Medical Marijuana for Asthma and Allergies

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“As someone who lives with chronic asthma and allergies, I know I have to switch up my cannabis game once May rolls around. I keep tinctures and distillate for my daytime use and RSO and maybe a tincture or two for night, depending on how difficult it is to sleep. I find that sativa leaning hybrid distillates and tinctures have been helpful with managing the emotional side of allergies and asthma. I am not worried about what other people are thinking, I am confident in my preparedness as someone who lives with chronic respiratory issues, and I am upbeat and joyful. What's even better is the relief goes for 6 to 8 hours! I typically take a tincture at night to help me fall asleep and stay asleep, but on particularly humid or heavy pollen nights, I take RSO to keep me asleep. You can only sneeze when you're awake so I make sure there is no room for my REM sleep to be interrupted. Strains high in pinene open my lungs up like no other, especially during allergy season, so if there is a dry leaf high in pinene, I will treat myself to an inhalation or two...or five." - Kaveise, PCC

About 25 million Americans have asthma and 21 million Americans have hay fever, rhinitis or nasal allergies. May is the peak season for many people with these conditions thus making it perfect for Asthma and Allergies Awareness month. Although it seems counterintuitive, medical marijuana can be helpful in managing these conditions.

What are asthma and allergies?

Asthma is respiratory condition marked by spasms in the bronchi of the lungs, in which a person's airways become inflamed, narrow, swollen, and produce extra mucus thus making it difficult to breathe. It usually results from an allergic reaction or other forms of hypersensitivity in the lungs. In some cases, it can lead to a life-threatening attack. Generally, asthma causes difficulty breathing, chest tightening pain, coughing, and wheezing. Asthma can be minor or it can interfere with daily life. It can also be chronic or have later onset in adulthood. 

Allergies are multiple conditions caused by hypersensitivity in the immune system to usually harmless substances or particles in the environment. These conditions include rhinitis, hay fever and allergic asthma. Sneezing, a runny nose, shortness of breath, hives, red eyes, or swelling are common symptoms of allergies.

While allergies seem to only affect the physical, it also takes a toll on someone's emotional state. Often times those living with allergies are tired and irritable because asthma was triggered and/or disrupted their sleep. They can be sluggish and unmotivated due to side effects from allergy medication. They also describe feeling judged and anxious in public because other people think they are sick with a cold (or a virus, thanks COVID). 

Cannabis is a Bronchodilator

Bronchodilators can relieve asthma symptoms by relaxing the muscles that tighten around the air passages and clear mucus from the lungs. Research as far back as 1973 show that medical marijuana can be an effective form of treatment for asthma because CBD and THC are bronchodilators. CBD and THC dilate the airways thus reducing spasms and inflammation which allows better airflow into the lungs. They also reduce sharp pains caused by air contraction. When THC activates the CB1 receptors in our peripheral and central nervous systems, it sends a message that halts the contraction of airways.

In terms of terpenes, there are three helpful categories for allergy and asthma management: expectorants, bronchodilators, and anti-inflammatories. Expectorants work to thin or loosen mucus in the lungs and nasal passages thus making it easier to expel. Expectorants include alpha-pinene, camphene, and terpinolene. Bronchodilators relax the muscles in the lungs which helps the bronchial passages to clear and expand. Bronchodilators include alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, borneol, linalool, and limonene. Anti-inflammatory terpenes reduce inflammation and swelling in the lungs. This category includes alpha-pinene, beta-pinene, camphene, caryophyllene, myrcene, geraniol, and humulene. These terpenes work with CBD and THC to clear the lungs of mucus, reduce swelling, and open passageways.

What Forms of Medical Marijuana Should I Use?

Since asthma and allergies affect the lungs, we suggest utilizing non-inhalable forms to keep from overworking your lungs while they are contracted or irritated. Tinctures, distillates, RSO, and capsules are oral forms that are currently available in the Pennsylvania medical marijuana market. Some states have THC and CBD inhalers available for patients who need less stress on their lungs or are generally wary of smoking and vaping cannabis. A combination of both would be ideal: the inhaler or cartridge in a high pinene strain for immediate relief and an oral form for long term relief throughout the day and night.

If someone you know is interested in medical marijuana in Pittsburgh, Greensburg, or Latrobe, PA, have them visit us at www.delta9pa.com.

Delta 9 PA by Keystone Integrated Care dispensaries provide medical marijuana in Pittsburgh and Greensburg/Latrobe, PA. We offer affordable medical marijuana cartridges and other products, online reservations, curbside pickup, and quality service to patients in Western Pennsylvania.