Take a Deep Breathe and understand the effects of Medical Cannabis on COPD
AN UNDERSTANDING ON COPD
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an umbrella term used to describe progressive lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, and refractory (non-reversible) asthma. This disease is characterized by increasing breathlessness.
- In Emphysema the tiny, delicate air sacs (alveoli) in your lungs are damaged. The walls of the damaged air sacs become stretched out and your lungs actually get bigger, making it harder to move your air in and out. Old air gets trapped inside the alveoli so there is little or no room for new air to go. In emphysema it is harder to get oxygen in and carbon dioxide (the waste product of your breathing) out.
- Chronic bronchitis is an inflammation of the breathing tubes (bronchial airways) inside your lungs. Tiny hair-like structures (cilia) line your airways and sweep mucus up, keeping your airways clean. When cilia are damaged, they can’t do this, and it becomes harder for you to cough up mucus. This can make your airways swollen and clogged. These changes limit airflow in and out of your lungs, making it hard to breathe.
- Refractory (non-reversible) asthma is a type of asthma that does not respond to usual asthma medications. In an asthma attack, bronchial airways tighten up and swell. Medications can usually reverse this, opening up the airways and returning them to how they were before the asthma attack. In refractory asthma, medications cannot reverse the tightening and swelling of the airways.
THE COMMON SYMPTOMS ARE AS FOLLOWS:
It’s easy to think of shortness of breath and coughing as a normal part of aging, but these could be signs of COPD. That’s why it is important to talk with your healthcare provider as soon as you notice any of these symptoms. COPD can progress for years without noticeable shortness of breath.
Symptoms of COPD can be different for each person, but common symptoms are:
- Increased shortness of breath
- Frequent coughing (with and without mucus)
- Increased breathlessness
- Wheezing
- Tightness in the chest
THE EFFECTS OF MEDICAL CANNABIS ON COPD
Recent studies have shown that medical marijuana and its efficacy in treating respiratory illness, has been linked to its anti-inflammatory and anti-spasmodic properties. The good news is that in addition to this, the cannabinoids in medical cannabis have additional health benefits, which include:
- Promotion of better sleep;
- Serves to support the immune system;
- Possesses anti-microbial properties;
- Works as an expectorant (reduces phlegm);
- Relieves pain
As far back as 1973, researchers discovered that marijuana acts as a bronchodilator. In subsequent research, these scientists discovered that cannabis containing at least 2% THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), relieved the symptoms of bronchospasms. Further studies conducted in 1976 and 1978, respectively, support these findings. In the study conducted in 1976, results showed that THC, in small doses, had similar effects as salbutamol, a common anti-asthma medication.
The cannabinoid CBD (cannabidiol) has strong anti-inflammatory effects. Specifically, it has been found to reduce inflammation in lung tissue. CBD has also been found to reduce the production on inflammatory compounds in the lings, known as cytokines. In a 2015 study conducted in Brazil, CBD was found to reduce the mucosal production, which is common in asthma.
Scientists have thus concluded that THC and CBD can reduce contractions in the lungs. THC acts on CB1 receptors to reduce these contractions, while CBD acts as an anti-inflammatory agent.
When using medical cannabis for C.O.P.D. and related respiratory conditions, the name of the game is really to relax or enlarge the bronchial passages, which contain smooth muscle. To achieve this, marijuana has shown to be an effective method of treatment for respiratory diseases.
Main points:
- Medical Cannabis acts as a fast bronchodilator;
- Medical Cannabis has anti-spasmodic effects;
- Medical Cannabis has anti-mucosal properties;
- Medical Cannabis has anti-anxiety properties;
- Vaporizing and tinctures are the best methods of delivery;
- Effective treatment and relief with a combination of THC and CBD
RECOMMENDED COPD TREATMENT WITH CBD
CBD/TCH Essential Oil: 5 drops – 3 times a day
STORAGE INSTRUCTIONS
Store in a dark dry cupboard
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DISCLAIMER
The information contained herein is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice, it is provided in an educational capacity. You assume full responsibility for how you choose to use this information. Always seek the advice of your qualified healthcare provider before starting any new treatment or discontinuing an existing treatment. Talk with your healthcare provider about any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Nothing contained herein is intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment.
