If you have COPD, you’ve probably heard about some of the claims that CBD can help you treat your problems.
CBD (short for cannabidiol) is a chemical found in marijuana and other forms of cannabis plants that are now accessible as tincture drops, capsules, candies, cookies, and even coffee.
CBD is also available as warmed liquids that you may breathe using a special device (known as “vaping”).
Before you buy CBD for COPD, here’s what you should know.
What Is CBD and How Does It Work?
CBD is one of the thousands of chemicals found in the cannabis plant known as cannabinoids. Many individuals consider cannabis marijuana illegal. But the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018 made hemp, a type of cannabis with less than 0.3 percent THC, legal on a federal level. In addition, CBD can be produced from hemp, which means that its possible health advantages may now be researched more extensively.
Is CBD effective in the treatment of COPD?
Those who say that CBD is an effective treatment for COPD believe that it can open up your bronchial passages, making it easier to breathe.
And there’s reason to believe it’s true. Studies clearly showed that smoking marijuana expanded the lungs, making breathing easier for some patients with asthma.
However, what we don’t know much outweighs what we do. A short 2018 randomized controlled study of 18 people with advanced COPD found no significant improvement in endurance or breathlessness during exercise as a result of airway dilation while using mainly vaporized THC.
Researchers gave participants either cannabidiol and THC oil or a placebo in a smaller 2011 study to see if it helped with the symptom of breathlessness. It didn’t appear to be the case.
In follow-up observations, those given the CBD/THC combination were less likely to have “air hunger” or complaints of being unable to breathe.
We should consider some animal trials. In a 2014 animal research, mice with acute lung injuries had less inflammation and better lung function. This does not tell us much about whether CBD is an effective, long-term therapy for COPD symptoms in humans.
What is medical research saying about CBD for COPD?
Researchers conducted many studies on CBD for COPD. And it has been proved that CBD might be a good option for COPD patients in terms of medicinal reasons. For example, guinea pig research found that CBD controls the acute attack on airway structures due to the inflammatory nature of COPD effects. This makes it especially useful for those suffering from chronic bronchitis.
CBD works with the endocannabinoid system via CB1 and CB2 cannabinoid receptors, helping the body maintain homeostasis. In addition, inflammation is decreased after the two receptors are activated. Similar research found that CBD was a very successful treatment because of its anti-inflammatory properties, which improved lung function.
Furthermore, research on acute lung damage backs up these findings, indicating that we can utilize CBD to treat a wide range of respiratory illnesses.
What are the types of CBD for COPD you should consider?
Although research has yet to link CBD to any advantages for persons with COPD clearly, it may still be safe to use CBD in your everyday routine, especially for other symptoms.
Here are some CBD consumption options. However, keep in mind that not all of them are suitable for use with COPD:
1. CBD oil
CBD oil is one of the most common forms of CBD that people use to treat COPD.
CBD oil may be diffused in your home using a diffuser, which has few side effects. However, it is difficult to keep the dose under control.
Some patients apply CBD oil topically to the neck and chest to relieve COPD symptoms. Unfortunately, the only evidence that this works right now is anecdotal.
You may also use a vape pen or other vaping device to inhale CBD oil. This can provide a relaxing effect while also delivering CBD directly into your bloodstream and lungs.
Keep in mind that vaping has its own set of disadvantages. Due to the inhalation of hot vapor that may contain other potentially dangerous chemicals, vaping can cause lung irritation and inflammation. Therefore, the advantages of CBD oil may not always exceed the dangers, especially if you have COPD.
Look for products with a certificate of authenticity to ensure that you’re getting a pure product. And stay away from vapes that contain any additives.
2. Edibles
CBD is also available in the form of gummies, food products, and food-grade CBD oil.
When you consume CBD, the benefits of the CBD may take some time for the effects. In addition, it may take some time for you to figure out how much CBD you need to experience the effects and control your COPD symptoms.
Any evidence that you can take any CBD product for COPD is, once again, purely anecdotal.
3. Smoking
It’s possible that in certain situations, this relieves some COPD symptoms for some people. However, smoking cannabis can irritate and inflame your lungs.
Some individuals smoke cannabis to get the advantages of CBD and THC.
In 8 out of 9 studies, smoking cannabis caused an increase in lung symptoms, according to a small study published in 2016. This can sometimes worsen COPD symptoms or damage your long-term outlook.
How do you buy CBD for COPD?
Before considering using CBD for COPD, consult with a doctor.
Your doctor can tell you if CBD is safe for you to take, especially if you have any other diseases or symptoms that CBD might worsen.
After that, you may want to look into your current state laws regarding CBD consumption. Keep the following points in mind while buying CBD for COPD legally (and safely):
You need to provide evidence of your age. Most shops, whether in-store or online, will also want proof of age. For example, most places where CBD is allowed need you to be 18, but others may require you to be 21.
Ensure that the products you’re using are safe to consume. CBD products sold in grocery stores or retail chain locations may make unfounded claims about their usefulness. But they only contain trace amounts of CBD (or none at all). Research the goods you’re considering and check into third-party research that backs up their claims.
Find trustworthy manufacturers, sellers, or retailers. Don’t use CBD products on a whim without first researching them. Many reputable and well-regulated manufacturers produce a wide range of products. Ao find a trustworthy seller (or a few) and stick with them to avoid being exposed to new or untested products.
Avoid hempseed oil and Cannabis sativa seed oil because they both contain active CBD. Instead, look for products that include hemp oil, full-spectrum CBD, or cannabidiol.
Side effects of CBD for COPD?
CBD usage can result in side effects that vary depending on how you take it. Unfortunately, because CBD affects everyone differently, it’s difficult to predict exactly what side effects you’ll experience (if any at all).
The following are some of the most common negative effects of taking CBD in any form:
- Fatigue or lethargy
- Changes in your appetite
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
If you have COPD and choose to smoke or vape CBD oil, you may have raw or inflamed lungs. Your symptoms, such as shortness of breath or chest tightness, may seem triggered or aggravated.
The Bottom Line
CBD may be useful in treating the symptoms of COPD. However, the majority of studies on its effectiveness for COPD are either preliminary or inconclusive.
There are some disadvantages to using CBD that may outweigh the advantages, especially if you already have lung inflammation resulting from COPD. Consult your doctor to see whether CBD is a suitable treatment option for treating your COPD symptoms.
