When it comes to respiratory health, the question of whether THC can help asthma is one that has been asked for some time. While there is no definitive answer, research has found that THC can help suppress the immune system, which could potentially reduce symptoms associated with autoimmune diseases such as asthma. Asthma is an allergic reaction, and the immune system overreacts to something in the environment that triggers an attack. So, does marijuana help asthma or does it do the opposite?Most people believe that inhaling or smoking anything can make asthma worse, and this isn't necessarily false.
We know for sure that smoking cigarettes is harmful to the lungs and many other parts of the body, but what about marijuana? Does marijuana help asthma?When it comes to marijuana and asthma, there is no evidence to definitively prove that marijuana helps asthma, although there are some theories that its anti-inflammatory properties could help alleviate asthma inflammation. That said, while researchers can analyze the relationship between marijuana and asthma, it is important to note that you should not smoke if you have any lung conditions. Medical marijuana is widely known as a powerful anti-inflammatory. One of the main ways marijuana treats asthma symptoms is by suppressing inflammation in the respiratory system and opening up the ducts. This effect reduces shortness of breath and coughing.
Studies have found that endocannabinoid receptors called CB1 and CB2 work in the lungs to modulate immune responses to inflammation. When THC is delivered through a vaporizer, it still has the almost immediate effects of bronchial dilation without the harmful smoke. In addition to inhaling THC and CBD, research has shown that “cannabis has a bronchodilating effect on the respiratory tract and could have an inflammatory effect on asthmatic patients”. As THC and CBD increasingly show their influence as anti-inflammatory drugs, it remains to be seen if long-term use of cannabinoids can help improve asthma over time, not just treat attacks. We know that cannabis isn't just THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the famous chemical that becomes psychoactive when heated and causes you to get high. It also contains cannabidiol (CBD) and other components.
Some research has been done on how cannabinoids such as CBD and THC interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS). A person with asthma or other lung diseases can go to a marijuana store and buy a mix that is high in CBD and low in THC in the form of candies, capsules, drops, or even a nebulizer, a smokeless cold vapor inhaler. The researchers then administered the endogenous cannabinoid 2-AG, THC, and a variety of synthetic type I and II CB receptor agonists. They found that some CB-1 receptor agonists in particular, including THC, helped reduce muscle contractions. However, while there seems to be almost universal agreement that THC opens the respiratory tract, this information is always accompanied by the warning that smoking can have adverse health effects, such as tissue inflammation and throat irritation. It should not be used in place of the recommendations of your doctor or other qualified healthcare providers. In conclusion, while there is still much research to be done on how cannabis affects respiratory health, it appears that THC may have some potential benefits for those suffering from asthma.
However, it is important to note that more research needs to be done before any definitive conclusions can be made.
