The effects of cannabis on the respiratory system is one of the most startling findings of modern medical research. Contrary to previous opinion, recent studies have consistently shown that even long-term use of marijuana has little or no negative effect on the lungs. However, smoking itself is extremely problematic for asthmatics and should be avoided. After all, asthma is a life-threatening disease that kills more than a quarter of a million people worldwide every year. Current research now shows that the use of marijuana can be an effective form of treatment for asthma and relieve symptoms.
Hundreds of years ago, marijuana was already used to treat respiratory diseases; documents from India, among other places, have been found that prove exactly this. But also in Europe, doctors recommended the use of cannabis against asthma to their patients until the beginning of the 20th century. As early as the 1970s, numerous studies established that THC has a bronchodilator effect and thus helps against the main symptom of asthma, namely the narrowing of the airways. THC has a bronchodilator effect in healthy people as well as in asthmatics. In fact, a study published in 1977 showed that THC was more powerful than isoproterenol (a common drug used to treat the condition). Another study in 1976 showed that THC administered via an inhaler was as effective as salbutamol, a classic asthma drug that is still used today. In 1978, another study found that the bronchodilator effect of cannabis lasted 3-6 hours, depending on the strain. Despite the remarkable efficacy of THC, only a low dosage was required in both studies (50-200 ug) , so there was no drowsiness or other undesirable effects.
Strangely, after these results, research on humans ended abruptly in the 1970s and is still waiting to be continued today. However, these results could be validated and even extended in animals. In 2008, it was concluded that the synthetic cannabinoid CP55 was able to counteract asthma-like reactions in guinea pigs. Treatment with cannabis not only reduced coughing and shortness of breath, but also reduced the amount of inflammatory molecules in the respiratory tract, a study with rats in 2003 came to the same conclusion.
This evidence from animal research not only proves the effectiveness of cannabis in the treatment of asthma, it also provides an explanation for the mode of action. The studies found that there are CB1 receptors on the nerve cells of the airways, to which the cannabinoids dock and cause the muscles of the airways to relax. The muscle-relaxing effect also lasts longer than with conventional active substances.
What is important to mention in the context of cannabis and asthma is that while smoking pure marijuana has not been shown to cause lung cancer or impair lung function, continuous use increases the risk of developing bronchitis. Bronchitis poses a particular risk to asthmatics, as the increased mucus production exacerbates the symptoms of asthma. However, the risk of developing bronchitis can be reduced by using Vaporizers or by taking them orally in the form of Tinctures can be counteracted.
Cannabis strains that are popular with asthmatics include. Multi Fruit (Cannamed), Durban Poison (Dutch Passion), Moby Dick (Dinafem) or Pineapple Chunk (Barney's Farm).
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