Then it's a good thing that it doesn't cause fibrosis.
Medical Marijuana For Pulmonary Fibrosis
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Updated on January 30, 2019. Medical content reviewed by Dr. Joseph Rosado, MD, M.B.A, Chief Medical Officer
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How and Why Marijuana Can Be an Effective Treatment for Pulmonary FibrosisBecause there’s inflammation involved with pulmonary fibrosis, anti-inflammatory medications and treatments are usually effective. In one study, researchers found the THC in marijuana to have anti-inflammatory properties, which they feel accounts for the pulmonary function improvement in patients using cannabis.
Ingested or vaporized weed may offer potential benefits due to its immunosuppressant, anti-inflammatory and bronchodilation (airway-opening) properties.
Bronchodilatory EffectsIn the 1970s, Donald Tashkin at the University of California Los Angeles performed studies that found both orally ingested and inhaled THC provide bronchodilation for several hours after it’s administered. Other studies found activating the CB1 receptor inhibits smooth muscle contraction of the lungs, which offers a potential acute bronchodilation mechanism linked with marijuana intake.
Anti-Inflammatory Effects Cannabinoids provide anti-inflammatory qualities. Raw plant acidic cannabinoids (CBDA, THCA, etc.) provide greater anti-inflammatory properties than the raw plant’s non-acidic cannabinoids (CBD, THC, etc.). Researchers have found CBD to improve COPD symptoms. It also acts as an inflammatory agent and leads to reduced pulmonary inflammation and improved lung function in mice with inflammatory lung disease.
In addition to the anti-inflammatory benefits of marijuana for pulmonary fibrosis, the herb may also have an anti-anxiety effect. A researcher who performed clinical studies reports patients feeling relaxed and calm after using cannabis.
Studies like these show that marijuana may act as a way to reduce acute airway constriction attacks and become a viable preventative therapy for COPD patients. However, researchers need human trials to confirm these benefits.
What Side Effects and Symptoms of Pulmonary Fibrosis Can Medical Marijuana Treat?According to the Lung Institute, marijuana and pulmonary fibrosis treatment could also help in:
Improving sleepReducing inflammationReducing phlegmSupporting the immune systemEasing painJust note that smoking cannabis presents one possible problem when using medical marijuana to treat pulmonary fibrosis. Smoking weed may harm patients with lung diseases, since there’s no “filter” on a joint or marijuana cigarette and individuals smoking it tend to inhale its smoke more deeply. This leaves smoke in their lungs for a more extended period than cigarettes.
Still, researchers found those who only smoke cannabis occasionally — a couple of joints a month — showed improved pulmonary function instead of reduced.
Best Strains of Marijuana for Pulmonary Fibrosis Symptoms and Treatment Side EffectsAs with any treatment, finding the right medical cannabis strain for pulmonary fibrosis may take some trial and error. Just like not every treatment may be effective for your symptoms, not all strains will be, either. To help with this, below are some strains that are good for relieving the symptoms of pulmonary fibrosis:
For Inflammation:
ACDC: SativaCannatonic: HybridGirl Scout Cookies: Indica with a strong sativa componentFor Sleep:
Cookie Jar: Indica dominant with a sativa componentHarlequin: SativaWhite Widow: HybridFor Pain:
Afghan Kush: IndicaGreen Crack: SativaBlue Dream: SativaFor Depression:
Pennywise: Mostly-Indica strain with a high CBD countSour Tsunami: Balanced High-CBD strain.OG Kush: HybridMedical marijuana may also help alleviate the uncomfortable side effects of some of the medications used for pulmonary fibrosis, such as nausea and vomiting, headache, anxiety and more. For instance, Headband is good for nausea, Sour Diesel for a headache and Jack Herer for anxiety.
Best Methods of Marijuana Treatment for the Side Effects and Symptoms of Pulmonary FibrosisThe benefit of cannabis and pulmonary fibrosis treatment, when compared with standard treatments, is the flexibility in delivery. These days, you can ingest cannabis in multiple ways, including:
Boiled and strained teaBaked ediblesNon-THC CBD oil VaporizedTincturesTopicals CBD oil eliminates the THC chemical so you don’t get that “high” feeling — only relief from your symptoms.
Begin the Process of Securing Your Medical Marijuana for Pulmonary FibrosisPulmonary fibrosis, like any other condition, can be distressing. But you can find some relief from its uncomfortable symptoms. Search for a medical marijuana doctor today so you can obtain your medical marijuana card and begin shopping around for your perfect strains by finding a cannabis dispensary. Once you book an appointment with a licensed cannabis doctor, you’ll be well on your way to experiencing the benefits medical marijuana can offer you.
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Resources:https://lunginstitute.com/blog/history-of-pulmonary-fibrosis/http://www.atsjournals.org/doi/full/10.1164/rccm.201006-0894CIhttps://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/idiopathic-pulmonary-fibrosis#statisticshttp://www.clinicaltrials.gov
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