chronic pain and sleep better.
Using cannabis for asthma management may sound promising, but it’s important to look at the risks and side effects. Various research has shown that smoking or vaping is discouraged and there is little to no research on CBD and THC oil treatments.
But with the rescheduling of cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III it will make it easier for researchers to obtain cannabis products legally and lead to exciting discoveries in the future.
