By Miguel Ordoñez


Asthmatics, of course, are very familiar with the plight of constricted lungs. Dizziness, shortness of breath, wheezing, and similar sensations are common experiences, and asthma attacks can be dangerous if you're not careful.

Along with all that, if you’re an asthmatic who enjoys smoking marijuana, life can be a bit more complicated. You’re torn between enjoying your beloved herb and avoiding the aggravation you may put your lungs through. It's nice to not have to deal with smoke or vapor in your lungs, but the relief that can come with sparking up makes it quite a tempting prospect.

That then begs the question: can you use medical marijuana as an asthmatic? Will it help your condition or will it only make it worse? This article should answer these questions.

What is Asthma and What Causes It?

You know that asthma causes difficulty in breathing and that whistling, wheezing sound every time you inhale. But what exactly happens during an attack?

Here’s an overview, and it’s not pretty.

To start, the airways in your lungs narrow and swell. In some cases, mucus may develop in your respiratory system as well. Some people may deal with it fine and deem it as a minor nuisance. For others, however, a worst-case scenario can often turn fatal.

The next logical question to ask would be, “Am I at risk for asthma?” Part of it is hereditary, and if you have close kin who are asthmatic, there’s a good chance that you are, too. Another key marker, of course, would be if you happen to suffer from allergies, as they're often comorbid with asthma.

Then you should also note certain lifestyle factors like being overweight, chain-smoking cigarettes, as well as exposure to pollutants like second-hand cigarette smoke and other hazardous chemicals.

Now, what are the causes of asthma? Several external factors can trigger an attack, like airborne allergens, certain food additives, even the cold air. You also have medical conditions that are simple as the common cold, to something as complex as Gastroesophageal reflux disease (or simply known as GERD) where your stomach acids travel up to your throat.

Medications like beta-blockers, ibuprofen, and aspirin may also cause asthma. Along with that, experiencing stress and other strong negative emotions are known precursors to asthma attacks.

What is Asthma and What Causes It?

Asthma Symptoms

Asthma attacks will vary from one person to another. Some people would have frequent attacks the moment they’re exposed to one of these triggers, but others would only experience one during a strenuous exercise, for example, or an intense emotional episode.

Regardless, the symptoms will look alike regardless of which asthmatic is experiencing them. You know you’re having a full-blown asthma attack if you’re experiencing the following:

  • Wheezing during every exhale. You’ll particularly see this in children, and it is quite a painful sound to hear.
  • Shortness of breath, as if you just ran a full marathon.
  • Hard, dry coughing worsened by wheezing. These are the ones commonly caused by a virus like the flu.
  • Interrupted sleep cycles because of breathing troubles.

As we mentioned earlier, asthma attacks may turn deadly if poorly attended to. You know your condition is getting worse by the minute if you continue to struggle even after a few puffs from a quick-relief inhaler. A peak flow meter would also be a good gauge of the airflow in your lungs.

So, if you continue to manifest the primary symptoms and the peak flow meter isn’t showing encouraging results, that’s the time to seek professional help.

How Does Cannabis Affect Asthmatic Patients?

While there are now various ways to consume cannabis in this day and age of legalization, smoking is still the preferred method by many. And the reality is, many herb-lovers are still unable to pause the habit, despite their existing condition.

So to provide answers to lingering questions and debates, science finally intervened. In April, a group of experts conducted research[1] on three asthmatic patients treated with medical cannabis.

The study’s participants reported an improvement in their condition, so researchers decided to delve into their data. First, it showed cannabis’ bronchodilator effect, in which cannabis essentially relaxed the muscles in the lungs to widen the airways. They also noticed the cannabinoids seemed to have a soothing effect on the lungs.

However, there’s still that other factor of having smoke enter the lungs, which may also cause airway irritation. It may also lead to the onset of chronic bronchitis if done in excess, although that doesn't usually happen.

How Does Cannabis Affect Asthmatic Patients?

Should You Smoke Medical Marijuana For Asthma?

Now that we've gone through and discussed some of the main benefits, we’ll now focus on the potential long-term risks of smoking with asthma:

  • Large fluid-filled sacs otherwise known as bullae[2] may easily develop in your lungs if you smoke cannabis. Considering the fact you're already dealing with asthma, we can imagine this is the last problem you'd want to deal with.
  • Over time, the bullae may develop into pneumothorax[3], otherwise known as a collapsed lung, which is a life-threatening condition.

The short-term risks aren’t too pretty, either. They could easily aggravate your asthmatic symptoms and make your daily experience a lot more miserable. These are what you’ll likely experience if you aren't careful with your smoking habit:

  • Wheezing while exhaling
  • Shortness of breath
  • Development of phlegm
  • Worsened coughing
  • Lung infections

Other Forms of Cannabis For Asthma

So, with smoking definitely out of the list of options, are there other ways to consume cannabis to possibly alleviate asthma symptoms? Thankfully, as it turns out, there are quite a few.

Here are a few other methods you can try out:

  • Vaping

You’ve probably heard about the comparisons between vaping and smoking, and you likely have your preference. But if we’re talking about what the “healthier” option is for those with asthma, it will all come down to the physical and chemical changes happening with the bud when you vape or smoke it.

See, with vaping, the device gets the cannabis just hot enough to release the compounds within. That heat activates both the cannabinoids and terpenes present in the plant and releases them in vapor form, which you subsequently inhale.

Smoking, on the other hand, burns the plant material, and therefore makes it carcinogenic (meaning it can potentially cause cancer if consumed in large enough amounts). Furthermore, according to the American Lung Association[4], cannabis smoke may release more tar compared to tobacco.

If you really need to get your dose of cannabis, vaping is one of your best bets outside of cannabis oil, tinctures, and edibles. It may not be 100% safe, but it is definitely the better option compared to smoking, especially if you’re dealing with asthma.

Vaping
  • Inhaler

Thanks to legalization, medical experts have come up with advancements in their respective fields to highlight and accommodate the benefits that cannabis brings. Nowadays, the asthmatic’s trusty old friend, the inhaler, can actually be used as a reliable apparatus for consumption.

Cannabis inhalers are similar to vaporizers in their use of vapors instead of smoke. The main difference, however, is that with this one, you get more precise doses.

The cannabinoid enters the lungs through a propellant, much like how a usual inhaler works. And as we mentioned, these inhalers give your precise doses. You’re getting the same amount every single puff, which means you’re not consuming too much and leaving your body compromised in any way, shape, or form. These inhalers are usually THC-dominant, too, so make sure you look at the labels carefully if you need one with CBD or other cannabinoids in significant numbers.

The best part about cannabis inhalers, along with all that, is the fact they're very inconspicuous. You can easily slip it into your pocket and take a few puffs wherever you please. Even if somebody sees you, it will only look like you’re puffing through an inhaler for your asthma. Imagine having that kind of freedom everywhere you go!

Inhaler

Traditional Asthma Treatments vs. Cannabis

Whichever treatment option your doctor prescribes will depend on the severity of the condition. Traditional treatment methods may come in the form of prescribed medications and breathing exercises, but the quick-relief inhaler is the usual go-to option.

But, with the definite possibility of infusing THC into the inhalers, asthma sufferers can very well enjoy the best of both worlds of instant and longer-term relief from the debilitating disease that unfortunately has no real cure yet.

There are definitely more studies that need to be done about the relationship between cannabis and asthma. But let’s be real: cannabis has been noted to have calming, relaxing effects on many users, and those could serve any asthmatic well. Smoking the herb definitely is out of the question, but alternative consumption methods are definitely worth looking at.

Medical DisclaimerInformation listed, referenced or linked to on this website is for general educational purposes only and does not provide professional medical or legal advice.

Royal Queen Seeds does not condone, advocate or promote licit or illicit drug use. Royal Queen Seeds Cannot be held responsible for material from references on our pages or on pages to which we provide links, which condone, advocate or promote licit or illicit drug use or illegal activities. Please consult your Doctor/Health care Practitioner before using any products/methods listed, referenced or linked to on this website.

External Resources:
  1. Medical Cannabis in Asthmatic Patients - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Bullae: Pictures, Treatment, Symptoms, and More https://www.healthline.com
  3. Pneumothorax (Collapsed Lung): Types, Symptoms, and Risks https://www.healthline.com
  4. Marijuana and Lung Health | American Lung Association https://www.lung.org
  5. Encyclopédie Larousse en ligne - bulle pulmonaire https://www.larousse.fr
  6. Pathologies - Réagir en cas d'urgence : Pneumothorax | ameli.fr | Assuré https://www.ameli.fr
  7. Catalogue en ligne OFDT Documentation https://bdoc.ofdt.fr
  8. Bulla. Diccionario médico. Clínica Universidad de Navarra. https://www.cun.es
  9. Neumotórax: Síntomas, diagnóstico y tratamiento. Clínica Universidad de Navarra https://www.cun.es
  10. Lungenzysten: einfaches Bild – viele Ursachen https://healthcare-in-europe.com
  11. Pneumothorax – Wikipedia https://de.wikipedia.org
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: