Emphysema is a chronic condition that results from lung damage. It is classified under COPD and can be extremely difficult to cope with.
Individuals with emphysema often experience shortness of breath, which can impact their oxygen levels. This shortness of breath can significantly impact their quality of life and make it challenging to complete daily tasks.
The lung is incredibly complex. Among other vital parts, it is comprised of various air sacs, called alveoli, that move during a breath. When an individual has emphysema, these air sacs don’t perform as they should. This can make breathing difficult, and air can become trapped in the lungs. This trapped air means the body isn’t receiving fresh oxygen, which can be damaging.
There are treatment options for emphysema, but it is not curable. Once the lung damage has been done, reversal is impossible. This is one of the reasons why it’s crucial to prevent emphysema and ensure your lung health is as strong as possible.
What Causes Emphysema?
Emphysema is largely caused by smoking. Additional risk factors for developing emphysema include vaping or extended exposure to pollutants, dust, or other environmental irritants. A small number of cases can also be linked to a genetic disorder, alpha-1-antitrypsin deficiency.
Avoiding these risk factors, such as pollutant or irritant exposure, may not always be possible, but some lifestyle adjustments can be made. If you smoke cigarettes or vape, consider how that could impact your lung health. Making positive decisions in the present can be a great way to protect your health in the future.
Emphysema Signs & Symptoms
If you are experiencing emphysema, you may have one or more of the following symptoms:
- Excessive coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Extended fatigue
- A cough that produces mucus
- Wheezing
These symptoms are relatively common and affect most people with emphysema.
Other symptoms of emphysema can also include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Heart problems
- Over-inflation of the lungs
- Sleep issues
- Weight loss
If you’re struggling with emphysema symptoms, know that treatment options are available. Speaking with your doctor is a great first step if you’re concerned you may be at risk for developing emphysema.
Can Cannabis Help Alleviate Emphysema Symptoms?
It’s impossible to reverse the effects of emphysema once they’ve occurred. However, some treatment options can help with symptom management and reduce the chances of more damage arising in the future.
A recently published study found that out of 56 individuals, those who smoked cannabis had higher rates of emphysema when compared to individuals who did not smoke and individuals who only smoked tobacco. However, participants' concurrent use of cannabis and tobacco limits the study's findings.1
While THC and certain terpenes have demonstrated bronchodilator properties, it is unclear if this effect is significant enough to alleviate symptoms of emphysema.2
However, other symptoms of emphysema, like anxiety, depression, sleep issues, and weight loss, may benefit from the use of cannabis.3 Because of the nature of emphysema, it’s typically best for those with this condition to consider products like teas, oils, and edibles. Smoking cannabis, along with smoking other substances, could lead to further lung damage and worsening symptoms.
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if your state considers emphysema a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.
If you find that your state recognizes emphysema 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 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 & Emphysema
Is smoking weed bad for your lungs?
Smoking cannabis can be harmful to the lungs. If you want the benefits of cannabis without the potential of hurting your lungs, edibles could be an excellent option for you.
Can smoking weed cause lung cancer?
Lung cancer is one of the primary concerns of those who smoke consistently. The NIH noted that there are yet to be enough concrete studies pointing to cannabis as a cause of lung cancer.
If I smoked weed when I was younger, is there any way I can tell if my lungs have been damaged?
If you do not have any concerning symptoms, then it’s likely that any damage that may have occurred was minimal. If you’re concerned about the current state of your lungs, consider speaking with your doctor and seeing if there are any options they would recommend. Being honest and transparent is one of the best ways to advocate for yourself and ensure your concerns are heard.
Resources
- Murtha L, Sathiadoss P, Salameh JP, Mcinnes MDF, Revah G. Chest CT Findings in Marijuana Smokers. Radiology. 2022;307(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1148/radiol.212611
- Ribeiro LI, Ind PW. Effect of cannabis smoking on lung function and respiratory symptoms: a structured literature review. npj Primary Care Respiratory Medicine. 2016;26(1). doi.org/10.1038/npjpcrm.2016.71
- National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, Health and Medicine Division, Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice. Respiratory Disease. In: The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. National Academies Press (US); 2017. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK425767/
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.
