THC and Asthma

[Cannabis Physician]

Here I describe how THC works as a bronchodilator and should be further explored for use as a rescue inhaler for beta 2 agonist resistant patients as well as severe asthma attacks. We need more clinical trials!!

 

[Azimuth]

How about CBD with its anti-inflammatory properties? Get to the same end result?

 

[Cannabis Physician]

How about CBD with its anti-inflammatory properties? Get to the same end result?

I wouldn't say the same end result, CBD can definitely aid with its anti-inflammatory properties but it cannot activate the Beta-2-receptor in the smooth muscle of human bronchi.

 

[Azimuth]

So the Beta-2 is obviously different from the CB-2 receptor that CBD is said to interact with.

 

[Cannabis Physician]

Very much.

 

[Lovie]

I see this is an older thread so I am not sure if I will get a response, but I am going to try. I learned a few months ago I have asthma. After learning more about it I think I have had exercise induced asthma all my life that over the past 3 to 4 years turned into asthma. I guess hormonal changes from childbirth and then turning 40 probably triggered it. My primary care doctor would prescribe me albuterol inhalers and albuterol for my nebulizer I got during a hospital stay for pneumonia to help during flares because I was hardheaded and wouldn't go see a pulmonologist. I assumed my breathing issues were coming from weight gain from childbirth (looking back at that I see how stupid of assumption that was since we are talking about 20lbs of extra weight) and from getting out of shape due to multiple surgeries.

When I have a asthma attack it takes way more than 2 puffs from an albuterol inhaler to get it under control. I have mentioned this to my doctor and they fuss at me for using more than 2 puffs, which I am like.....I couldn't breathe, what did you want me to do. I never get a response to that question.

I haven't quite gotten my asthma under control yet. They had it under control for a couple of months after I was diagnosed but then the season changed. I am on the east coast and dealing with fall that brings cold, wet, decay and mold.....all asthma triggers. During flares I cannot smoke without it triggering an asthma attack. The second the smoke hits my lungs, I don't even have to really inhale it I go into first a coughing fit followed by wheezing and tight chest.

All this being said my question is how do you consume THC so it can be used as a bronchial dilator?

 

[Azimuth]

All this being said my question is how do you consume THC so it can be used as a bronchial dilator?

You could try edibles, though that would be a roundabout way of getting there.

I use CBD as my main cannabinoid for other things but notice my slight asthma is better when I take it. For me, very deep breathing had caused a bit of a soreness feeling on inhale but the CBD takes that away so I assume it's helping to open up the passageways with its anti-inflammatory properties.

I use mine mostly as Dust and take 1/8 teaspoon 4-5 times per day, usually sprinkling it on food to help mask the taste. I decarb some of it before grinding but also leave some unheated to get some of the acidic cannabinoids as well.

Lately I've added CBG and CBGa to the mix as well since it interacts with the CB2 receptors like CBD does, but also works with the CB1's like THC, giving me a broader potential window for relief effects.