It might be best to stay away from smoke with asthma.
A recent study revealed a higher prevalence of asthma among individuals in the United States who reported using cannabis in the past month. The research, published in the journal Preventive Medicine, explored data from the 2020 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, encompassing 32,893 U.S. individuals aged 12 and above. The findings indicated a correlation between increased cannabis use frequency and a higher incidence of asthma. Individuals who used cannabis 20–30 days each month showed a higher prevalence of asthma. However, the study emphasized the need for further research to comprehend this association.
The study, not involving Dr. Len Horovitz, a pulmonologist at Northwell Lenox Hill Hospital in New York, highlighted the traditional delivery method of cannabis (blunt form) and its potential role in asthma prevalence. Dr. Horovitz pointed out the uncertainty of whether contaminants in smoke or THC itself contribute to the increased asthma prevalence in users. Cannabis, being the third most used psychoactive substance globally, after alcohol and tobacco, has witnessed increased potency over the past two decades, potentially leading to higher rates of adverse effects.
Dr. Sobia Farooq, an asthma specialist at Cleveland Clinic not part of the study, underscored the negative effects of cannabis, including respiratory symptoms and possible respiratory disease. Smoking cannabis has been associated with symptoms like cough, sputum production, wheezing, and dyspnea. The study brought attention to the prevalence of asthma among cannabis users, shedding light on the potential respiratory implications of chronic cannabis use.
With cannabis use on the rise, the study suggested a possible link to the increasing number of asthma cases. Dr. Horovitz raised concerns about secondhand smoke exposure, correlating increased cannabis use with a potential rise in asthma prevalence. Children, with developing respiratory systems, may be particularly vulnerable to the harmful effects of secondhand cannabis smoke. The study’s implications extend to state-level cannabis policies, suggesting that legalization could impact children’s respiratory health. Dr. Farooq pointed out that increased availability and accessibility of cannabis products may lead to greater exposure, potentially contributing to respiratory issues in susceptible individuals. Legalization might also create a perception that cannabis is less harmful, potentially increasing usage among adults and exposing young people. However, the study emphasizes the multifactorial nature of the issue and calls for further investigation into the complex relationship between cannabis use and respiratory health.
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