Weed and Cystic Fibrosis: Can Smoking Cannabis Help or Harm Cystic Fibrosis?

Cystic fibrosis is a genetic condition caused by a genetic mutation that affects proteins. The condition, which is often abbreviated as CF, affects the lungs, digestive tract, and other organs. In severe cases, CF can cause a bacterial infection, leading to respiratory failure.

Upon studying the gene responsible for CF, researchers found it first appeared in history during the early Bronze Age in a population known as the Bell Beakers, around 3300 BC.¹

Cystic fibrosis is disproportionately found in Caucasian people, and it occurs in one in every 3,200 births. Overall, more than 30,000 people in the United States live with CF.

A study published in 2022 found that Manuka honey has the potential to kill certain bacterial infections that affect people with CF. This development is significant because these infections are often resistant to current treatment.²

What Causes Cystic Fibrosis?

The gene that causes cystic fibrosis encodes a protein responsible for producing mucus, sweat, and digestive juices. When the gene is mutated, the body instead produces thick, sticky mucus that can cause blockages, damage, or infection in the affected organs.

CF is an inherited disorder, so there are only a few known risk factors: 

• Family history: Children who inherit a mutated CFTR gene from both parents will have CF.
• Family origin: CF occurs more often in people of Northern European descent.

Cystic Fibrosis Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of cystic fibrosis differ in severity and mainly affect the respiratory and digestive systems. If you have cystic fibrosis, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:

• Clubbed fingers or toes
• Diarrhea, constipation, or other gastrointestinal symptoms 
• Excess weight gain or delayed growth in childhood
• Fever
• Growths or inflammation in the nose
• Jaundice in infants
• Low weight
• Male infertility
• Muscle and joint pain
• Persistent cough
• Poor growth
• Recurring lung or sinus infections
• Salty-tasting skin
• Wheezing or shortness of breath

How Cannabis May Help Alleviate Symptoms of Cystic Fibrosis

More than half of people living with cystic fibrosis are adults, and life expectancy is steadily increasing. Because this condition requires lifelong management, medical cannabis may be considered to alleviate symptoms or improve quality of life. Still, surprisingly, there has not been much research into cannabis for cystic fibrosis.

• A study published in the BMC surveyed people 16 and older with CF. Of 189 participants, 16.5% said they use medical cannabis, and 90% of users reported it as effective against their symptoms. Of 156 participants, 46% said they would be interested in using medical cannabis if available. This study was limited because the states where it took place did not have legal medical cannabis available at that time, but its results are comparable to current surveys of the US.³

• People with CF frequently experience musculoskeletal pain.⁴ A 2006 randomized clinical trial (RCT) investigated topical CBD in relation to rheumatic disorders and observed an analgesic effect. Although this was a small study and the only one of its kind, the results warrant further research.⁵

• The 2019 annual data report published by the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation stated that 43.7% of people with CF report experiencing anxiety and depression. In a 2021 population-based study of 368 cannabis users and 170 non-cannabis users, researchers found that cannabis use was associated with significantly improving patient symptoms of depression and anxiety.⁶

• Cachexia has been shown to be detrimental to the survival of people with CF.⁷ While no clinically significant studies confirm that cannabis can treat cachexia, medical cannabis appears to stimulate the appetite, which could lead to possible weight gain.⁸

• Cannabis has been demonstrated to have antimicrobial properties, as evidenced by modern research and studies. Preliminary research into these properties indicates there may be future potential to address CF-associated bacterial infections.⁹

Limited conclusions can be drawn from the research involving people with CF, mainly due to differences in study goals and methods. At a minimum, current research points to a potential for medical cannabis to address particular symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Medical cannabis has been studied for its effects on depression and anxiety, both common symptoms of CF. More extensive clinical trials must be conducted to determine the short- and long-term risks, benefits, safety, and efficacy of using medical cannabis for people with CF. 

Although it is generally considered safe, medical cannabis can still cause adverse side effects, especially in regard to respiratory function. Short-term use of THC is associated with bronchodilation, but experts don’t entirely know what smoking cannabis does to your lungs, so inhaled cannabis is best avoided for people with cystic fibrosis.¹⁰ 

Additionally, cannabis may interact with anesthesia or certain medications you may be taking for CF.¹¹ Make sure to consult a doctor before using medical marijuana for cystic fibrosis.

Focusing on the method of consumption is a good strategy for someone with CF. If you are experiencing shortness of breath, edibles, tinctures, capsules, and beverages are the easiest to dose and consume. Topical cannabis products, like lotions, balms, and oils, may be beneficial when applied directly to the affected muscle or joint. Products containing CBD and THC or other holistic blends of cannabinoids are recommended.

Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation

To determine if your state considers cystic fibrosis to be a qualifying condition for medical cannabis, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.

If you find that your state recognizes cystic fibrosis or its symptoms as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to get your medical cannabis card in your state.

How NuggMD Can Help

NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in 28 states and growing. We’ve connected over 1,300,000 patients with their new medical marijuana doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform. 

We believe that every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all of their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Cystic Fibrosis

Can you use medical marijuana for cystic fibrosis?

CF is an inherited disorder, and there is no way to prevent it. Although medical cannabis is generally considered safe, current research involving cannabis for cystic fibrosis symptoms is inconclusive. Cannabis is a drug that can come with adverse effects or interact with certain medications. Consult with a doctor before using cannabis for CF.

Can you smoke or vape cannabis for cystic fibrosis symptoms?

Smoking is not recommended for people with cystic fibrosis because it can exacerbate breathing problems due to the thick mucus caused by the condition. While short-term use of THC is associated with bronchodilation, experts don’t know exactly what smoking cannabis does to your lungs.

Are edibles good to use for cystic fibrosis?

Edibles may be an excellent alternative to smoking cannabis to potentially address symptoms of cystic fibrosis. Look for products with holistic blends of CBD and THC.

Resources

1. Farrell P, Férec C, Macek M, et al. Estimating the age of p.(Phe508del) with family studies of geographically distinct European populations and the early spread of cystic fibrosis. European Journal of Human Genetics. 2018;26(12):1832-1839. doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41431-018-0234-z
2. Nolan VC, Harrison J, Cox JAG. In vitro synergy between manuka honey and amikacin against Mycobacterium abscessus complex shows potential for nebulisation therapy. Microbiology. 2022;168(9). doi:https://doi.org/10.1099/mic.0.001237
3.  Stephen MJ, Chowdhury J, Arezeno Tejada L, Zanni R, Hadjiliadis D. Use of medical marijuana in cystic fibrosis patients. BMC Complementary Medicine & Therapies. 2020;20(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1186/s12906-020-03116-x
4. Lee AL, Rawlings S, Bennett KA, Armstrong D. Pain and its clinical associations in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Chronic Respiratory Disease. 2016;13(2):102-117. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/1479972316631135
5. Blake DR, Robson P, Ho M, Jubb RW, McCabe CS. Preliminary assessment of the efficacy, tolerability and safety of a cannabis-based medicine (Sativex) in the treatment of pain caused by rheumatoid arthritis. Rheumatology. 2005;45(1):50-52. doi:https://doi.org/10.1093/rheumatology/kei183
6. Martin EL, Strickland JC, Schlienz NJ, et al. Antidepressant and Anxiolytic Effects of Medicinal Cannabis Use in an Observational Trial. Frontiers in Psychiatry. 2021;12. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.729800
7. Sharma R. Wasting as an independent predictor of mortality in patients with cystic fibrosis. Thorax. 2001;56(10):746-750. doi:https://doi.org/10.1136/thorax.56.10.746
8. Mechoulam R, Hanus L. The Cannabinoids: An Overview. Therapeutic Implications in Vomiting and Nausea after Cancer Chemotherapy, in Appetite Promotion, in Multiple Sclerosis and in Neuroprotection. Pain Research and Management. 2001;6(2):67-73. doi:https://doi.org/10.1155/2001/183057
9. Karas JA, Wong LJM, Paulin OKA, et al. The Antimicrobial Activity of Cannabinoids. Antibiotics (Basel). 2020;9(7):406. Published 2020 Jul 13. doi:10.3390/antibiotics9070406
10. Ghasemiesfe M, Ravi D, Vali M, et al. Marijuana Use, Respiratory Symptoms, and Pulmonary Function: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. Ann Intern Med. 2018;169(2):106-115. doi:10.7326/M18-0522
11. Antoniou T, Bodkin J, Ho JM. Drug interactions with cannabinoids. CMAJ. 2020;192(9):E206. doi:10.1503/cmaj.191097

The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.