Research has found evidence that CBD can be effective for treating COPD, asthma and other respiratory disorders. It may have value for managing acute attacks of constricted airways caused by inflammation and may also be a preventive measure for people who have COPD. Early studies show CBD’s brochodilatory effects and inhibition of smooth muscle contraction surrounding the lungs. CBD may also possess antitussive effects on the airways.

  1. Staino, R. I. et al. human lung-resident macrophages express CB1 and CB2 receptors whose activation inhibits the release of angiogenic and lymphangiogenic factors. Journal of Leukocyte Biology. 99(4), 531-540. 2016. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26467187/)
  2. Yoshihara, S., et al. The cannabinoid receptor agonist WIN 55212-2 inhibits neurogenic inflammation in airway tissues. Journal of Pharmacological Sciences. 98(1), 77-82. 2005. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/15888960/)
  3. Tashkin, D. P. et al. Acute effects of smoked cannabis and oral delta 9-tetrahydrocannabidiol on specific airway conductance in asthmatic subjects. The American Review of Respiratory Disease. 109(4), 420-428. 1974. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/4816823/)
  4. Grassin-Delyle, S. cannabinoids inhibit cholinergic contraction in human airways through prejunctional CB1 receptors. British Journal of Pharmacology. 171(11), 2767-2777. 2014. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24467410/)
  5. Ribeiro, A. et al. Cannabinoid improves lung function and inflammation in mice submitted to LPS-induced acute lung injury. Immunopharmacology and Immunotoxicology. 37(1)” 1-7. 2014. (https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.3109/08923973.2014.976794?src=recsys&journalCode=iipi20)
  6. Makwana, Raj et al. The effect of phytocannabinoids on airway hyper-responsiveness, airway inflammation and cough. The Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics. 353: 169-180. 2015. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25655949/)
  7. Vuolo, F., et al. Evaluation of serum cytokines levels and the role of cannabinoid treatment in animal model of asthma. Mediators of Inflammation. 2015. (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26101464/)