Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Cannabis, as explained by a Scientist
Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an illness characterized by increased production of mucus and chronic inflammation of the airways resulting in reduced respiratory capacity. The two primary forms of COPD are chronic bronchitis, which produces a long-term cough with mucus, and emphysema, which leads to the progressive deterioration of the alveoli, the air sacs that allow for gaseous exchange in the lungs.
All smoke irritates the lungs and aggravates COPD, but vaporized or ingested cannabis could potentially provide many benefits because of its anti-inflammatory, immunosuppressant, and bronchodilating (airway opening) qualities.
Bronchodilatory effects: Studies performed in the 1970’s at the University of California Los Angeles by Donald Tashkin have shown that both inhaled and orally ingested THC produce bronchodilation for up to two hours after administration[ref]Tashkin DP, Shapiro BJ, Frank IM. Acute effects of smoked marijuana and oral delta9-tetrahydrocannabinol on specific airway conductance in asthmatic subjects. Am Rev Respir Dis. 1974;109(4):420-8.[/ref].
Further investigations by the Respiratory Pharmacology Laboratory in Paris have shown that CB1 receptor activation inhibits contraction of the smooth muscle surrounding the lungs in a concentration-dependent fashion, offering a possible mechanism for acute bronchodilation associated with cannabis intake[ref]Grassin-delyle S, Naline E, Buenestado A, et al. Cannabinoids inhibit cholinergic contraction in human airways through prejunctional CB1 receptors. Br J Pharmacol. 2014;171(11):2767-77.[/ref]. Although smoked cannabis also has this effect, any kind of combustion creates other lung irritants that would be counterproductive for COPD treatment.
Suppression of the immune system: Those with COPD have a heightened immune response in the lungs and compounds in cannabis can lead to immunosuppression. Studies have shown that THC induces rapid mobilization of a specific subset of white blood cells that arise from bone marrow called myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs)[ref]Hegde VL, Nagarkatti M, Nagarkatti PS. Cannabinoid receptor activation leads to massive mobilization of myeloid-derived suppressor cells with potent https://www.concensure.com/ immunosuppressive properties. Eur J Immunol. 2010;40(12):3358-71.[/ref]. These cells exert potent immunosuppressant properties by inhibiting the proliferation and activation of T-cells, a component of the body’s immune response.
Additional studies performed at the University of South Carolina School of Medicine support these findings, where they determined that the intraperitoneal (injection into the body cavity) application of THC causes changes in microRNA expression that promotes the suppression of the immune system[ref]Hegde VL, Tomar S, Jackson A, et al. Distinct microRNA expression profile and targeted biological pathways in functional myeloid-derived suppressor cells induced by Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol in vivo: regulation of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α by microRNA-690. J Biol Chem. 2013;288(52):36810-26.[/ref]. Other findings using murine models have shown that intraperitoneal administration of THC results in a reduction of allergen-induced mucus production[ref]Reddy AT, Lakshmi SP, Reddy RC. Murine model of allergen induced asthma. J Vis Exp. 2012;(63):e3771.[/ref].
Anti-inflammatory effects: Cannabinoids have anti-inflammatory benefits through a variety of mechanisms. The acidic cannabinoids found in the raw plant (THCA, CBDA, etc.) have a greater anti-inflammatory capacity than their non-acidic counterparts (THC, CBD, etc.). Specifically studies by Ruhaak, et al., have shown that acidic cannabinoids are capable of inhibiting enzymes called cyclooxygenases (COX-1 and COX-2). These enzymes are responsible for the production of inflammatory molecules such as prostaglandins, which contribute to airway inflammation.
Recently studies performed at the University of Sao Paulo using cannabidiol (CBD) have also shown some potential for improving the symptoms of COPD. Using LPS, a component of the cell wall of gram-negative bacteria as an inflammatory agent, they showed the application of CBD resulted in decreased pulmonary inflammation and improvements in lung function in mouse models of inflammatory lung disease[ref]Ribeiro A, Almeida VI, Costola-de-souza C, et al. Cannabidiol improves lung function and inflammation in mice submitted to LPS-induced acute lung injury. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol. 2014;:1-7.[/ref].
Other studies of terpene compounds, the aromatic components found in cannabis show anti-inflammatory benefits as well. In particular, beta caryophyllene has been shown to act as a dietary cannabinoid, attenuating inflammatory responses in various tissues in a CB2 receptor-dependent fashion[ref]Bento AF, Marcon R, Dutra RC, et al. β-Caryophyllene inhibits dextran sulfate sodium-induced colitis in mice through CB2 receptor activation and PPARγ pathway. Am J Pathol. 2011;178(3):1153-66.[/ref].
Conclusion: These studies indicate that cannabis could potentially act as a means to mitigate acute attacks of airway constriction and may also act as a preventative measure for patients with COPD. However, human trials are needed to confirm some of these benefits and until restrictions on this kind of research are lifted, a deeper understanding of these mechanisms will remain poorly understood.
i have severe copd and would like to know more about vaporizing and what strain would be best for this condition
Sativa 70/30, cannabis oil is better for COPD not the cbd oil
vaporizing is better than smoking,I hear the volcano vaporizer is very good.
I have stage 4 cd dr tells me there is no more he can do but poke more meds at me .but was interested in try cannabis how is the best way to do it.
I too have severe COPD and would like to know more about the studies and vaporizing, also would eatables help?
I have end stage emphysema, and would love to know more.
when you say you have end stage emphysema what does that mean. Have they said that you have so long to live or they don’t know the reason for this question is my husband has just been told the same thing.
I have end stage COPD. Basically it means they (Dr.’s) are giving all medications available there is little more to do. My pulmonologist has recommended a lung transplant. After meeting with Dr.’s at 1 of the top 5 facilities in the U.S. without a transplant I may have 2-3 years @ 20% lung capacity that’s not a lot of time. I just have to make the best of whatever I have left.
Google treating Copd with cannabis oil the Jeff waters group on Facebook
check out Jeff COPD Waters on facebook
Jeff Waters has the alpha-1 type COPD which I don’t understand that much. I have moderate COPD stage 2 with emphysema and asthma. I get relief vaporizing and smoking a few puffs but I can still ride my bicycle. I recommend making Rick Simpson Oil and tacking it to the gums for severe and end stage COPD. You will need to take 300mg of THC per day which will be present in about 1 gram of the oil to deal with your symptoms. High doses of cannabis will dramatically improve the COPD and citicholine is an over-the-counter nutraceutical that will relieve the cognitive dysfunction and anxiety from high doses of cannabis. Try up to 900 mg of citicholine per day as well. See Rick Simpson’s dosing video at the PhoenixTearsFoundation.com
Jeff Waters has now announced that he no longer has alphy-1 for which he got several comments saying that would be impossible since taking co would have to, therefor, change the dna? since one is born with the alphy-1 condition. Jeff also says, in my opinion, a few other contradiction things……says he is cured, but will always take co? If cured, why, I asked and he blocked me from page. Tired of being blocked by people who cannot answer questions about which they profess to be the holy grail!
I agree that are some discrepancies with some of the stories. As someone who makes and consumes tintures I can say I can turn a bad day around. I also have noticed that I have fewer exacerbations. Check out out HydroSpectrum.com blog. I am also posting tincture testing results this week.
I also have COPD probably state 2-3. I have been using the Hash Oil edibles, especially for sleep. It has made a world of difference in the quality of sleep. Is there any special way to make Hash Oil? The Internet has so many different ways of making it. Tks.
Cannabis is beyond amazing… and once back in the pharmacopeia it could become the most widely used medicine on earth again but for now we have to figure this out for ourselves through trial and error and listening to each other. So Jeff Walters said he no longer has ATT deficiency in his blood? Hmmmmmm that means that cannabis had something to do with helping his body overcome the genetic deficiency of producing low levels of ATT (which is needed to protect the lungs). I am of the opinion we have primary then secondary then tertiary cannabis strains that will contribute to our health. Research will determine which strains will help us the most for various pathologies but it makes sense that if we are treating chronic disease processes we will be using cannabis on a regular basis. Cannabis can also wig a person out so maybe Jeff needs to change his meds, no offense intended.
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Darlene Specht Brehm, are you STILL ragging about the fact that you got kicked out of a group? I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone gripe so much about such a small deal as I’ve seen you do. You haven’t moved on from the days of Sunny Hills High School cafeteria gossip. Such a shame.
You’re not blocked from his page Darlene Specht Brehm
Darlene,don’t you think it’s time to move on?
LOL i got banned as well for questioning…..i first ran into him on another forum when he posted his video…anyway im back in because xxxxxxxxxx but most of my comments and replies are deleted……i take CO but just started and i do not like the way they push it over there…..It is CO without the PD….
Join the face book page called Treating COPD With Cannabis. That group has cannabis oil with lab reports, an if you are low income, we can give it to you free. My supplier now ships to UK as well as Canada and United States
Jeff, i am stage 2 with 35% lung function, i quit smoking and started vaping. I have no money left after paying bills and for my meds. I want to find the cannibis oil i can use while i vape. What does it cost and what do i need to do to qualify? I also have heart problems due to left side of heart being dead. Yes i can provide medical records if needed. Im tired of not going places or being able to play with my grandkids because im tired and cant breathe. Please any help would be appreciated. James Huffmon in Yulee Florida.
Hi Jeff i live in the uk, my mother has copd i would really like her to try anything which gives her a better quality of life, can i buy the co?
Thanks Michelle
Jeff, I have a ? you say if your low income your supp will give it to you free. He did offer me and I never received anything.Asked again and never received anything, asked him again about purchasing only 1 syringe because I couldnt afford the 5 required and he said he could not do that? I have a hard time with the co wanted to try indica because stativa makes my heart race? I was surprised to see your comment. just wondering Thank you
Jeff can you help me please l have COPD for 10 years on oxygen 24-7 . I am like a fish out off water trying to shower and get around please help. In the U.K. I can’t find any help with cannabis oil at all God bless ?? I pray you get back to me thanks ??
Hi – I haven’t used the oil and not read up on it all yet but am put off by claims that it can cure alpha1 – that would be saying that it can modify our genes – which is quite ridiculous.
Read epigenetics by Joel Wallachs. Or read Orthomolecular Medicine for Everyone by Dr. Abram Hoffer, lots of natural substances can modify or even change the genetic expression. Its been known for fifty years.
vanessa smith, believe what you want. I am cured and have proof
One reason Jeff calls himself cured is because he is no longer suffering from the symptoms. However, I agree with him about taking C.O. on a maintenance type of basis. I don’t suffer from the phlegm from COPD (and it was horrible to deal with) and to be certain I won’t have to experience it again I take a small dose every night before I go to bed. I was coughing constantly, and it was worst around bedtime. As I laid down for sleep I felt as though I was being choked because I couldn’t catch a breath. So for sometimes up to an hour I would be coughing, Then when I woke in the morning I had to deal with gobs of mucus and spent another half an hour just coughing that up.Almost immediately after I started taking the Cannabis Oil it dissipated into non-existence. I no longer have to deal with the phlegm or mucus, so I take a small capsule of oil every night, I can breathe, I am able to walk my dogs again, I can sit and talk with others without getting short of breath (and that means so much to us seniors!) I actually feel better now than I did in my 40’s and 50’s! So I don’t say I am cured, but I do tell everyone that I am no longer suffering from COPD!
Hi Kris, I too suffer with the extreme phlegm and mucus. You mention that you take a small capsule of oil every night. Would it be possible for you to please share with me which oil you are taking and where I can buy it? Many kind thanks, Claudia
Please tell me how I can get this cannabis oil. I suffer from COPD. I can barely take care of my grandchildren. My sister in law has to come over and help because alot of days I can barely catch my breath or quit coughing. The meds and inhalers are so expensive when you don’t have insurance and don’t really seem to work. Please help me.
I would love to know more on this. I have severe asthma, COPD/ emphysema and struggle daily. I am maxed out on meds and use oxygen everyday.
I’m confused… If I use cannabutter in cookies, how many mg should each cookie be for a COPD patient?
How much should they ingest daily?
Low doses of cannabis can help relieve anxiety however high doses of cannabis can dramatically improve the COPD. Citicholine is an overthecounter nutraceutical that will relieve the anxiety etc of high dose cannabis. If it were me, I would try 300mg of cannabis extract per day +900 mg of citicholine as a reasonable target to work up to.
What is ball park cost of cannabis oil?
My husband has end stage emphysema. How do I go about getting more information and buying cannibas oil
very sorry to hear your husband is suffering from COPD Jen
where do you live, I live in Colorado, USA where it is now legal
there is a lot of info on the internet about Rick Simpson Oil
that is the type of oil you need to make or buy
the problem is that there are a lot of crooks selling oil that is no where near potent enough to work
you could search for a caregiver and purchase directly from the him/her (the grower)
this really sucks that we cannot get our meds at a drug store that would be pharmaceutical grade
we are living in primitive times when it comes to cannabis and the law
it is a medicine that will eventually be thoroughly researched and used
Hi. I have mild copd. Am noticing my symptoms worsening, and figure it must be beneficial to start treating this sooner than later. Seen my gp who can offer me nothing except to wait until it worsens significally and then u wil get more treatment (didn’t say what this treatment was). Would cannabis oil be helpful in delaying the disease? Also could people order this from the USA? Am aware that in this country it is illegal
Hi Sue, we’re sorry to hear about your situation. There are limited studies on COPD and cannabis although this article from Natural News suggests that you could benefit from medical cannabis. Every living mammal has an endocannabinoid system. We would suggest investigating studies on CBD. There are many clinical studies that highlight the positive effects of CBD on respiratory issues.
Hi i am suffering from asthma sleepapnea will cannibis help me where can we get it in south africa
My boyfriend has emphysema. Where can you buy cannabis oil in Gauteng, South Africa?
I have used weed over forty tear’s…never have vaped…copd get’s very rough sometimes…couple bong hit’s and I breath much easier…I still can’t walk up a steep hill to grow or push a lawn mower forty feet without having to stop…I will smoke weed til I die because I love it…need a human to help with the test’s…where do I sign/…
Thank you for sharing your experiences Wayne, long may you enjoy the therapeutic benefits of the Cannabis Sativa L plant.
I am very interested in getting more information on how we can get the oil in the UK, I read in one of the posts it is possible to do so.
It is for treating moderate to severe COPD and emphysema, all solutions and suggestions are useful and welcome. Our income is most def not high, but health is deteriorating rapidly.
Thanks in advance for all your help.
Hi I’m 20 years old and was just diagnosed with copd. They haven’t told me much about it , just throwing inhalers at me. I don’t know what stage I am but I can feel it getting worse and worse. I want to know more information about the cannabis oil and how well it actually works. The puffers aren’t helping me at all.
Hi Ally, sorry to hear about your condition, how do you think you developed COPD at such an early age?
Hi, I am Alex, I also have severe COPD, chronic heart disease (2 heart attacks and stents) I also have a tracheostomy a bad side effect that I had following thyroid cancer they also had to take out all my neck glands and the muscles from neck to shoulder so I cant lift my upper arms, this also causes a lot of pain, plus 3 prolapsed disks in my back and bad joints knees hips etc, I am an ex miner so come to expect many of the problems I have.
Need help in Falkirk area to find out what is best for me, I have been having one smoke before bedtime to help with restless Leg Syndrome, and it helps a lot. I need to find a source to get what I need without having to go to a drug dealer.
Any help of any kind would be very much appreciated.
With all that is wrong with me I am not complaining, I am normally a quite happy chappy.
Hi Alex, we’re sorry to hear about your condition. Your nearest club is Falkirk Cannabis Social Club: https://www.facebook.com/falkirkcsc/ . You can contact them via Facebook. Please remember these clubs are run by individuals for various reasons and are not associated with MMJUK.
Hello out there all my fella Britons who got the knowledge of this marvellous plant, are just wishing the legalisation of this gift of the WISE MOTHER NATURE for our own benefits in many field and aspect of our DAILY LIFE. I am very grateful for the great jobs of the open mind scientist who are just revealing what our ancient ancestors knew the secret about this magic plant.This knowledge had saved and changed people’s life thorough the history of this planet because of using wisely Marijuana, and we all know that the entire plant has been used in many culture around the globe for many purposes as well. We have inherited this magical plant by ancestral right, and the right of use for improving our already difficult,She belongs to us and is very HEALTHY
Andres. Yeah Man
I use CBD oil from CW Hemp Company which is out of Colorado in the USA. There CBD is top notch. They are trustworthy and caring. They also ship all over the world and that includes all 50 states here in the USA because their THC level is less than .03 % so their product is considered a hemp product not a psychoactive product. I am so very glad that I found them and hopefully you will feel the same way too.
Hi Sharon, it was very encouraging to read what you wrote. Would it be possible to have your email so we can contact you directly and ask you more precise questions? We are interested in CBD for COPD and emphysema. First question would be if there is no THC in the oil you have been using, but there are lot more questions. Thank you !
I desperately want to get better and be able to not have my 02 go down to 81 after taking 6 steps and using the bathroom while on oxygen , Would love for info on cannabis oil
Great information to browse through, I commend all of you for researching and wanting to know how to get better using CO. I just started my husband with CO 2 weeks ago, he’s got COPD and PAH in late stage. He chose to go the medical route and for 2 years has just gone downhill, I finally gave him the choice: Live or die. He chose life. It’s been a challenge for him because he’s in a healing crisis meaning he gets worse most of the time and it’s not easy to accept that because it’s opposite of what medicine does, but choosing life means choosing the longer route and patience which we don’t have much of anymore. We are an ‘instant’ society. Luckily we live in the country here in Croatia so I can grow a few plants without worrying that anyone would see them. If you can grow your own, you’re better off. With 3 plants you have enough to keep you going all year long. I got 200 grams from one plant (small plant) and made 2 grams of oil which works out to 72 capsules of medication, so if you can grow 3 plants, you’re way better off. I have 3 plants growing in my winter solarium, they won’t be as tall or full …but we use these to eat raw…The costs of growing your own is just the solvent…and so you don’t need a lot of plants to make your own oil. If I could order seeds online it would be even better but it’s illegal here in Croatia so I just use seeds from dealers. I have come to conclusion that the strain isn’t that important and THC plays a very important role in connecting to the endocannabinoid receptors, so give it a try if you can. I’m a beginner and it doesn’t seem to be too difficult. Making the oil takes a few hours…that’s it. Hope this helps!
Grant
I live in uk and have bad COPD lung fibrosis on umpteen inhalers etc
I to am looking for right CO trouble is what to trust. I was looking at Canibidol.com they’re based in England. Is it the CBD that improves cures COPD/lung fibrosis? Or some other combination trouble is there’s not many uk based co’s sell CBD oil. I’ve watched videos people have cured various deceases but what are they using and where can I source the correct oil for my conditions without sourcing the RS method from abroad don’t want to lay out mega cash just incase it’s ceased by customs etc. Don’t know what to do any suggestions will be great fully appreciated?
My 91 year old mom has emphysema and on oxygen 24/7, also no appetite. Would like to try Rick Simpson oil but would rather purchase it instead of make it. We live in Massachusetts, on Cape Cod. Any advice anyone?
I am 70 years old, suffering from late stage COPD. Trying MJS 50/50 C THERAPY HARMONIOUS 1:1 RATIO OF CBD & THC OIL
On day 5, noticing slight difference.
Hello! Would you help a fellow seeker of knowledge? I’m researching cannabis as an expectorant and came across this, but I can’t google this link to the paper: “Other findings using murine models have shown that intraperitoneal administration of THC results in a reduction of allergen-induced mucus production[ref]Reddy AT, Lakshmi SP, Reddy RC. Murine model of allergen induced asthma. J Vis Exp. 2012;(63):e3771.[/ref].”. Could you help me find this paper, please, so I can use it as a reference?
Hi guys,
I live in England. MY dad has COPD, has had it for 14 years, and is very unwell with it. Can hardly walk anymore, no appetite, in and out of A&E, it’s heartbreaking to watch him literally waste away.
I am desperate to get hold of Cannabis oil for him. But I am so confused as to what is the right potency and where to get it from. The last thing I want to do is make him worse 🙁
I feel like time is running out, I love my dad so much
Can someone, anyone, please please please help me. Money isn’t a problem, i’m happy to pay what ever it costs to help my dad.
Any advice at all would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks all
You can get good oil at COPD uk it’s a closed group so lease join everyone very friendly and helpful xx
Thanks for providing more info explained by a Scientist about Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and Cannabis, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is an lung diseases including emphysema, chronic bronchitis, refractory (non-reversible) asthma, and some forms of bronchiectasis. This disease is characterized by increasing breathlessness. And there symptoms of tightness in the chest, wheezing, frequent coughing (with and without sputum) and increased breathlessness. Also Cannabidiol decreased pulmonary inflammation and improvements in lung function in mouse models of inflammatory lung disease. Many people used cannabis oil for pain as an alternative healing from pain.
I am 59 now. I was diagnosed with COPD in March of 2013. I had been a heavy smoker, got a cold I couldn’t get rid of, ended up in the hospital, on a ventilator. I should have known it was coming, but like most smokers, thought it would never happen to me. I don’t smoke now and never will again, but, I still want to. My life has changed drastically. I had to stop working, sold my home (couldn’t afford it without a salary),the COPD disease has kept down since diagnosed if not for the herbal formula of Total cure herbal foundation i would have been in hospital with the use oxygen managing my condition,total cure herbal foundation finally get rid of my disease with their natural herbal products in just 14 weeks of usage which i have been on other medication for ages but am really glad now that my lungs has return to it normal position.
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