Marijuana and Lung Health: Is Vaping a Safer Choice for COPD Patients?

The long-term safety and health implications of e-cigarettes and vaping products remain uncertain. In September 2019, authorities began investigating a severe lung illness linked to vaping. We continue to monitor developments and will update our information accordingly.

Introduction

Marijuana, also known as cannabis, has been used medicinally for centuries but remains illegal in many U.S. states. This raises important questions about its impact on lung health, especially for individuals living with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

Recently, vaping has gained popularity among those seeking a less harmful alternative to smoking. But is vaping truly safer for people with COPD? Can it deliver the therapeutic benefits of marijuana without compromising lung health?

Potential Health Benefits of Marijuana

Marijuana may offer calming effects that help alleviate various mental and physical ailments. For example, medical marijuana is sometimes prescribed to manage inflammation, nausea, and vomiting in conditions like Crohn’s disease.

Research into cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found in cannabis, is ongoing. Early studies suggest CBD might be effective in treating:

• Seizures
• Cancer-related symptoms
• Mental health disorders
• Addiction
• Chronic pain
• Immune system diseases such as multiple sclerosis (MS)
• Alzheimer’s disease

The FDA has approved synthetic versions of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), such as dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet), for chemotherapy-induced nausea and AIDS-related weight loss. Additionally, nabiximols (Sativex), a spray containing both CBD and THC, is approved in Canada and Europe for MS-related nerve pain but not yet by the FDA.

Effects of Smoking Marijuana on Lung Health

While marijuana smoke differs from tobacco smoke, health experts caution against smoking cannabis due to potential lung damage. Marijuana smoke contains harmful chemicals including airway irritants and carcinogens, which can worsen respiratory conditions.

Studies reveal that smoking marijuana causes injury to large airways and increases the risk of chronic bronchitis. The inhalation technique—characterized by deeper and longer breaths—may contribute to lung damage such as bullae formation, which can lead to pneumothorax (collapsed lung).

Marijuana smokers often experience increased coughing, mucus production, and wheezing compared to non-smokers.

Risks of Marijuana Smoking for COPD Patients

Approximately 30 million Americans live with COPD, most commonly caused by tobacco smoking, though environmental factors and genetics also play roles. Smoking marijuana may heighten the risk of developing COPD or exacerbate existing symptoms.

Damage from marijuana smoke includes the rupture of alveolar walls, forming bullae that impair breathing and may require surgical intervention. The American Thoracic Society also warns of a potential increased risk of lung cancer associated with marijuana smoke.

Ultimately, it is the toxic chemicals in smoke—not just the substance smoked—that pose health risks.

Expert Opinions on Smoking Cannabis

Dr. Jordan Tishler, a medical cannabis expert, states, “Tobacco smoking is conclusively linked to COPD and lung cancer, raising concerns that cannabis smoke may have similar effects.”

Biomedical scientist Alex Berezow adds, “Inhaling anything other than oxygen introduces harmful substances. The tar and chemicals in smoke cause lung diseases, so marijuana smoke is likely harmful as well.”

Understanding Marijuana Vaping

Vaping cannabis involves inhaling vaporized liquid through devices like e-cigarettes. Marketed as a safer alternative, vaping still carries risks due to the release of harmful chemicals, including ammonia, which can affect the central nervous system.

Vaping may aggravate asthma or cause bronchial spasms. The American Heart Association advocates for stricter regulations on e-cigarettes and vaporizers due to potential cancer-causing substances, particularly affecting youth.

Current research is insufficient to confirm vaping safety, and vaporizers do not eliminate exposure to harmful chemicals.

Expert Advice on Vaping

Dr. Tishler recommends choosing safer vaping methods: “Vaporizing whole cannabis flower is preferable. Avoid popular pen-style vaporizers using cannabis oil, which often contain harmful additives like propylene glycol.”

He suggests pod-based devices as a safer alternative for those who find traditional vaporizers challenging.

Alternative Marijuana Consumption Methods

For those concerned about respiratory health, edible cannabis products offer a smoke-free option. However, edibles act slower, last longer, and dosing can be difficult, increasing the risk of adverse effects such as anxiety, paranoia, and cardiovascular issues.

Other consumption methods include sublingual (under the tongue), rectal, and transdermal (through the skin) delivery, though research on their safety and efficacy is limited.

Conclusion

Medical marijuana shows promise but remains under-researched, with only 31 U.S. states and certain territories permitting its medical use. If interested, consult your healthcare provider to explore whether medical cannabis is appropriate for you and to discuss safer treatment strategies.

Foram Mehta, a journalist based in San Francisco, focuses on health education and environmental advocacy. She holds a journalism degree from The University of Texas at Austin and has contributed to numerous respected publications.

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