Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an enduring lung condition that makes it hard to breathe. It is chronic because it is persistent and obstructive, as it blocks or limits airflow in and out of the lungs.
While conventional treatments like antibiotics, steroids, and bronchodilators help manage symptoms, many patients seek additional relief. Medical cannabis may be a potential option for easing certain COPD-related symptoms, such as anxiety, pain, insomnia, and relieving discomfort.
Though its effects on lung and heart health require more study, there are many non-inhalational and non-intoxicating ways to use cannabis. Understanding safe use of cannabis is essential for patients exploring this alternative therapy.
The World Health Organization explains chronic obstructive pulmonary disease as “ a common lung disease causing restricted airflow and breathing problems, sometimes called emphysema or chronic bronchitis”.
Basically, COPD is a breathing problem. Many things can cause it, but the most common is smoking. Even if you do not smoke, you can still develop COPD from long-term exposure to harmful dust or fumes, or from breathing in secondhand smoke. A rare genetic disorder called alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency can also cause COPD.
In COPD, breathing is more difficult because the lung tissues do not function properly. The airways become swollen and narrow, and thick mucus blocks the flow of air. Because the air sacs in the lungs are also damaged, they lose elasticity and may collapse when breathing out. This traps air inside the lungs and makes it difficult to fully exhale.
Because of this, less oxygen reaches the blood, and carbon dioxide builds up in the body. Breathing becomes slow, tiring, and uncomfortable, making even simple activities feel difficult. Since the lungs and heart are deeply connected, cardiopulmonary issues and exacerbations may become severe.
In patients with COPD, cannabis may help relieve symptoms of pain and anxiety by working with the body’s natural endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate stress, mood, pain, and inflammation. The ECS has two main types of receptors: CB1, mostly in the brain and nervous system, and CB2, mainly in the immune system and tissues.
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) interact with these receptors to help maintain balance in the body. THC reduces pain and calms overactive stress responses, while also helping lower inflammation, and CBD supports the body’s natural cannabinoids, reduces inflammation, and promotes calm. Together, they may ease both pain, insomnia, and anxiety associated with COPD.
In conclusion, cannabis may help COPD patients by easing chest pain from chronic coughing, helping open airways and blood vessels, reducing anxiety and inflammation, and improving sleep.
Some research in animal studies of pulmonary hypertension shows that CBD increases antioxidant capacity and reduces inflammatory markers in lung tissue, suggesting that the benefits of cannabis to the lung have more to do with reducing inflammation and relaxing blood vessels than anything else. By reducing how inflamed the lungs are, it helps reduce the swelling and restrictions that make breathing difficult. THC is also known as an effective bronchodilator and can relax airways to ease breathing – assuming it is not being smoked.
Research on cannabis use and lung health focuses more on the effects of smoking. If you are a younger adult or suffer from lung diseases such as COPD, you must understand that smoking cannabis can be injurious to your health, especially long-term. Medical professionals will recommend non-smoking methods such as oral, sublingual, or (rarely) vaping instead of smoking to help wean or reduce harm if the patient insists.
Knowing the side effects of THC, like dizziness, increasing heart rate, or triggering anxiety in high doses—while CBD doesn’t—may also influence your shared decision-making with your provider. Regardless, your provider should advise you on these.
READ: Smoking Medical Marijuana
A medical marijuana doctor helps COPD patients use cannabis safely and effectively. First, they check the patient’s overall health, heart and lung function, and medications to make sure cannabis will not worsen the condition. Next, they recommend the safest forms of cannabis. Rather than smoking or vaping, doctors recommend oils, tinctures, edibles, or topical products instead.
The doctor also helps choose the right dose of THC and CBD. The doctor ensures patients start with a small amount and increase slowly under supervision. They also ensure cannabis treatments are well-tolerated and work alongside regular treatments.
Finally, the doctor monitors the patient, checks for side effects, adjusts the plan if needed, and teaches safe use. In this way, cannabis can help COPD patients feel more comfortable without putting their lungs at extra risk.
If you are looking into applying for a medical marijuana card online, look no further; these steps will guide you.
First, check your state’s medical cannabis program for telemedicine laws. If your state allows telemedicine, verify if your condition or symptoms qualify under state laws. For people with respiratory problems like COPD, doctors could certify under broader categories such as pain and anxiety.
Next, gather all the relevant documents, recent medical records showing diagnosis, lung function test results, prior treatments, current medications, and book an online consultation with a licensed medical marijuana doctor through a telemedicine platform. During the appointment, explain your symptoms and discuss your options. The doctor reviews and determines that you qualify for medical cannabis and issues a recommendation or certification.
Post-approval, submit your application through the state’s registry and receive your medical cannabis card, with which you can access licensed dispensaries to purchase medical cannabis products safely and legally.
Medical marijuana may help relieve anxiety, depressed mood, or discomfort linked to COPD, especially when using non‑smoked forms like edibles or oils, but patients should consult their doctor to choose safe strains and doses, and monitor for side effects.
Smoking cannabis is generally not safe for people with chronic lung conditions. As a matter of fact, it can potentially worsen the damage to the lungs and increase demand on the heart. Doctors recommend safer alternatives like edibles, oils, or tinctures.
Edibles or tinctures are generally safer options for COPD patients in terms of lung health; however, because they have a slow onset, they can be overconsumed, which is concerning as well. Consult your doctor for guidance on dose and titration plans.
Non-smoked forms of CBD may help reduce inflammation without significantly affecting lung function. However, dosing and individual response are equally important when dealing with cannabis and lung health.
COPD alone does not qualify you for a medical marijuana card, but depending on the state’s laws, you can qualify based on your doctor’s judgment and symptoms such as pain or even anxiety.
Yes, a medical marijuana doctor can recommend safer options like edibles, sublingual, and topical products instead of smoking.
Cannabis can interact with COPD medications or inhalers, especially when smoking or vaping. This can irritate the lungs and reduce its effectiveness; oral forms are safer with less interaction, but you should always discuss your medications with your doctor, start low, and monitor symptoms closely.
Yes, you can get a medical marijuana evaluation online through Veriheal, and get help for your COPD symptoms with a licensed doctor.
In some COPD patients, smoking cannabis can irritate the lungs, worsen coughing, and make shortness of breath worse. Oral methods like edibles or oils are generally safer and well-tolerated, but cannabis can still interact with medications and pose particular side effects for older patients, so medical guidance is advised.
Before trying medical cannabis, a COPD patient should tell their doctor about their symptoms, lung and heart health, and current medications so they can assess risks. They should discuss safe consumption methods, review potential side effects, doses, and plan for follow-up appointments. Finally, confirming laws on medical marijuana ensures the treatment is both safe and legal.
Written by Chiagozie Ekemezie
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