MEDICAL CANNABIS AND ITS IMPACT ON COPD

Studies indicate that Medical Cannabis could potentially act as a means to mitigate acute attacks of airway constriction and may also act as a preventative measure for patients with COPD.

What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease?

This respiratory disease is characterised by an abnormal inflammatory response in the lungs and restricted airflow which both result in difficulty doing the most vital thing in life breathing. COPD is actually an umbrella term that includes emphysema, chronic bronchitis and in some cases asthma. The No. 1 reason someone gets COPD in developed countries is smoking tobacco so the best way to avoid COPD is not to smoke or stop smoking immediately.

Signs and symptoms of COPD include

  • Shortness of breath while doing everyday activities or during physical activities
  • Chronic cough
  • Wheezing
  • Chest tightness
  • Frequent respiratory infections
  • Blueness of the lips or fingernail beds
  • General fatigue and lack of energy or chronic fatigue syndrome
  • Producing a lot of mucus or phlegm
  • Having to clear your throat first thing in the morning due to excess mucus in your lungs
  • Unintended weight loss (in later stages)

If you have one or more of these symptoms on a regular basis then you definitely want to seek medical advice.

How Cannabinoids may help COPD

  • Cannabinoids relieve inflammation
  • Cannabinoids are anti-microbial
  • Cannabinoids support / modulate the immune system and its response to infection and disease
  • Cannabinoids are expectorants
  • Cannabinoids are analgesic (pain relief)
  • Cannabinoid medicine has little to no side effects

The notion that smoking Cannabis leads to COPD has been disproven. However if you have a serious respiratory condition smoking won’t be your consumption method of choice. Vaporized Cannabis, using Tinctures and Capsules are the best options for reducing symptoms and avoiding additional irritation caused by smoke.

Recommended Treatment for COPD

We recommend using a Tincture with starting dosage of:

  • CBD: 5 - 10 drops / 3 times a day.
  • THC: 3 drops / 2 - 3 times day. (Start on 2 drops 2 - 3 times a day. Increase every 48 - 72 hours by 1 drop per dosing. You can carry on increasing as need be. This way one avoids getting high.)