Cannabis has been used for hundreds of years for its many health and healing advantages. Researchers are looking more closely at how cannabis affects the body, including the respiratory system, as its use for medical purposes grows more common.
Patients who use medical marijuana need to understand how cannabis affects the respiratory system to make smart choices about how to use it.
Disclaimer: This post is not meant to be medical advice. It’s meant to provide you information. Before making any changes to your wellness routine or adding cannabis to your treatment plan, you should always talk to your doctor or another trained healthcare professional.
Cannabis and the Respiratory System
Cannabis has many different chemicals in it, like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), as well as terpenes that give it its unique properties.
These substances interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system (ECS) when cannabis is consumed. The ECS is crucial for controlling many bodily functions, including those that have to do with the respiratory system.
The way a person uses cannabis, their respiratory health, and the type of cannabis they consume are the main things that can affect their breathing. When you breathe in cannabis smoke or vapor, your breathing patterns may change for a short time.
If you use it often, it may have longer-term effects depending on how well your lungs work. Edibles or tinctures are not likely to directly damage the lungs, but their effects on the ECS may still affect breathing and other respiratory functions in other ways.
How Smoking or Vaping Cannabis Affects Breathing
Studies have found that cannabis can help relax the airways, which may make breathing easier and enhance airflow. Cannabinoids like THC bind to receptors in the lungs and relax the muscles around the bronchi.
Many patients with breathing problems think that vaping is a better choice than smoking. When you vaporize cannabis, you heat it up enough to release cannabinoids as vapor instead of smoke.
Vaping lowers the amount of hazardous byproducts like tar and carbon monoxide that are breathed in, making it a better choice for people who wish to enjoy the benefits of cannabis without irritating their lungs as much.
Cannabinoids in Breathing and Lung Health
Cannabis has many terpenes (aromatic chemicals that give marijuana its distinct fragrance). Terpenes like limonene and pinene may help in opening up the airways and making breathing easier. These compounds may help in breathing, especially for patients with asthma or other respiratory disorders.
Cannabinoids like THC and CBD can have many different impacts on the lungs. THC, the main psychoactive substance in cannabis, is known to affect the ECS and cause several changes in the body, such as alterations in breathing patterns.
CBD doesn’t have the same euphoric effects as THC. It provides a relaxing, anti-inflammatory effect and won’t make you high.
Ongoing studies show that CBD may help lower inflammation in the airways and make the lungs work better, which makes it a good choice for those with asthma or bronchitis.
Long-Term Effects of Cannabis on Breathing
Researchers are still looking into the long-term effects of cannabis on respiratory health, but many things about using cannabis have been demonstrated to be good for breathing and lung function.
Supporting Respiratory Health
Some studies have found that using cannabis in moderation does not seem to cause long-term impairment to lung function. The studies also show that cannabis smokers may have less respiratory deterioration than tobacco smokers since cannabis smoke has fewer hazardous compounds in it.
Bronchodilation
Over time, cannabis can help open the airways, which can help you breathe easier and get more air.
Vaping as a Healthier Alternative
Vaporizing cannabis makes fewer harmful byproducts, such as tar and carbon monoxide, which makes it less likely to irritate the airways.
Using cannabis regularly, especially strains that are strong in CBD, may help lower inflammation in the airways and make them work better. This could be helpful with lung function and long-term respiratory health for patients with asthma or chronic bronchitis.
Factors That Influence Cannabis’ Effect on Breathing
Cannabis’s effects on breathing vary based on its use, the patient’s respiratory condition, and the strain.
Respiratory Health
Patients who already have respiratory problems like asthma, COPD, or bronchitis should switch to edibles, tinctures, or vaporizers instead of smoking cannabis.
Method of Consumption
Vaping or eating cannabis may be less likely to irritate the lungs.
Choosing the Right Strain
Cannabis strains have varied cannabinoid and terpene profiles, which might change how they affect respiration. Strains with a lot of THC may make it harder to breathe for a short time, while strains with more CBD or certain terpenes may make the airways feel better.
Making Informed Decisions About Cannabis and Breathing
Patients who use medical marijuana should think about how cannabis can affect their breathing and pick ways to use it that work best for them. It’s important to know how cannabis affects your breathing and lung health in general, regardless of whether you’re using it to relieve pain, anxiety, or another condition.
Want to know how cannabis can help your breathing and improve your breathwork? Give us a call at TeleLeaf today.
Dr. Chance Miller 
Cannabis has many different chemicals in it, like THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol), as well as terpenes that give it its unique properties.
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