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Dear Green Nurse,
Can Cannabis or Hemp CBD help Asthma? What kinds of products should I be using if I had an asthma diagnosis?”
Sincerely,
Asking for a friend.
Dear Asking For a Friend,
Great question! As a young adult, I was diagnosed with exercise-induced asthma and cold weather reactive airway issues, which caused wheezing, coughing, and excessive mucus production. Over time, I managed to outgrow the condition—not by using cannabis, but through key dietary changes, targeted supplements, and lifestyle adjustments. These shifts allowed me to stop relying on steroid inhalers altogether. While some people manage asthma symptoms with cannabinoids, including smoking, there are now smoke-free methods of cannabis consumption that offer similar benefits without the risks associated with inhalation. For managing airway conditions, non-inhalation options are undoubtedly a better choice.
In this blog, I delve into the potential of cannabis therapy for asthma, exploring its unique benefits. I also share the powerful story of a stage 4 lung cancer patient who found relief using inhaled cannabis. Its gentle expectorant properties helped clear his airways, eased his breathing difficulties, and reduced the anxiety caused by the fear of not being able to breathe.
As always, we’re here to help. If you have any questions or need guidance on choosing the right products for your condition, feel free to call our free nurse line at 970-404-HOPE (4673). We’re happy to provide the support you need.
Sincerely,
The Green Nurse
Cannabis & Asthma: What Does Science Say? If you’ve ever wondered whether cannabis or hemp-derived products might help with asthma or respiratory conditions, you’re not alone. Patients and providers alike are asking if cannabis, hemp, or their cannabinoids might support lung health or asthma. The science is evolving, but several cannabinoids—including not only CBD and THC, but also minor cannabinoids like CBG (cannabigerol), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), and CBGA (cannabigerolic acid)—are drawing attention for their unique anti-inflammatory and immune-modulating actions (CannaKeys, Project CBD,).
History: Cannabis and the Airways – As early as 1974, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials showed THC produced bronchodilatory effects in healthy individuals and asthmatics (Tashkin et al., 1974). The idea of “cannabis for the lungs” isn’t new—historically, cannabis was used in Victorian-era inhalers and included in the U.S. Pharmacopoeia for coughs and lung complaints. Cannabis has a long history of use in inhalers and pharmaceutical preparations for cough and respiratory support (Project CBD).
The University of California holds a patent (US #20060013777) for a CB2-activating, non-psychoactive cannabinoid as an innovative treatment for cough. This underscores the therapeutic potential of cannabinoids in promoting airway health. The patent further reflects the growing scientific interest in cannabinoid-based therapies for respiratory conditions. (CannaKeys)
CannaKeys Astha Research Dashboard
The Endocannabinoid System, Minor Cannabinoids, and Asthma – The Endocannabinoid System (ECS) is the body’s largest neuroregulatory network, playing a vital role in maintaining balance across all 11 organ systems, the immune system, and neurotransmitter signaling pathways. It works by delivering messages to correct cell signaling that either prompts the body to take action or hold back, effectively ensuring systemic homeostasis to keep the body in harmony or balance.
Over 20 studies have explored the potential role of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), particularly the CB2 receptor, in asthma treatment. Research suggests that activating CB2 receptors may help regulate airway inflammation, a key factor in both allergic and non-allergic asthma. These studies also delve into cannabinoids beyond THC and CBD, highlighting the broader therapeutic potential of the ECS. (CannaKeys. Project CBD.)
Don’t Forget the Terpenes – Let’s not overlook the therapeutic potential of terpenes, found not only in Cannabis and Hemp plants but also in fruits, vegetables, and essential oils. While cannabinoids often take the spotlight, terpenes like pinene, eucalyptol, humulene, limonene, geraniol, terpineol and beta-caryophyllene offer powerful benefits of their own. These common cannabis terpenes are known for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, playing a vital role in supporting respiratory health and overall well-being. (CannaKeys)
How Should Cannabis Be Used for Lung Health? – Inhalation (smoking or vaping) is not recommended as the primary route for people with asthma or airway hyperreactivity due to risk of airway irritation and bronchospasm (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2017; CannaKeys, Project CBD). While THC’s bronchodilatory effects are well documented, chronic inhalation (especially smoking) increases risk of bronchitis and airway irritation (National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, 2017).
Vaporization is less irritating than smoking and produces fewer reactive oxygen species, but still may trigger symptoms in sensitive individuals (CannaKeys, Project CBD).
For individuals with asthma or sensitive airways, oral consumption methods such as edibles, gummies, capsules, sublingual tinctures, and strips, as well as topicals, offer a safer alternative. These options deliver the anti-inflammatory benefits of cannabinoids without causing lung irritation. (CannaKeys, Project CBD).
When Is Inhalation Appropriate? While oral, sublingual, or topical cannabinoids are generally preferred for managing asthma and most lung conditions, there are specific scenarios where inhalation may be beneficial—though it requires caution and personalized guidance.
Inhalation might be considered in select palliative cases, such as advanced lung cancer accompanied by significant mucus buildup. In these instances, mindful inhalation using a vaporizer could aid in clearing airways and promoting expectoration. However, any potential benefits must be carefully weighed against the risks and should always be guided by a healthcare professional (Project CBD).
A patient with advanced lung cancer and copious mucus struggled with airway clearance. He was using other methods of administration for managing his cancer symptoms however, iInhaled cannabis was used intentionally—not to treat the cancer directly, but as a tool to loosen secretions and stimulate coughing, helping him to expectorate phlegm and improve comfort. For this patient, careful, mindful inhalation (via vaporizer) provided a unique palliative benefit that oral products could not.
This approach was tailored to his specific clinical situation. However, when it comes to asthma, the dynamics are quite different. Asthma is characterized by airway hyperreactivity, where the airways can spasm, constrict, and become inflamed in response to various triggers, including inhaled substances. Even seemingly harmless things like water vapor or essential oils can sometimes provoke symptoms. For this reason, inhaled cannabis is not recommended as a primary treatment for asthma. Given the condition’s unique risks related to airway sensitivity, inhalation routes are generally avoided for managing asthma (Project CBD).
Overview and Final Thoughts – In a recent survey Smoking Remains The Most Popular Method For Consuming Cannabis. The problem is that they are missing the benefits of systemic healing from sublingual and oral methods. Nearly eight-in-ten consumers say that smoking is their preferred method of cannabis ingestion, according to data provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Researchers reviewed marijuana use data provided by more than 138,000 respondents. Fifteen percent of those surveyed reported having consumed cannabis within the past month, while eight percent reported daily use. Seventy-nine percent of consumers acknowledged smoking cannabis, while 41 percent acknowledged consuming edible formulations. Fewer than 15 percent of those surveyed acknowledged dabbing cannabis concentrates. The findings are consistent with others reporting that most consumers smoke cannabis. (NORML, 2025).
To clarify, I’m not opposed to inhalation—I occasionally enjoy it recreationally and only use it medicinally for immediate relief or “SOS” as needed. In those moments when I need quick relief, I turn to my 1:1 vaporizer. However, I do not rely on inhalation to manage asthma or any other chronic health conditions. In cannabinoid medicine, inhalation serves a limited but specific purpose, primarily for palliative care or airway clearance, rather than as a first-line treatment for asthma or airway hyperreactivity.
For long-term management, oral and topical cannabinoid options are far more effective. Compounds like CBD, CBG, CBDA, and CBGA show significant promise in both preclinical studies and real-world applications for addressing airway inflammation and supporting immune modulation. For individuals with asthma or airway reactivity, oral and topical products are the safest options. Inhalation should be reserved for specific palliative needs and undertaken only with medical guidance.
Always consult a cannabis nurse or healthcare professional to create a personalized care plan tailored to your needs. If you’re seeking assistance, call the Nurse Line at 970-404-HOPE or visit bloomhemp.com for a free, personalized cannabinoid care plan.
This blog is for educational purposes and does not substitute for medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or changing any supplement or medication, especially with lung or immune system conditions.
Call 970-404-HOPE (4673) during USA business hours and speak to an expertly trained Holistic Cannabis Nurse to get started on a new plan. Nurses will explain how and why CBD works in the body, discuss your goals and objectives, and help you select products that will make a difference in how you feel.
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