An asthmatic person experiences airway inflammation — resulting in the constriction of their airways.
This chronic lung disease causes asthma sufferers to experience difficulty breathing, coughing and wheezing. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute reported that over 25 million Americans suffer from this condition. There is no cure for asthma, so the current treatment course involves managing its symptoms and preventing complications.
There’s a buzz going around about medical marijuana in treating different health conditions. Many asthmatic patients are looking into natural remedies and medical marijuana for asthma. Smoking is the most common way of consuming marijuana, and one can’t help but wonder whether this will make asthma better or worse. With limited findings as to what medical marijuana can and can’t do, you may be thinking, “can marijuana help asthma?” Altitude Organic Cannabis is here for you.
What Are the Current Treatments for Asthma?
There are several treatment options for asthmatic patients. There are medications that provide quick relief, like inhalers. There are also drugs your doctor may recommend to manage your symptoms before they become life-threatening. Here are some medications to decrease airway inflammation:
- Leukotriene tablets
- Nebulizers
- Inhaled corticosteroids
There are also natural remedies, but talking to your doctor is highly advised before resorting to them. Here are some natural forms of treatment for asthma:
- Massage
- Meditation
- Acupuncture
- Breathing exercises
Asthma and Marijuana: What’s the Connection?
A 2020 review published in the National Library of Medicine reported that three asthmatic patients treated with medical marijuana showed improvements in their symptoms. That said, the review focused on the search for existing publications and databases for the effects of medical marijuana on asthma.
The said review states that medical marijuana may have anti-inflammatory effects on asthma sufferers. It also states that marijuana affects the airways because of its bronchodilatory properties. The potential risks of medical marijuana for asthma connected to smoking include chronic bronchitis symptoms and airway irritation.
When talking about medical marijuana, this can pertain to the whole Cannabis sativa plant, or it can be one of the many compounds found in marijuana.
The Potential Risks and Benefits: Can Marijuana Help Asthma?
Benefits
The current findings of marijuana as a potential treatment for asthma are still limited. However, researchers are focusing on medical marijuana for asthma but on taking cannabinoids instead of smoking. Cannabinoids found in marijuana are known for their anti-inflammatory properties.
Medical marijuana is sometimes used as a treatment for chronic pain and health conditions like multiple sclerosis and arthritis. Experts are looking as to whether cannabinoids from marijuana have the same effects on asthma. Current findings show promise for people suffering from allergic asthma.
Cannabinoids may be extracted and made into supplements. You may also get cannabinoids through nontraditional methods of smoking cannabis. A study in 2013 showed that people using vaporizers as they smoke marijuana got more of the plant’s benefit with less lung irritation.
However, further research is still needed to determine whether the connection and potential benefits between asthma and marijuana outweigh the risks.
Risks
Despite the potential good connection between asthma and marijuana, it still comes with risks, especially for asthma sufferers. The risks are doubled when the method of consumption is smoking. Smoking any type of substance may inflame your lungs and worsen your symptoms.
The thing about asthma and marijuana is that they show potential for increased risk for asthma attacks. As you know, you may need to be hospitalized for severe asthma attacks to avoid serious complications. If the method of consumption is through smoking, you may start to develop bullae in your lungs. Bullae are large air sacs that cause breathing difficulties.
Medical marijuana for asthma, when smoked, puts you at risk for bullae. According to the American Thoracic Society, people under the age of 45 who smoke marijuana are more susceptible to developing bullae. Over time, this condition may get worse and lead to a pneumothorax, which is life-threatening.
Here are the potential short-term risks of smoking medical marijuana for asthma:
- Phlegm
- Shortness of Breath
- Wheezing
- Frequent Coughing
- Lung Infections
What Are the Different Forms of Marijuana?
Now that we’ve answered the question, “can marijuana help asthma?” the next thing is the different forms and methods of consuming marijuana aside from smoking.
There are different marijuana smoking devices people use to enjoy marijuana smoking — aside from the traditional joints. Here are some of them:
- Bongs
- Bubblers
- Hand pipes
- Hookahs
- Disposable devices
- Dab rigs
There are other forms of marijuana for people who are not a fan of smoking and want a subtle way of enjoying THC or CBD — two of the most popular compounds found in cannabis. Here are some of them:
- Edibles
- Topicals
- Bath products
- Oils
- Supplements
Asthma and Marijuana: The Takeaway
Today, further research about medical marijuana and asthma is still needed. With the legalization of marijuana, experts are continuously pushing to unlock the full potential, as well as the downsides of medical marijuana. The bottom line is smoking may only make your health condition worse.
Consult your doctor for possible treatment options or ways to manage your symptoms. As for medical marijuana, ask your doctor whether there are different forms of marijuana that are beneficial for your condition.
Trust Altitude Organic Cannabis
If you’re looking for a trusted dispensary in Dillon, Colorado, choose us!
We provide a wide range of marijuana strains and products — for both recreational and medical purposes. We promote responsible cannabis use, and we strive to provide valuable information to our existing and potential customers.
We highly advise consulting your primary care doctor before using any marijuana strains or products. Before making a purchase online or in any of our physical locations, present your identification card and medical marijuana card. Our staff will be more than happy to guide you with your purchase. Visit us today!
