What Happens If You Smoke Weed With Asthma

What You Need To Know About Smoking Weed With Asthma

More states are legalizing the use of medical marijuana. Some states are going beyond just medical use and legalizing weed for recreational use. But is using marijuana safe for people with chronic diseases, such as asthma and can it help the condition? The answer may depend on the form of marijuana used, dose and the frequency.

Before deciding if smoking weed with asthma is the right choice for you, its helpful to learn a little more about marijuana. Marijuana is often referred to by different names, such as pot, weed, and grass. Regardless of what you call it, marijuana is derived from the cannabis plant. Cannabis contains various cannabinoids. Cannabinoids are compounds that bind to specific receptors in the central nervous system.

Tetrahydrocannabinol is probably the most well-known cannabinoid and is primarily responsible for the high or psychoactive effects. But other lesser known cannabinoids that are non-psychoactive may also have a therapeutic effect. Many factors influence the effects of marijuana including the types of cannabis used, the dosage and a persons experience using the drug.

Final Thoughts On The Discussion Of Marijuana Treatment For Asthma

Some have argued in the past that marijuana is an effective treatment for asthma because it has anti-inflammatory properties and could help open the bronchial tubes. While there is evidence out there to support both of these notions, much more research is required in order to make the claim that marijuana can treat asthma or improve an asthmatic condition.

Much more research is required in order to make the claim that marijuana can treat asthma or improve an asthmatic condition.

And of course, we certainly dont recommend smoking in any form if you have asthma. And while vaporizing cannabis may result in less coughing, there is still virtually no data on its long-term respiratory health effects.

All things considered, edibles and oils are arguably the best way to consume cannabis if you have asthma. They make take a little longer to work, but theyre almost certainly not as harmful to the lungs as smoke inhalation.

So Why Do People With Respiratory Issues Use Weed

It may seem far-fetched to imagine a doctor telling their asthmatic patients to use weed, but thats exactly what Janice Knox does. She’s spent 32 years working as a board-certified anesthesiologist before she began studying the impact of cannabis on illness, and now, she incorporates cannabis into her consultations with patients at her familys American Cannabinoid Clinics in Oregon, where her husband and two daughters all physicians also practice.

Knox says endocannabinoid receptors called CB1 and CB2 work in the lungs to modulate immune responses to inflammation. People have been treating the symptoms of asthma for years, but in the case of cannabis in the lungs, its a CB1, CB2 receptor on those bronchioles, Knox tells Allure. And if we know its chronic inflammation, we know which part of the cannabis is going to work best on those receptors its going to be the THC and the CBD as an anti-inflammatory.

Meet The Patient: Mark

Mark is a Dutchman and one of the cannabis experts wehave the honour of counting in the Sensi Seeds team. He lives in theNetherlands, where the weather can be very humid, and where pollen and variousplant matter is known to fly around, even in big cities, and especially in spring.

Mark has suffered from asthma all his life, and has been medicating with cannabis for more than two decades.

In order to give a concrete reference to our readers, here are a few details about how Mark handles his condition, and the severity of his symptoms.

• Pharmaceutical treatment: , 1 puff per day, , 1 to 2 puffs per day.
• Cannabis treatment: Daily of dried cannabis flowers .
• Physical activity: Mostly sedentary, with daily, average pace walking.
• Background: From very severe to manageable .

Due to all these years of self-medicating, Mark hasaccumulated a large amount of empirical knowledge in terms of what works bestwhen it comes to cannabis and asthma. Read his dos and donts below.

Can I Smoke Weed With Asthma

Dr. Diane MinichRead MoreDr. Yash KhannaRead More

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

Ask U.S. doctors your own question and get educational, text answers â it’s anonymous and free!

HealthTap doctors are based in the U.S., board certified, and available by text or video.

Use A Bowl To Smoke Shatter

You can also smoke shatter by adding to your bong bowl, which is appealing for those whove been smoking flower for a while and want to try smoking shatter without buying a whole new rig.

Start by filling up your bowl half-way with weed and then take your dab and drop it onto the weed. Then pack the rest of the bowl and light it up.

Copd Can Develop In Many Ways

Now, it should be noted that you can develop COPD without smoking. You can develop it due to chronic exposure to chemicals at your work. It can also be caused by a rare gene called alpha 1 antitrypsin. So, you dont necessarily have to smoke to get it. However, it is also known that about 80% of people who develop COPD smoked at some point in their lifetimes.4,5

And it’s also true that not everyone who smokes develops COPD. Most studies show that about 20-30% of smokers will eventually be diagnosed with it, although I have seen studies showing it’s as high as 50%. Studies show that children with persistent asthma have a 32% greater risk of developing COPD, and adults with asthma have a 12% greater risk of developing it.4,5

So, with an increased risk already, smoking with asthma can only elevate the risk.

Researchers are not sure why asthmatics have an elevated risk for developing COPD, although some studies seem to suggest that asthma genes may have something to do with it. Smoking may turn some of these asthma genes into COPD genes.2,3

Vaping Smoking And Edibles

“It’s a myth that vaping is safer for your lungs than smoking,” says Dr. Gerber, who is also an associate professor of medicine at the University of Colorado Denver.

Both methods of inhaling come with chemical and physical risks.

“Vapingpot or tobaccodamages your lungs irreversibly,” says Dr. Parikh, who is also a clinical assistant professor in the departments of medicine and pediatrics at New York University School of Medicine.

Edibles may seem like a more sensible choice because they bypass the lungs. However, some of the harmful effects of cannabis, like allergy triggers, stem from the components of marijuana itself. This may mean that using pot in any form could worsen your asthma and cause long-lasting harm.

Does Weed Help With Asthma Or Does Cannabis Make It Worse

Currently, there is no cure for asthma, but it can be controlled by following a management plan outlined by a physician.

Asthma is a chronic disease that affects the lower airways inside the lungs, also known as the bronchial tubes, which are responsible for carrying air in and out of the lungs. Asthma is extremely common, and every year, more and more Americans are diagnosed with the condition than ever before. In fact, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that 1 in 13 people in the United States have asthma. The condition is also the most prevalent chronic disease found in children, with pediatric asthma estimated to affect over 6 million children in the U.S. alone.   

Those with asthma know that attacks can be terrifying, and can often start happening without warning. Asthma attacks are often prompted by exercise or environmental factors, such as chemicals, dust, pollen, and other allergens, but an attack can also be caused by a variety of other triggers including respiratory infection or stress. During an asthma attack, the muscles surrounding the airways constrict. This tightening is called bronchospasm, and causes symptoms like coughing and trouble breathing. Feelings of pain or tightness in the chest are also common.

Photo by Alex Jones via Unsplash

Rolling A Joint Or Spliff

This may be the most tried and definitely most tested method on this list. A spliff consists of mixing cannabis and another herb or tobacco and then rolling it up. We dont suggest using tobacco for obvious reasons, but if you must you must!

To use hash in a joint or spliff, youre going to want to roll the hash into a snake, using the same motions you would if you were a kid making a snake from Play-Doh. Once completed, lay it on top of your cannabis or tobacco, and proceed to roll the joint. Voila, you have yourself a hash filled spliff!

A Better Way For Asthma Sufferers To Use Marijuana

Based on the information above, it may seem as if there is some merit in using marijuana to help treat asthma. Still, it would be very unwise to light up a joint or take a hit from a bong if you have asthma. In fact, whether youre inhaling marijuana or tobacco, the resulting combustion is not good for your lungs asthmatic or otherwise.

Even second-hand smoke can set off an asthma attack, so it shouldnt be hard to understand why smoking for asthma is a bad idea. In some circles, vaporizers are marketed as being a safer and more convenient method of using cannabis. While it may be true that there is less irritation on the lungs , there is zero evidence suggesting that vaping marijuana for asthma is safe.

, on the other hand, could potentially be a suitable option . Edibles are metabolized in the digestive system and usually take at least 30 minutes to take effect. While users often enjoy longer and stronger highs from an edible, it can be more difficult to gauge how strong the effects are going to be.

All in all, we reiterate the notion that smoking weed with asthma is a thoroughly bad idea. If you have asthma and want to consume cannabis, something like an oil extract or an edible may be a better idea. Still, it is important to remember that ALL cannabis use is done under your own discretion, and/or with the guidance of your medical marijuana doctor.

Is It Safe For People With Asthma To Smoke Cannabis

Many people with asthma are smoking or vaping cannabis. This could be harmful to their lungs and airways, especially in adolescents.

In the PEACE survey, 53.4% of cannabis users with asthma smoked it, while 35.2% vaped cannabis. Further, about half of the cannabis smokers with asthma reported uncontrolled asthma symptoms.

It surprised me that over half of the cannabis users in the study who have asthma were smoking it, says Joanna Zeiger, PhD, principal investigator of the PEACE survey.

Its not recommended that people with asthma smoke or vape cannabis. Smoking or vaping cannabis can cause increased cough, wheezing and shortness of breath. It can increase risk of an asthma attack or asthma flare. In the PEACE survey, nearly one-third of those who smoked cannabis reported cough.

Benefits Of Marijuana For Asthma

The two main chemical compounds found in the cannabis plant that provide medical benefits for asthma are THC and cannabinoid . Cannabis for medical use is available with different concentrations of both THC and CBD.

Using marijuana is not as straightforward as just smoking weed and . But marijuana may benefit people with asthma due to the following effects:

Decreased Immune System Response

THC, which is one of the main compounds in weed is primarily responsible for the psychological effects of the drug. But it also has other effects on the body. THC may regulate immune cell activity and help suppress an abnormal immune system response, which may decrease asthma symptoms.

Suppressing the immune system may not seem like a good idea. But in people with allergic asthma, their immune system overacts to a normally harmless substance causing asthma symptoms. Suppressing that response may prevent asthma flare-ups.

Reduced Inflammation

The cannabinoids in marijuana are thought to have an anti-inflammatory effect. Asthma causes inflammation in the airways, which can make breathing difficult. By decreasing inflammation, it may open the airways and ease asthma symptoms.

Bronchodilation

Reduced Pain

Asthma Symptoms From Smoking Marijuana

Marijuana and asthma have been known to butt heads… if you choose to smoke marijuana while having asthma you most likely will experience uncomfortable asthma symptoms.

If you notice any of the following from smoking cannabis with asthma, you should consult with your doctor right away.

• difficulty breathing
• raspy, hoarse voice
• asthma attack

Asthma can show up for some people later in life. Always use caution with your health.

Other Treatments For Asthma

Numerous conventional treatment options are available for people with asthma. Aside from quick-relief medications, such as inhalers, your doctor may recommend drugs that provide more long-term control. These help stop asthma symptoms before they become problematic by decreasing inflammation. Examples include:

• nebulizers
• inhaled corticosteroids
• leukotriene tablets

If youre looking for more natural forms of asthma treatment, talk to your doctor about the following options:

• breathing exercises

Potential Risks Of Marijuana For Asthma

Despite any possible benefits, marijuana also poses enormous risks if you have asthma. This is particularly the case if you smoke it. Smoking any substance can increase inflammation in your lungs. This makes asthma symptoms worse.

Smoking marijuana may even increase your risk for an asthma attack. In severe cases, you may need to be hospitalized for an asthma attack. This helps to prevent life-threatening complications.

When you smoke marijuana, large air sacs called bullae may start to develop in your lungs. These can eventually disrupt your breathing. According to the American Thoracic Society, youre at an increased risk of developing bullae from smoking marijuana if youre under the age of 45.

Over time, can grow and cause shortness of breath. Whats even more dangerous is the development of . This is a life-threatening condition that occurs when bullae rupture in the lungs.

In the short term, smoking marijuana can cause:

• frequent coughing

Marijuana Research Reportwhat Are The Effects Of Secondhand Exposure To Marijuana Smoke

People often ask about the possible psychoactive effect of exposure to secondhand marijuana smoke and whether a person who has inhaled secondhand marijuana smoke could fail a drug test. Researchers measured the amount of THC in the blood of people who do not smoke marijuana and had spent 3 hours in a well-ventilated space with people casually smoking marijuana; THC was present in the blood of the nonsmoking participants, but the amount was well below the level needed to fail a drug test. Another study that varied the levels of ventilation and the potency of the marijuana found that some nonsmoking participants exposed for an hour to high-THC marijuana in an unventilated room showed positive urine assays in the hours directly following exposure; a follow-up study showed that nonsmoking people in a confined space with people smoking high-THC marijuana reported mild subjective effects of the druga “contact high”and displayed mild impairments on performance in motor tasks.

A Brief Whats Hash Autobiography

The concentrate known as hashish has a long and illustrious career. Hash is derived from the trichomes of the cannabis sativa plant. This is done by collecting the resin via water purification or by pressing the trichomes. The result is a potent and flavourful brown to dark brown extract.

Its history is quite murky, as many different regions were using cannabis products in one form or another. One of the oldest recorded uses of hash was as in India as bhang, or bhanga, also known as the sacred grass.

Throughout the years many iterations of cannabis have come along, but none have as storied of a reputation as hashish.

Now that youve got a little insight on what it is, its time to learn how to smoke hash.

Is There A Safe Way To Use Cannabis If You Have Asthma Are There Benefits

There may be potential cannabis benefits for asthma when taking it in other ways than smoking or vaping. Alternative ways to use cannabis include:

• cannabis edibles
• cannabis tincture/oil
• cannabis topical products.

These routes of administration may be safer since they do not impact the lungs the same way inhaled routes do.

In addition, smoking cannabis or being exposed to secondhand cannabis smoke could cause an allergic reaction.

For some people with asthma, cannabis acts as an immediate bronchodilator. A bronchodilator relaxes the airways which can help breathing.  But that doesnt make cannabis a long-term solution for asthma control, Zeiger says. Patients need to speak with their doctors about their cannabis use. They should work together with their doctor to decide on the route of administration that is safest for them.

In the PEACE survey, participants also cited their purpose for using cannabis. These included:

• medical reasons
• recreational use
• both medical and recreational use .

Survey participants reported improved sleep, less pain and decreased anxiety after using cannabis. But survey participants also reported increased symptoms after using cannabis:

• coughing
• wheeze
• shortness of breath .

It appears that many asthma and allergy patients are using cannabis for a variety of reasons that may have nothing to do with their asthma, Zeiger says.

Can You Treat Asthma With Cannabis

Guy Sherman

Asthma is a chronic health condition that affects the respiratory system. Asthma has been on the rise since the 1980s, and over 25 million people in the United States alone currently have asthma. Asthma causes a number of respiratory issues, including episodes of severe difficulty breathing, which can be fatal. There is no cure for asthma, but when properly managed, its effects can be dramatically reduced. In their search for effective asthma treatments, researchers have discovered a positive link between cannabis use and improvements in asthma symptoms.

What Are The Asthma

Marijuana smoke is generally unfiltered. Smokers inhale marijuana more deeply than tobacco smoke. As a result, more tar ends up in the lungs.1 Marijuana smoke damages the lining of the airway and increases airway inflammation, which can trigger asthma symptoms.8

Compared with nonsmokers, marijuana smokers are more likely to have , cough on most days, phlegm, wheezing, and chest sounds.1 Their breathing symptoms are very similar to tobacco smokers.

How Does Medical Cannabis Affect Asthma

In this article, we’ll explain the correlation between medical marijuana and asthma. Can it serve as a form of relief? Or will it worsen the condition?

Asthmatics, of course, are very familiar with the plight of constricted lungs. Dizziness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and similar sensations are common experiences, and asthma attacks can be dangerous if you’re not careful.

Along with all that, if youre an asthmatic who enjoys smoking marijuana, life can be a bit more complicated. Youre torn between enjoying your beloved herb and avoiding the aggravation you may put your lungs through. It’s nice to not have to deal with smoke or in your lungs, but the relief that can come with sparking up makes it quite a tempting prospect.

That then begs the question: can you use medical marijuana as an asthmatic? Will it help your condition or will it only make it worse? This article should answer these questions.

Can Marijuana Help Asthma

THC can suppress the immune system. Asthma is an allergic reaction that your lungs have, the immune system overreacts to something in the environment, and that is the reason for the asthma attack. In this instance, THC can aid in calming the immune system since it is an anti-inflammatory.

But the main method of consuming marijuana is smoking it. And for those with asthma that choose to smoke despite their condition, there are likely to be more complications. So, if cannabis can help with calming the immune system, but smoking it causes complications, how can one with asthma benefit from marijuana?

Current Treatments Available For Asthma And Their Side Effects

Long-term control and prevention are important in preventing asthma attacks before they start. Treatment focuses on learning how to recognize your triggers, working towards avoiding them, taking medication and tracking your breathing to keep symptoms under control. If you have an asthma attack, youll need a quick-relief inhaler like albuterol.

Does Smoking Weed Cause Asthma

If you are allergic to cannabis, exposure to it could cause you to develop asthma. In those who are not allergic, it does not appear that weed causes asthma. However, smoking weed could potentially aggravate symptoms and prompt asthma attacks. There are a few other respiratory conditions that have similar symptoms to asthma that are also worsened by exposure to marijuana smoke.

Marijuana smokers are more likely to develop a life-threatening condition called bullae, in which large air sacs form in the lungs. This condition can cause shortness of breath and, if the sacs rupture, air leaking into the lung can cause it to collapse . Marijuana smokers can also contract lung infections from aspergillus, a mold that lives on the cannabis plant. This mold can cause pneumonia, which can be fatal.

Q: Can smoking weed cause asthma?A:Unless you are allergic to cannabis, it does not appear that marijuana causes asthma. However, exposure to marijuana smoke does have the potential to exacerbate asthma symptoms, up to and including asthma attack, whether you are allergic to cannabis or not.

How Weed Can Help Asthma

Research suggests that in many cases, yes, weed can help asthma. Marijuana has powerful anti-inflammatory properties, and inflammation directly contributes to bronchospasm. In the 1920s, physicians were well-aware of weeds therapeutic effects and used to prescribe it as a cough treatment for asthma sufferers. Research has shown that people who smoke weed develop a higher lung capacity than those who do not. However, chronic heavy use of smoked marijuana may have the opposite effect.

The best way to treat asthma with weed

In most cases, vaporizing or vaping weed is the best delivery method to relieve an asthma attack. Smoking and vaping weed both go to work immediately, helping to relax and open the constricted airways. Because you are inhaling vapor instead of smoke, vaping is easier on the lungs. Some people do find effective asthma relief from smoking weed and feel that the benefits outweigh any irritation. However, if vaporizing is an option, its likely the better of the two. Edible marijuana does hold potential as a long-term asthma treatment. But if you are in the midst of an attack, edibles wont help much since they take much longer to kick in.

Whether you smoke or vape cannabis to alleviate your asthma, you may experience a dry throat and/or coughing. Keep water on hand to help manage these potential side effects. Opting for calming strains of weed may also help to soothe the panicked feeling that naturally accompanies being unable to breathe.

Can Cannabis Help Asthma Patients

Rachel Chambers

Does the idea of using medical marijuana to treat asthma symptoms leave you scratching your head? Due to the fact that the most popular method of recreationally consuming cannabis is smoking, it may seem like an unlikely medical treatment for a respiratory condition. Any doctor will tell you that smoking cigarettes is not a good idea for asthma sufferers , but evidence is showing that cannabis may have beneficial effects for those with asthma or other respiratory conditionseven when smoked.

Asthma is a lung disease that causes a persons airways to narrow and swell during an attack, which leads to wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing. If not managed, attacks can be fatal. Asthma often becomes evident in children and there is no cure for the disease, though treatment can keep complications to a minimum. For many people symptoms are limited, but in the U.S. over 3000 people still die from asthma-related causes every year. Management of the disease is complicated by the sudden onset of the attacks they can be triggered by everyday activities like and the fact that they are being increasingly linked with allergies.