How CBD Helps With Lungs 

CBD has emerged as a potential alternative for a wide range of health conditions. The health benefits of CBD for the lungs may include its anti-inflammatory properties⁽¹⁾.

A medical study published in the Journal of Environmental Sciences in 2017 investigated the endocannabinoid system (ECS)’s potential positive effects on lung inflammation⁽²⁾. 

The ECS regulates several essential functions in the body, including inflammation, pain, appetite, sleep, memory, and mood⁽³⁾.  

The ECS‘ primary components include the endocannabinoids, cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), and enzymes. 

CB1 is responsible for cognitive functions, including movement, thinking, memories, pain, and mood⁽⁴⁾. CB2 receptors are closely related to the immune system and inflammation regulators⁽⁵⁾. 

Neurotransmitters known as endocannabinoids or endogenous cannabinoids bind to CB1 or CB2 receptors. Neurotransmitters are molecules that transmit signals from nerve cells to target cells, such as those in glands and muscles.  

The triggering of the receptors activates particular functions of the cannabinoids. 

CBD and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two plant-based phytocannabinoids that can bind with CB1 or CB2 receptors. Phytocannabinoids are naturally occurring cannabinoids originating from the Cannabis sativa plant.

CBD is a non-psychoactive compound contained in hemp plants. Meanwhile, THC exists in large quantities in marijuana plants and has mind-altering psychoactive effects that produce a “high.”

A 2019 study evaluated the striking response of a patient’s self-administration of CBD oil for one month to treat adenocarcinoma of the lungs⁽⁶⁾. Adenocarcinoma is a type of lung cancer that develops from abnormal lung cells into a tumor. 

The subject was an 81-year-old man with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The subject enacted no other detectable drug, dietary, or lifestyle changes. 

The subject’s symptoms of COPD included a 3-week history of increasing breathlessness without cough⁽⁷⁾. A CT scan verified a cancerous growth located in the subject’s lower left lung. 

Results showed that CBD may have antineoplastic effects in vitro and and in vivo in lung cancer and other types of cancer⁽⁸⁾. The objective of antineoplastic therapies is to target rapidly dividing cancer cells.    

However, more studies on COPD patients are needed for more definitive conclusions. 

If you have COPD, such as chronic bronchitis or another severe lung disease or condition, it is advisable to consult a physician before utilizing a CBD product. A physician can guide you on the proper usage and dosage of CBD products.  

Benefits and Uses of CBD for Lungs

Conventional treatments, such as corticosteroids, may help relieve and reduce symptoms of lung diseases, including asthma and emphysema. 

However, these treatments may result in side effects, such as lower bone density and medication efficacy over time⁽⁹⁾.

CBD oil may be a natural alternative to alleviating symptoms of lung diseases. 

In a 2015 study, a lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury was enacted on animal subjects, followed by the administration of a cannabidiol treatment⁽¹⁰⁾.  

The mice exhibited improved lung capability and decreased signs of inflammation within 24 hours after the CBD administration⁽¹¹⁾. 

The researchers reported total lung elastance (the pressure required to inflate the lungs) and resistance with decreased production of proinflammatory cytokines. 

Cytokines are secreted proteins that regulate the body’s response to inflammation and immunity⁽¹²⁾.  

According to the study’s results, CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects may help improve airflow of the lung airways in mice subjects. 

The results suggested that CBD may be a possible treatment option to enhance lung function and treat lung inflammation⁽¹³⁾.  

A 2019 study also supported these findings. The researchers noted that CBD may help improve the lungs’ ability to inflate and address inflammation issues⁽¹⁴⁾. 

Another animal study showed that CBD’s anti-inflammatory effects may help reduce most cytokines’ levels⁽¹⁵⁾. 

The medical researchers suggested that CBD may help relieve bronchial inflammation and swelling during asthma attacks. 

A study led by A. Dudášová was conducted on guinea pigs, in which researchers induced allergic reactions on the test subjects and administered CBD⁽¹⁶⁾. 

The study’s findings indicated that CBD may help inhibit the obstruction of the bronchial airway. This reaction suggests that CBD may play a significant role in dealing with COPD and other obstructive airway disorders. 

Another guinea pig study published in the Journal of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics examined the effects of phytocannabinoids, such as CBD (cannabidiol), CBDA (cannabidiolic acid), CBG (cannabigerol), THC (tetrahydrocannabinol), and THCV (tetrahydrocannabivarin),  on the lungs⁽¹⁷⁾.

The researchers reported the animal subjects experienced reduced cough and inflammation and enhanced lung function. 

Findings from a recent study reported that cannabidiol (CBD) may improve lung structure and create a potent anti-inflammatory effect through the regulation of apelin, a natural peptide⁽¹⁸⁾.

However, more research is necessitated to determine whether CBD produces the same improvements in lung function among human subjects. 

Individuals with lung conditions or diseases should consult a medical practitioner before taking CBD for lung conditions. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Lungs?

No definitive research has examined the time duration required for CBD products to produce biological effects for lung conditions or diseases in humans.  

However, several reviewers of CBD products have observed they feel the effects of CBD products, such as CBD oil, within one hour. 

Several factors, such as the CBD form and dosage and the user’s body weight, can affect the expediency by which individuals begin to experience biological effects.

Consulting your physician before administering any CBD products is highly advisable. They can guide you on the best CBD product based on possible drug interactions.

How Long Will CBD Continue to Help With Lungs? 

Researchers have yet to examine the efficacy duration provided by CBD products for relieving lung diseases or conditions. 

Some reviewers of CBD products reported they felt the biological effects of CBD products for two to six hours. 

Several factors can impact the efficacy duration of CBD products. They include the CBD product’s overall quantity and form (oils, topicals, or vapes) and your body weight and metabolism. 

Risks and Side Effects of Utilizing CBD for Lungs  

The World Health Organization (WHO) reported that CBD has a favorable safety profile and is generally well tolerated by humans⁽¹⁹⁾. CBD demonstrates no effects indicating any potential for abuse or dependence.

However, possible CBD side effects may include dry mouth, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, gastrointestinal problems, liver damage, nausea, and changes in mood and alertness⁽²⁰⁾.   

CBD may also interact with prescription drugs or dietary supplements, possibly raising their levels in the bloodstream⁽²¹⁾. 

You should request medical advice from your doctor before taking CBD alongside other medications, such as diclofenac and theophylline.  

Diclofenac⁽²²⁾ is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) used for chronic pain. Theophylline⁽²³⁾ is used to treat symptoms of asthma or other lung conditions.

A study published in 2007 indicated that CBD impacts how cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes break down particular medications⁽²⁴⁾. 

Cytochrome P450 (CYP450) comprises a family of enzymes responsible for metabolizing several cannabinoids.  

The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises consumers to be cautious of CBD products being sold as supplements and marketed with unsubstantiated therapeutic claims⁽²⁵⁾.

The FDA currently lacks regulation of the purity and safety of dietary supplements⁽²⁶⁾. Thus, several CBD products on the market may not have undergone testing or evaluation.

The FDA has only approved Epidiolex, a prescription drug derived from purified cannabidiol⁽²⁷⁾. The pharmaceutical is used to treat seizures associated with rare forms of epilepsy, including Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS). 

How to Choose the Best CBD Oil for Lungs 

Before selecting any CBD product for lung diseases or conditions, it is helpful to learn the various types of CBD on the market.

• Full-spectrum CBD contains all the natural chemical compounds in the cannabis plant, which includes CBD, THC, flavonoids, terpenes, essential oils, and fatty acids. 

Flavonoids are plant pigments, terpenes are aromatic compounds, essential oils are natural extracts from a single plant species, and fatty acids are the building blocks of fat.

• Broad-spectrum CBD also contains all the chemical compounds from the cannabis plant. However, this CBD type is THC-free.  
• CBD isolates offer pure CBD. This type of CBD contains no other chemical compounds and is frequently produced in a crystalline form.

Here are some of the most critical issues to consider when selecting  high-quality CBD products or CBD brands:

• Forms of CBD: Edibles include capsules, softgels, gummies, and tablets. Topicals include creams, lotions, salves, and balms. Oils and tinctures, vapes, and pet products are also popular product categories.  
• Hemp source: Consider whether the hemp is locally grown or imported. Hemp sources in the U.S. include California, Colorado, Oregon, and Kentucky⁽²⁸⁾. 
• Extraction process: Methods include ethanol, steam distillation, and CO2 extraction. 

CO2 extraction involves using pressurized carbon dioxide to remove naturally occurring chemical compounds from the hemp plant, such as cannabinoids. 

• Third-party lab tests: Independent laboratories provide a certificate of analysis (COA) for every batch of products tested. COAs include information such as different potencies and concentrations (mg of CBD in one unit) and contaminants like pesticides, heavy metals, and solvents.
• Carrier oils: Some hemp extracts contain hemp-seed oil or medium-chain triglyceride oils (MCT oils). 
• Overall quality: Quality products are made with organic hemp and are non-genetically modified organisms (non-GMO).

CBD products that are certified organic must meet technical specifications for procedures such as processing, manufacturing, and storage. 

Meanwhile, non-GMO products are produced without any genetic engineering or altering of deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA). 

Legality of CBD

The 2018 Farm Bill legalized hemp-derived CBD with less than 0.3% THC on the federal level⁽²⁹⁾. The law allowed hemp’s growth, cultivation, production, and manufacturing.  

Still, state laws may enforce varying degrees of restriction on CBD products. Most U.S. states have legalized CBD-rich oils containing high THC concentrations⁽³⁰⁾. 

Under a state’s medical marijuana program, individuals with qualifying medical conditions may have legal access to medical cannabis. Requirements often include an official diagnosis and a licensed doctor’s recommendation⁽³¹⁾.  

It is advisable to research your state’s particular state laws regarding CBD  before buying or selling CBD products. 

Before engaging in interstate travel with CBD products, it is also advisable to research the destination state’s laws regarding CBD products.