Lung Disease Associated With Marijuana Use

COPD secondary or associated with cannabis dependence

“…In the present case involving an adult male, COPD diagnosis was associated with persistent cannabis use or dependency, without any biomass exposition. Nevertheless, there is controversy or incongruent results with respect to the association of long-term cannabis use and the clinical presentation of COPD, possibly due to biases in the samples, in particular, the relatively young age of consumers, and therefore, not particularly long-term exposure to cannabis smoke [10]. The association between cannabis use and lung function is consistent.…”

“…A study conducted with primates exposed to different doses of cannabis smoke, placebo, or cigarette smoke, showed evidence of hyperplasia of epithelial cells in all groups, but with greater frequency and severity of bronchiolitis, atypical alveolar cell hyperplasia, and fibrosis in those exposed to cannabis smoke. Endocannabinoid was considered a possible cause of such effects [10].…”

The influence of cannabis smoke and cannabis vapour on simulated lung surfactant function under physiologically relevant conditions

“…It is thought that Δ9‐THC acts synergistically with the endogenous cannabinoids (ie, anandamide and 2‐arachidonoyl) by activation of four G‐protein coupled receptors within the ECS. Further to receptor (ie, CB1 and CB2) stimulation, anxiolytic and analgesic properties result . Cannabis is known to cause fatigue, altered sensory perception, and contribute to mental health conditions such as schizophrenia .…”

“…Further to receptor (ie, CB1 and CB2) stimulation, anxiolytic and analgesic properties result . Cannabis is known to cause fatigue, altered sensory perception, and contribute to mental health conditions such as schizophrenia . Terpenes, such as linalool and limonene, are aromatic molecules responsible for the distinctive organoleptic properties of cannabis …”

“…Drug substances delivered to the lung are able to diffuse into the systemic circulation further to contact with the pulmonary air‐liquid interface. To date, limited consideration has been given to the impact of cannabis smoke and cannabis vapour may have on the human airway, and in particular pulmonary surfactant . Given the widespread use, it is important to understand the effects of cannabis and its related compounds on the body (eg, the lungs) so we can better understand the impact of these chemicals on public health as a whole.…”