Marijuana and Asthma: Does It Help or Harm?

Asthmatics suffer from airway inflammation, which causes restriction of their airways. According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, about 25 million Americans have this ailment. As there is no cure for asthma, the current treatment strategy focuses on controlling symptoms and preventing consequences.

Many asthmatic individuals are looking toward natural asthma treatments, including medical marijuana. Much talk is about medicinal marijuana being used to treat various health concerns. The most popular method of taking marijuana is smoking, and one cannot help but worry whether this would make asthma worse or better. With few studies on what medicinal marijuana can and cannot accomplish, you may be wondering, “Can marijuana aid asthma?” We’re here to help you.

What Are the Current Asthma Treatments?

Asthmatic individuals have numerous therapy choices. Inhalers, for example, are drugs that give immediate relief. Your doctor may also offer medications to control your symptoms before they become life-threatening. Here are some drugs that can help reduce airway inflammation:

• Tablets containing leukotrienes
• Nebulizers
• Corticosteroids inhaled

There are other natural cures; however, seeing your doctor first is strongly encouraged. Here are some natural asthma treatment options:

• Massage
• Meditation
• Acupuncture
• Exercising your breathing

What Is the Relationship Between Marijuana and Asthma?

Three asthmatic individuals treated with medical marijuana improved their symptoms, according to a 2020 study published in the National Library of Medicine. Nonetheless, the evaluation concentrated on searching for current papers and databases on the effects of medicinal marijuana on asthma.

According to the study, medical marijuana may have anti-inflammatory benefits for asthma patients. It also claims that marijuana has an effect on the airways due to its bronchodilatory qualities. Chronic bronchitis symptoms and airway irritation are two of the possible hazards of medicinal marijuana for asthma caused by smoking.

When discussing medicinal marijuana, this can refer to the entire Cannabis sativa plant or one of the various substances contained in marijuana.

Marijuana’s Potential Risks and Benefits: Can It Help Asthma?

Over the years, research has produced evidence indicating that while cannabis may have some risks, it can also be beneficial in the treatment of certain illnesses. According to Altitude Organic Cannabis, these are the potential risks and benefits of marijuana:

Benefits

Marijuana’s current research as a possible asthma therapy is still limited. However, researchers are focused on medicinal marijuana for asthma, but instead of smoking, they are ingesting cannabinoids. Cannabinoids contained in marijuana have anti-inflammatory effects.

Medical marijuana occasionally alleviates chronic pain and medical diseases such as multiple sclerosis and arthritis. Current research holds up hope for patients who have allergic asthma. Experts are investigating if cannabinoids derived from marijuana have the same asthmatic effects.

Cannabinoids can be extracted and used to make supplements. Cannabinoids can also be obtained through atypical techniques of cannabis smoking. Research in 2013 found that people using vaporizers as they smoke marijuana experienced more of the plant’s benefits with minor lung discomfort.

However, a more extensive study is still needed to evaluate whether the relationship and possible advantages between asthma and marijuana outweigh the hazards.

Risks

Despite the apparent favorable relationship between asthma and marijuana, it still comes with hazards, especially for people living with asthma. Smoking any substance may irritate your lungs and exacerbate your symptoms. When smoking is used to consume, the hazards are multiplied.

The trouble concerning asthma and marijuana is that they potentially increase the risk for asthma attacks. As you are aware, severe asthma episodes may necessitate hospitalization in order to avoid significant repercussions. If you consume by smoking, you may develop bullae in your lungs. Bullae are huge air sacs that obstruct breathing.

When you use medical marijuana for asthma, you put yourself at risk for bullae. This problem may worsen over time and lead to a potentially fatal pneumothorax. According to the American Thoracic Society, people under the age of 45 who consume marijuana are more likely to develop bullae.

The following are some of the short-term hazards of smoking medicinal marijuana for asthma:

• Phlegm
• Breathing problems
• Wheezing
• Coughing frequently
• Infections of the lungs

What Are the Various Types of Marijuana?

We’ve now answered the question, “Can marijuana aid asthma?” The following topic addresses the many forms and techniques of taking marijuana other than smoking.

Aside from classic joints, individuals employ a variety of marijuana smoking equipment to enjoy marijuana smoking. Here are a few examples:

• Bongs
• Bubblers
• Hand piping
• Hookahs
• Disposable items
• Rigs for dabbing

There are different types of marijuana available for those who do not appreciate smoking and prefer a more discreet approach to experiencing THC or CBD – two of the most common components found in cannabis. Here are a few examples:

• Edibles
• Topicals
• Bathing items
• Oils
• Supplements

The Bottom Line

More study on medicinal marijuana and asthma is still required today. With marijuana legalization, specialists are constantly working to uncover the full potential, as well as the drawbacks, of medicinal marijuana. The simple line is that smoking may aggravate your health problems. Consult your doctor about possible treatment choices or symptom management. In terms of medicinal marijuana, consult with your doctor to see if different types of marijuana are useful for your condition. When buying medicinal marijuana, make sure that you get in touch with legitimate sellers to minimize health risks.