Newly examined data from the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) Study found that inhaled marijuana use was associated with increased odds of experiencing an asthma exacerbation within one year among adults living with asthma. The research was outlined in the paper, “Association of Inhaling Marijuana With Asthma Attacks: An Analysis of Nationally Representative Survey Data,” and recently published in CHEST.
The study’s authors noted that as marijuana use continues to grow across the United States, health experts have sought to better understand its effects on respiratory conditions such as asthma. However, previous research on the relationship between marijuana use and asthma outcomes has been limited, they said.
To address this gap, investigators analyzed data from 4,477 adults with asthma who participated in Waves 4-6 of the PATH Study, a large longitudinal survey that tracks tobacco and substance use and related health outcomes.
Researchers compared asthma attack rates among participants who did not use marijuana and those who inhaled marijuana in different forms, including:
- Combustible products (smoking)
- Electronic products (vaping)
- Both smoking and vaping
In the study, asthma attacks were defined as episodes requiring treatment with oral or injected corticosteroids during the previous 12 months. The results showed a consistent association between inhaled marijuana use and future asthma exacerbations.
Compared with individuals who did not use marijuana:
- Those who smoked marijuana had a 64% higher likelihood of reporting an asthma attack one year later.
- Those who vaped marijuana had an 81% higher likelihood of experiencing an asthma attack.
- Those who both smoked and vaped marijuana had a 57% higher likelihood of reporting an asthma attack.
All associations were statistically significant after researchers adjusted for baseline characteristics and other potential confounding factors.
According to the study’s authors, the findings add to growing concerns about the respiratory impact of inhaled marijuana among individuals with chronic lung conditions.
Although the study identified a significant association, researchers emphasized the need for further investigation into the long-term effects of marijuana use on respiratory health.
However, with marijuana use becoming increasingly common, particularly among younger adults, investigators said understanding how different methods of consumption affect asthma control and lung health will be important for both patients and healthcare providers.
