For centuries, Eastern medicine practices have used cannabis to treat different health conditions. Cannabis has documented therapeutic benefits, which include:
- Relieving chronic pain
- Reducing nausea
- Stimulating an appetite
- Calming and stabilizing moods
- Treating eye problems, like glaucoma
- Helping with difficult seizures
Recently, Western medicine has come around to using cannabis as an alternative treatment for different health conditions, such as anxiety, certain cancers, and chronic pain. The use of synthetic cannabinoids is emerging to treat health conditions. These options include tablets, powders, pills, and vapes. However, the properties of these synthetic options are much different than CBD or THC. Additionally, many synthetic options do not contain CBD and have more pronounced psychoactive effects.
The Effects of Cannabis on the Lungs
Studies show that cannabis has bronchodilating effects and relieves pain. Cannabis does have therapeutic benefits for some conditions. However, cannabis does not have positive effects on the lungs. Inhaled cannabis smoke may not contain the same toxins and chemicals as cigarette smoke, but it is still an airway irritant that affects your lungs. Research suggests that inhaled cannabis smoke contributes to chronic and persistent airway narrowing. Studies show that cannabis smoke reduces the amount of air you can hold in your lungs.
Does Cannabis Help with Asthma?
Research on the use of cannabis as an asthma therapy is limited and unpromising. The use of cannabis can induce symptoms of coughing, chest tightness, wheezing, and trouble breathing. For some people, inhaled cannabis can induce asthma attacks. Also, only certain cannabinoids have therapeutic properties. Additionally, THC, the psychoactive chemical in cannabis, can cause anxiety and paranoia, and anxiety is another known asthma trigger.
The Bottom Line
It would appear that cannabis could do more harm than good for managing asthma or treating its related symptoms. Inhaled smoke acts as another airway irritant that can aggravate your respiratory symptoms or induce an asthma attack. Additionally, cannabis use is associated with an increased risk of complications and psychotic disorders, such as panic attacks, schizophrenia, and psychosis.
As always, your health should be your top priority! Before inhaling, consuming, or ingesting a product, do your due diligence and thorough research to know what you are putting in your body. Consult with your doctor if your asthma is unresponsive or seemingly worsens with the use of asthma medications.