Do you take breathing for granted? Most of us do. Many people do not have that luxury and eventually it can rob you of your oxygen and your life. So sad and such a miserable and uncomfortable way to live.
Some people have lung disease such as asthma that can be controlled with medications such as Ventolin and steroids while others have more serious conditions such as lung cancer, emphysema or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Sometimes these conditions can leave you “chained” to an oxygen tank 24 hours a day and greatly restricts your life and limits doing even ordinary tasks such as housework and other chores.
Don’t take your breathing for granted. If you smoke cigarettes either cut back or quit. Smoking cannabis is probably also not the best idea, but the THC and CBD found in cannabis and put into either an oil (preferred) or edible form can possibly help with breathing by dialing down inflammation and phlegm production. It may be worth a try?
Cannabis Oil for COPD
Lydia K. RN
More research is needed into the promise of cannabis oil for COPD. Patients report improvement of symptoms.
Medical cannabis research is a hot topic around the globe, but still not much is understood about the link between cannabis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Researchers are digging deep into the science of cannabis oil for COPD to find the role that the herb could play in the stopping the development and progression of this terrible disease.
The COPD foundation defines COPD as: “Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases. including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. This disease is characterized by increasing breathlessness.” Common symptoms include: wheezing, tightness in the chest, shortness of breath, persistent coughing, and pain in the chest.
COPD is progressive and there is currently no cure. However, a patient can take a number of measures to control symptoms, slow progression and live a more comfortable life.
Do People Need To Worry About Cannabis Smoke Damaging Lungs?
In the US, medical cannabis is legal in several states and patients use it in the treatment of chronic pain, epilepsy, cancer and HIV/AIDS symptoms among others. However, there is also a rising concern over the effects of smoking cannabis on patients with pulmonary disease. Does cannabis improve or exacerbate symptoms?
THC is known to be a powerful bronchodilator and is effective in the treatment of lung disease, such as asthma. It also reduces the symptoms associated with COPD. Smoking it, though? Not recommended. While cannabis and tobacco smoke are not equally carcinogenic, combusting any organic material results in the production of oxidized hydrocarbons, which can be damaging to delicate lung tissues. Many experts have cautioned against smoking cannabis, especially for people already suffering from COPD.
A study conducted by David Geffen School of Medicine indeed concluded that “smoking cannabis by itself can lead to respiratory symptoms because of injurious effects of the smoke on larger airways.” It also found, however, that smoking cannabis does not lead to the development of COPD.
Is Cannabis Able to Treat COPD?
Managing COPD calls for symptom control and preserving lung function. The symptoms of COPD usually come from airway inflammation and swelling that makes breathing difficult. Conventional, FDA-approved, treatment for COPD includes the use of corticosteroids and other anti-inflammatory agents.
As much as these medications are effective, patients using them may have to grapple with severe side effects such as weight gain, blood sugar imbalance, tolerance, and a decline in sex drive.
Recently, medical research has zeroed in on cannabis as an effective anti inflammatory agent. The compounds in cannabis that are responsible for these therapeutic benefits are called cannabinoids, specifically tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These cannabinoids can also boost the immune system, providing anti microbial action, pain relief and phlegm reduction, all which will be beneficial for COPD patients.
How Should You Take Cannabis Medicine When You Have COPD?
The good news about cannabis medicine is that there are many ways of getting your medicine. You can try a THC inhaler for acute symptoms of inflammation and cannabis oil to help with daily symptom relief. Alternatively, edibles can be a delicious way to heal, including cookies, gummies, hard candies, and suckers.
Speak to your physician about how cannabis can support your current COPD treatments.
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