For many years, scientists have studied the potential of medical marijuana in treating lung diseases, including Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease. One of such studies was conducted in the early 1970s, with the findings revealing that smoking medical marijuana helps in dilating the airways, rather than constricting them, thereby resulting in a substantial amount of bronchodilation. This result therefore supports the claim that medical marijuana could be an effective alternative treatment for COPD. Other studies have also suggested that medical marijuana has therapeutic benefits that help people suffering from COPD to manage acute airway constriction attacks that are caused by inflammations.
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which is abbreviated COPD is a chronic inflammatory lung disease that causes obstructed airflow from the lungs. This condition is characterized by difficulties in breathing, cough, mucus production as well as wheezing caused by long-term exposure to irritating gases or particulate matter, most often from cigarette smoke. It should be noted that many people who suffer from Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease are at higher risk of developing more complicated conditions such as lung cancer, heart disease as well as other complications.
Medical researchers have asserted that Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are the two most common conditions that contribute to the development of COPD. That said, Chronic bronchitis is inflammation of the lining of the bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from the air sacs (alveoli) of the lungs, whereas Emphysema is a condition in which the alveoli at the end of the smallest air passages (bronchioles) of the lungs are destroyed as a result of damaging exposure to cigarette smoke and other irritating gases and particulate matter.
Some of the most common symptoms of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease include chest tightness, wheezing, shortness of breath during physical activities, swellings in ankles, feet or legs, lack of energy, unintended weight loss, frequent respiratory infections, blueness of the lips or fingernail beds as well as chronic cough that may produce mucus. It is worthy to note that the symptoms of COPD typically do not appear until the lung has already been significantly damaged. The symptoms are also likely to worsen over time, especially if smoking continues.
In developed countries, the major cause of COPD is tobacco smoking, whereas in less developed or developing countries, this condition is caused by exposure to fumes from burning fuel for cooking and heating in poorly ventilated homes. While smoking cessation is necessary for the treatment of COPD, medications such as bronchodilators, inhaled steroids, combination inhalers, oral steroids, and antibiotics can also be used in the treatment of the condition. COPD can also be treated through therapies like the pulmonary rehabilitation program and oxygen therapy.
Several studies had already shown the anti-inflammatory properties of medical marijuana. Scientists have therefore argued that since CBD has powerful anti-inflammatory effects, coupled with the fact that it improves the functions of the lungs, it may as well have therapeutic benefits that aid the treatment of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease.
However, there are conflicting views among scientists and researchers about whether or not medical marijuana could effectively treat COPD. This assertion can be explained by the fact that some researchers think smoking marijuana is as bad as smoking cigarettes. That said, some scientists have argued that the effectiveness of medical marijuana in treating COPD lies in the form of dosage. Of course, in today’s world, medical marijuana does not have to be smoked since it can be ingested in many other forms, including baked edibles, oils and even through vaping.
Even though the scientific evidences on marijuana’s ability to treat Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease is light, there exists anecdotal evidences as many individuals have testified and shared success stories on how MMJ improved their symptoms. That said, it is apparent that there is a need for more research on this controversial subject.
Marijuana strains reported to help with COPD:
- Lavender Kush
- Dynamite
- Black Magic Kush
- Chem Dog
- Blueberry
- Alien Trainwreck
- Afgoo
- Mendocino Mist
- Purple Kush
How To Get Medical Marijuana
In a legal state and interested in trying medical marijuana to treat COPD or other medical conditions? To get started, simply fill out the MMJ patient registration form, press submit and a physician or clinic representative will contact you as available.
