Cannabis for Asthma: Is CBD Better for This Ailment?

If you want to keep your lungs and liver healthy, yoga is good. Yet, when it comes to the effect of cannabis on your lungs, the simple fact comes with tons of “IFS” and “BUT”.

The asthma symptoms occur when the airways of the lungs become narrow, thus making it difficult for the person to breathe. Be it smoke from crackers or the change in weather conditions, the asthmatic patients are sure to fell ill.

Asthma is far more across the world. It causes swelling of the airways which are responsible for carrying air from the mouth and nose to the lungs.

With narrower airways, allergens enter the lungs thereby causing symptoms such as difficulty in breathing, wheezing, and coughing. There is no cure for the condition. 

Over 25 million of us now have asthma; a total that equates to 8.4% of children and 7.7% of adults.An estimated 11 million asthma sufferers report having an asthma attack each year.

A significant portion of these fatal deaths could have been avoided with the right treatment and care.

The Bizarre Truth About CBD and Asthma

In the recent past, researchers have looked into the possibility of using CBD to treat asthma. Since time immemorial, smoked cannabis is being considered as a bronchodilator and has been an essential in treating asthma.

WHAT IS ASTHMA & ITS SYMPTOMS?

If you have asthma, means you’re suffering from a chronic disease of the airways which makes it difficult to breathe. This involves inflammation of the air passages that makes the airways narrower temporarily. These airways carry oxygen to your lungs.

It is a very serious condition that leads to approximately two million hospital visits per year in the United States alone.

Features of asthma:

• Obstruction of Airways – When we breathe normally, the bands of muscle around the airways are relaxed which thus makes the air to move easily. If you have asthma, change in weather conditions triggers cold in which allergens tighten the bands of muscle. 
• This, in turn, makes it difficult for the air to move freely. As a result, one feels short of breath. And also when the air moves through tightened airways, it causes a wheezing sound.
• Inflammation – Asthma sufferers have red and swollen bronchial tubes. Unfortunately, this type of inflammation is the leading cause of long term lung damage that is associated with asthma. 
• Airway Irritability – If you have asthma, your airways will be for sure very sensitive. They overreact and becomes narrow when they come in contact with fumes, dust, and pollen.

WHAT ARE THE SYMPTOMS OF ASTHMA?

Following are the symptoms associated with asthma:

• Frequent coughing spells which may happen when laughing or exercising.
• Less energy during activities or pausing to catch your breath.
• Tightening or pain in your chest.
• A feeling of weakness or tiredness.

Following are the leading causes behind these symptoms:

• Changes in weather conditions
• Strong emotions such as laughing, crying or stress.
• Exercise
• Inhalation of smoke
• Certain medications such as aspirin
• Allergens such as pollen, dust mites, and mold spores
• Infections such as cold or flu

GOOD NEWS FOR ASTHMA PATIENTS!

Cannabis is no new treatment for asthma. In the yesteryears, ancient Egyptians used cannabis to treat various conditions including asthma. Marcel Proust – a legendary French writer referred to his joints as “anti-asthma” cigarettes. Even in the late 1920s, when it was made legal in many states, physicians started prescribing it to people suffering from cold. 

 In the present days, the most important thing to keep in mind is that asthma is known as a chronic inflammatory disease while cannabis is popular for its anti-inflammatory effects. 

According to the 2012 study, supported by the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI) involved testing the lung function of volunteers, beginning in 1985. 5,115 black and white males and females aged 18-30 over 20 years participated in the study termed as the Coronary Artery Risk Development in Young Adults (CARDIA).

The study was given the title “well-conducted study” and comprised of marijuana and tobacco cigarette smokers. On average, CBD free samples smokers talked up to three times a month. On the other hand, tobacco users smoked eight cigarettes a day. 

Greenthevoteok representative says: The CBD smokers appeared to have unexpectedly positive effects as against the tobacco smokers who showed an expected drop in lung function.

BEING AN ASTHMATIC, HOW YOU SHOULD CONSUME CBD SAFELY?

Although there are associated many benefits of using CBD to help treat asthma, it would be unwise to simply light up a joint or take a hint from a bong. Sometimes, the second hand smoke on a person’s hair or clothing can lead to an asthma attack, so it would not be bad to understand why smoking CBD for asthma is a bad idea.

Vaporizers are considered as a safer and more convenient method of intaking CBD. They cause less irritation on the lungs and less number of carcinogens are released than through combustion. But then again, risks are attached for asthmatics.  

Next, edibles are considered most suitable for asthmatics. They are metabolized in your digestive system but takes approx 30 minutes to show full effect.

While you enjoy a longer and stronger high from an edible, it won’t be of much use in the event of an asthma attack. If you consume edibles regularly, there is a possibility that you can reduce the chances of having an attack in the first place.

Good news is that Israel based scientists are working hard on creating cannabis inhalers. This exciting product is the result of a collaboration between Rafa Pharmaceuticals and Panaxia Pharmaceuticals. The inhaler will comprise of attached vaporizer to which you can add a measured dose of cannabis extract.

BEST SUITABLE STRAINS YOU CAN USE FOR ASTHMA

Cheese – This strain is famous for its pungent cheesy odour which completely fills a room. When you smoke this marijuana strain, which was probably created in the 1980s, you will probably feel relaxed and calm after a couple of tokes.

The indica effects begin to take hold after a while and provide you with a body high that could result in a couch lock.

Afghan Kush – Known for its relaxing effects, seeds from this pure Indica Strain were created in the Netherlands. Despite its CBD content, it is a potent strain and should be used sensibly. It is an excellent option if you suffer from stress as it provides you with a ‘feel good’ vibe. The fruity taste is pleasant, and as it doesn’t provide a harsh aftertaste, asthmatics may find it to their tastes.

Charlotte’s Web – Charlotte’s Web safe in the knowledge that it won’t cause them to get high. Those who use this strain say it provides them with an overall improvement in mood; they also report feeling focused and energized. The very high CBD levels can help combat inflammation and perhaps relieve pain. Charlotte’s Web is also used to treat depression, anxiety, and stress. 

Amnesia Haze – Amnesia Haze is a strongly Sativa-dominant hybrid with a CBD level of 1% and a high THC content of 21%. It has been described as providing a fantastic feeling of happiness. Users often feel euphoric and find it difficult to contain their delight. Individuals with severe asthma may also feel down because their condition inhibits daily activities. 

Cannatonic – This strain is a supreme example of high CBD and THC levels working well together. The high you’ll feel is mellow and relaxed. Cannatonic is a superstar in the medical marijuana world, and it is used to treat conditions such as migraines, muscle spasms, and cerebral palsy. Cannatonic gives you a lift without interfering in daily tasks. 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Theoretically, CBD oil is an effective treatment for asthma because it is anti-inflammatory and could open the bronchial tubes. However, more research is required to be conducted to be assured.

It is not at all recommended using joints or a bong and while vaporizer may result in less coughing, it could still be used.

At present, edibles are arguably the best way to consume CBD if you have asthma. However, it takes a long time to show its effects.

This is not good if you get a sudden attack. Hopefully, the special cannabis inhaler being designed in Israel will pass through the clinical tests and provide the asthmatic even better way to consume the herb.

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