CBD and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)

What is COPD?

COPD is a progressive inflammatory disease of the lungs that interferes with airflow in the lungs and makes breathing difficult. In fact, COPD affects more than 11 million people, but these are people who have received an official diagnosis. It is estimated that millions of people suffer from this progressive lung disease without even knowing it.

COPD is caused by prolonged exposure to irritating solids or gases. The most common cause of development is associated with cigarette smoke, but there are other irritants, such as passive smoking, air pollution and exposure to dust and smoke in the workplace.

CBD and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

One of the best-known benefits of cannabidiol (CBD) is its effectiveness in reducing inflammation. Studies show that hemp can potentially be therapeutically useful for treating acute attacks of constriction of the airways due to inflammation, thereby acting as a preventive measure for patients with COPD.

Two of the main cannabinoids found in hemp, THC and CBD, have been shown to have anti-inflammatory benefits through various mechanisms. They both interact with the cannabinoid receptors of the endocannabinoid system (CB1 and CB2) to help the body maintain homeostasis. Activation of the CB1 and CB2 receptors has been shown to reduce airway inflammation.

In addition, studies have been conducted that show that cannabidiol is effective in alleviating the worsening of the symptoms of dyspnea due to acute exacerbations.

Some studies have also shown that cannabinoids found in hemp can have a bronchodilatory effect, thereby reducing airway resistance and increasing air flow into the lungs. In one study, it was found that the activation of the CB1 cannabinoid receptor prevents the contraction of the smooth muscles surrounding the lungs, to expand the bronchial tubes and further open the airways.

CBD and its advantages of use in COPD

When diagnosing COPD, the use of CBD oil can help reduce inflammation in the airways, improve sleep quality, reduce mucus production, increase appetite, reduce pain, and at the same time have a bronchodilatory effect.

If you have been diagnosed with COPD, and you have decided on alternative treatment with the help of CBD, we do not recommend smoking CBD. It is important to note that the results of several studies show that smoking cannabis can increase the prevalence of acute and chronic bronchitis due to irritants in the lungs. Smoking it alone can cause airway obstruction. This suggests that people with COPD should use other methods to obtain cannabinoids - for example, oral use. For this purpose, CBD hemp oil, CBD coconut oil, etc. are suitable.