Pneumonia is an infection that causes the air sacs within the lung to fill with fluid or pus. Pneumonia can occur in just one or both lungs. There are two types of pneumonia: lobar and bronchial. Lobar pneumonia affects one or more sections of the lungs, while bronchial pneumonia affects patches throughout both lungs.
In 1937, pneumonia was a major public health concern, being the leading cause of death by infectious disease in the United States, coming in third after cancer and heart disease. Currently, pneumonia is the 8th leading cause of death and continues to be the leading infectious cause of death. Roughly 25 of every 10,000 adults are affected by pneumonia each year.
What Causes Pneumonia?
Pneumonia has over 30 known causes and is grouped into different types:
- Bacterial pneumonia occurs when the body's weakened immune system, poor nutrition, or old age allows bacteria to invade the lungs.
- Viral pneumonia can be caused by a number of viruses, including the flu and COVID-19. Having viral pneumonia can increase one's risk of developing bacterial pneumonia.
- The following bacteria can cause atypical pneumonia:
- Chlamydia pneumoniae
- Chlamydia psittaci
- Legionella pneumophila
- Mycoplasma pneumoniae
- Fungal infections sometimes cause other cases of pneumonia.
Pneumonia can affect anyone; however, the following groups are most at risk:
- People over the age of 65
- Children under the age of 5
- Immunocompromised individuals or those with certain medical conditions
- People who smoke
Pneumonia Signs & Symptoms
The types of pneumonia can sometimes cause the same symptoms but can also cause differing symptoms that may be more severe.
People experiencing bacterial or viral pneumonia may have the following symptoms:
- Bluish color to lips and fingernails
- Confused mental state or delirium, especially in older people
- Cough that produces green, yellow, or bloody mucus
- Fever
- Heavy sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Low energy and extreme tiredness
- Rapid breathing
- Rapid pulse
- Shaking chills
- Sharp or stabbing chest pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughs
- Shortness of breath that worsens with activity
Those with viral pneumonia may develop other symptoms, including:
- Headache
- Increasing shortness of breath
- Muscle pain
- Weakness
- Worsening cough
Symptoms caused by the mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria differ from the typical bacterial pneumonia symptoms and can include:
- Fever
- Headache
- Sore throat
- Lack of energy
- Worsening cough
Can Cannabis Help Alleviate Symptoms of Pneumonia?
Cannabis may provide some relief from pneumonia or its causes. However, smoking marijuana while sick with any type of respiratory infection is not recommended, as this can worsen the infection and lead to bacterial pneumonia.
Researchers have reported some cases that seem to link cannabis dabbing or cannabis vape pens to the development of pneumonia. It may be possible to develop pneumonia from a bong or other water piece, like the ones used when dabbing. If the water is not fresh or plant materials contaminate the piece, bacteria can grow and enter your lungs when inhaling. That's why it's important to clean your bong and other equipment regularly.
Concern over cannabis vape pens potentially causing a type of pneumonia called lipid pneumonia, where oil or fat enters the lung, was primarily linked to the use of additives with lipids like Vitamin E acetate, propylene glycol, vegetable glycerin, or MCT oil in vape cartridges. Depending on the ingredients, other additives, such as botanically derived terpenes, may also be cause for concern.1
Much of the research on cannabis and pneumonia focuses on cannabis inhalation as the cause of pneumonia and not whether certain cannabinoids may provide benefits for symptom relief or treatment of pneumonia when applied orally or ingested.
One 2020 study examined CBD and CBDa against several bacteria, including one that can cause pneumonia. Experts found that CBD showed effectiveness against all four bacteria types studied.2 While the results are promising, more research is needed to determine the efficacy of CBD and other cannabinoids against other bacterial, viral, or fungal infections that can lead to pneumonia.
If you choose to utilize cannabis while having a respiratory infection like pneumonia, edibles, tinctures, and topicals should be the only methods of administration in order to avoid worsening your symptoms and possibly developing pneumonia.
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
Pneumonia is not a qualifying condition to obtain a medical cannabis recommendation in any state. However, doctors may consider the symptoms of pneumonia to fit the definition of chronic or severe pain, which is a qualifying condition in most, if not all, medical cannabis states. Some medical cannabis states also allow doctors to make medical cannabis recommendations for whatever condition at their discretion.
If your state recognizes pneumonia or conditions that may cause pneumonia or chronic or severe pain as qualifying medical conditions, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to register for your state’s medical marijuana program.
How NuggMD Can Help
NuggMD’s growing telemedicine platform for medical marijuana serves patients in more than half the states in the U.S. By connecting over 2,000,000 patients with knowledgeable and friendly medical marijuana doctors, we are fully committed to assisting patients on their medical marijuana journey.
We believe that all individuals have the right to explore what medical cannabis can do for them, and our doctors are eager to guide you on your wellness journey. Select your state below for further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Pneumonia
Does cannabis cause pneumonia?
While some cases of cannabis inhalation have been linked to the development of pneumonia, there is not enough evidence to indicate a definitive link between smoking and pneumonia. However, inhalation of cannabis while having a respiratory infection may put individuals at higher risk for developing pneumonia.
Can cannabis treat pneumonia?
While some cannabinoids may help treat some symptoms of pneumonia, no cannabinoids are proven to treat pneumonia or any respiratory infection.
Can I smoke weed while sick?
Smoking cannabis may be bad for your lungs if you have a respiratory infection such as a cold, flu, or COVID-19, as this can lead to worsening symptoms and potentially the development of pneumonia.
References
- Muthumalage T, Lucas JH, Wang Q, Lamb T, McGraw MD, Rahman I. Pulmonary Toxicity and Inflammatory Response of E-Cigarette Vape Cartridges Containing Medium-Chain Triglycerides Oil and Vitamin E Acetate: Implications in the Pathogenesis of EVALI. Toxics. 2020;8(3):46.
- Martinenghi LD, Jønsson R, Lund T, Jenssen H. Isolation, Purification, and Antimicrobial Characterization of Cannabidiolic Acid and Cannabidiol from Cannabis sativa L. Biomolecules. 2020;10(6):900. doi:10.3390/biom10060900
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.
