As extra states approve marijuana for medical use, its perks — each attainable and confirmed — appear to be rising like, properly, weeds. The drug, which comes from the hashish plant, is used to ease nerve pain, calm nausea throughout chemo, deal with glaucoma, and even handle posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Research reveals it may possibly open up your airways, too. But can one thing you burn and breathe in assist lung situations that stem from smoking, like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, or COPD?
“We know that there is some dilation of the airways when people inhale cannabis,” says Albert Rizzo MD, a pulmonologist and chief medical officer on the American Lung Association. “However, when you inhale smoke, you trigger inflammation in your airways.”
You should weigh the risks and attainable long-term results of this swelling in opposition to marijuana’s attainable advantages.
It’s Still Smoking
When new advantages roll out that hyperlink marijuana with easing signs or bettering sure situations, “people sort of latch on to that,” says David Mannino, a pulmonologist and medical director and co-founder of the COPD Foundation. But, he says, “our lungs were designed to inhale air and nothing else. Because something is ‘natural’ doesn’t mean it’s safe.”
If you’re both a tobacco and a marijuana smoker, you’re more likely to have breathing problems and COPD. “The two practices of tobacco smoking and marijuana smoking are linked,” Mannino says. “Many people who smoke marijuana also smoke cigarettes.”
A Canadian research confirmed smoking marijuana alone didn’t improve the danger of breathing problems. But heavy, long-term marijuana smoking may lead to a condition called “marijuana lung.” Younger marijuana smokers, in particular, have developed emphysema along with large bullae, air pockets that take up space your lungs need for healthy breathing.
The American Lung Association and other professional pulmonary societies stress the harms of inhaling any product that’s combustible, or meant to be burned. They tell people with breathing issues like asthma and COPD stick with the “tried and true” respiratory meds their doctor prescribes. These drugs have gone by clinical trials to point out they’re protected and efficient, Rizzo says.
More Studies Needed
The changes in federal laws that open up access to cannabis from many sources will help fuel much-needed research on how it affects the lungs, Rizzo says. Researchers need to use cannabis products that are available in the community at large or are similar to those medical marijuana dispensaries provide. This will more closely mirror the effects they have on users, he says.
As of now, 36 American states have approved cannabis for medical use. Fifteen states allow marijuana for general use by adults.
People also inhale cannabis in different ways. “These include different devices, different breathing patterns, different intensity and frequency of smoking that can be hard to sort out in clinical trials.” Rizzo says. “We need more research.”
Vaping Brings Toxins, Too
There are so many differences among vaping devices, how they’re being used, ingredients, and possible toxins in what you inhale. None of that is well-studied, Rizzo says. “Again, more research is needed.”
“All these vaping gadgets are superheating … like crack pipes,” Mannino notes. “None of that is good for you.”
As for edibles, they’re not smoked, so there’s no proof they’d harm the lungs. But there’s also no proof that they’re safe, Mannino says. One study found reasons for concern about the largely unchecked, growing edible cannabis product market. The variable or mixed strength of edibles has led to reports of mental distress, stomach and heart-related unwanted effects, and an increase in ER visits.
The Addiction Factor
Marijuana use additionally has “components of addiction,” Mannino says. People could self-medicate with marijuana to deal with different issues, like anxiety.
“You may be treating one thing, but you’re causing another constellation of problems,” he says.
Talk to Your Doctor
If you want to try marijuana for a medical issue, check with your doctor first. Be sure to be honest and straightforward.
“The benefits and risks always should be discussed between the patient and their health care supplier,” Rizzo says.
