Cannabis for Asthma: The Benefits

The Benefits of Cannabis for Patients with Asthma and Respiratory Symptoms

Cannabis is an ancient natural remedy used for centuries to treat a wide range of health ailments.

In recent years, studies have suggested that cannabis can provide a promising solution for those suffering from asthma – one of the most common respiratory diseases in the world today.

Medical cannabis provides symptomatic relief for many asthma sufferers, including bronchodilatation, anti-inflammatory effects, and improved airway clearance.

Based on the available data, these factors can greatly reduce uncomfortable symptoms like coughing and difficulty breathing.

In this blog post, we will explore the benefits of cannabis for patients with asthma and reasons why you should consider it.

Should You Smoke Weed If You Have Asthma? A Look at Cannabis Use

There are a number of benefits associated with medical cannabis. However, smoking medical cannabis with asthma is not advised due to cannabis smoke’s ability to irritate the lungs. Marijuana smoking has been linked to respiratory health issues, particularly chronic cough and asthma symptoms, according to health investigations. These findings emphasize the need for further research on its effects on lung function and respiratory conditions.

There are, however, alternatives to smoking cannabis products that do not come with these risk factors, such as:

• Edibles
• Topicals
• Powders
• Inhalers

These options can still provide the medicinal benefits of cannabis without causing lung and throat irritation.

Is Smoking Weed Safe for Asthmatics? Understanding the Adverse Effects

Smoke from cannabis differs from smoke from cigarettes. Researchers have reported that cigarette smoke, for example, causes complications such as lung cancer more frequently than cannabis smoke. However, smoking of any kind is not recommended for asthmatics due to the prevalence of potential adverse effects.

Marijuana smoke can contain harmful chemicals found in burning materials, which may aggravate asthma symptoms.

Medical cannabis itself, however, is not harmful. Studies suggest that medical cannabis can benefit people suffering from asthma or other respiratory problems.

By relaxing the muscles in the lungs and widening the airways, THC acts similarly to most bronchodilators used to treat asthma.

In addition, cannabis is a bronchodilator for some asthmatics. Like commonly used inhalers, it provides fast relief of asthma symptoms or stops sudden attacks, but without the common side effects, like anxiety and high blood pressure. However, smoking or vaping cannabis can lead to increased instances of shortness of breath, wheezing, and other respiratory complications.

What Is a Medical Cannabis Inhaler, and Is It Right for Me?

Weed inhalers use the same inhaler device as asthma inhalers – to deliver accurate levels of cannabinoids (THC or CBD), as well as terpenes, according to your needs.

A cannabis inhaler delivers its content in precise amounts as vapor. This makes them your best option for knowing exactly how much CBD or THC you consume among all cannabis-related devices.

It’s additionally important to note that asthma inhalers made from cannabis are not technically asthma inhalers. Even though they resemble your conventional inhaler, they are not intended primarily for treating asthma. They aim to provide a better and safer patient experience without the risks associated with smoking or vaping.

Other Advantages of Cannabis for Asthmatics

Cannabis also has other benefits aside from relieving asthma and respiratory symptoms.

Cannabis has been shown to relieve:

• Pain
• Anxiety
• Insomnia
• Other symptoms that a person with asthma may experience

Additionally, cannabis can help alleviate symptoms of allergic rhinitis, which is often associated with asthma and other respiratory conditions.

However, these benefits are derived from cannabis itself, not from smoking.

The Right Way to Use Marijuana if You Have Asthma

Cannabis use can be beneficial for asthma when used in other ways besides smoking.

There are many ways to consume cannabis, including vaping, eating edibles, taking cannabis oil, and inhaling it. Regarding these alternatives, vaping may not always be the best option, especially considering the rise in asthma cases linked to secondhand smoke exposure and other respiratory issues.

Lung problems are associated with vaping, particularly when the product contains harmful cutting agents such as propylene glycol, vitamin E acetate, and vegetable glycerin.

There are, however, nebulizers and vaporizers that heat cannabis or move the air by compression rather than burning it, which may be safer than smoking. Despite that, we still do not know whether they pose any risks to asthmatics. Further studies are needed to fully understand the impact of cannabis on asthma and its long-term effects. Public health inquiries conducted by agencies like the Massachusetts Department of Public Health are crucial to identifying these risks and improving safety measures for cannabis consumption among asthmatics.

For asthma patients, edibles, tinctures, topicals, and, ideally, cannabis inhalers are safer methods of consuming THC. However, it’s important for anyone considering using marijuana for therapeutic reasons to talk to their healthcare provider first, as other treatments may be available.

Don’t put off seeking out treatment any longer. Contact Medwell Health and Wellness today to schedule an appointment and get on the path toward optimal lung health!