Written by Alex Patsfield on 10/21/2023.
Data Last Updated: 07/04/2024.
Cannabis for medical purposes is not a new concept. Even the ancient Scythians were aware of the beneficial properties of cannabis and utilized it for healing in steam baths (1). Indian Ayurvedic medicine prescribes cannabis for nervousness and bronchitis (2). In China, the pioneer of surgery, Hua Tuo, employed marijuana as an anesthetic during surgeries (3).
The cannabis inhaler is unprecedented. This novel method of administration seeks to enhance accessibility for cancer patients previously treated with pharmaceutical cannabis in forms like sublingual tablets, and for those who experience acute cancer pain but wish to avoid smoking cannabis. The inhalation therapy offers a faster response time than sublingual or oral tablets.
At first glance, a cannabis inhaler looks similar to an asthma inhaler: it’s compact, cylindrical, and easily fits in a pocket or bag. With a push of a button, the inhaler releases a burst of THC and/or CBD distillate. As the name suggests, you simply inhale the dose and go about your day, sidestepping the hassle of rolling papers, grinding buds, or masking the scent. A cartridge for this inhaler typically costs between $50 to $100 and offers approximately a hundred doses.
Today, there are numerous methods for using cannabis. If you’re interested in harnessing the medicinal benefits of cannabis, the modern market offers a wide array of options. For recreational users, the method of consumption largely boils down to personal preference.
Specifically for medical users, there’s a new addition to the roster: specialized cannabis inhalers. While this method still involves the inhalation of marijuana vapor, it’s fundamentally different from vaporizers. The inhaler allows for precise dosing with each use.
When people see an inhaler, they typically don’t associate it with cannabis. At a casual glance, it’s not apparent that it contains THC. This discreetness makes inhalers convenient for use in public places.
Another advantage of inhalers is that they don’t emit the characteristic smell of cannabis. It’s easy to carry an inhaler in a pocket, purse, or bag. This means patients can ensure they always have their “medicine” on hand, especially in smoke-free zones. Clearly, inhalers offer several distinct benefits.
Although cannabis inhalers have undergone various studies, not all findings are public knowledge yet. We await more comprehensive results and further analysis. Hence, the full acceptance of this innovative method of consuming marijuana, given its known potential, seems inevitable.
Insomnia, which afflicts roughly a third of adults in the USA, stands to benefit immensely once marijuana inhalers become mainstream. Beyond fatigue, sleep disturbances are often linked to an increased risk of health issues such as depression, diabetes, heart attack, obesity, and stroke. Sleep disorders can also reduce life expectancy. Researchers have crafted an inhaler that converts cannabis into vapor. The design of the marijuana inhaler ensures that it can hold the optimal amount needed to produce a sedative effect. This is roughly a quarter of the tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) typically consumed by smokers to achieve psychoactive effects.
Cannabis inhalers have been hailed for their discretion, ease of use, and the ability to deliver consistent doses. However, like all methods of consumption, there are drawbacks to consider.
The use of cannabinoids for respiratory diseases, especially asthma, may offer some advantages over certain traditional treatments (4).
Asthma is among the most prevalent chronic diseases globally. The declining air quality worldwide exacerbates respiratory issues in people. In Spain, for instance, roughly 10% of children and more than 5% of adults are asthmatic (5). In the United States, around 35 million individuals suffer from this condition, with it being responsible for approximately 4,000 American deaths each year (6).
Asthma is an inflammatory disease of the lungs that primarily impacts the bronchi. During an asthma episode, the lungs become inflamed and constricted, inhibiting proper blood flow and significantly obstructing normal breathing. Symptoms of asthma include:
While its presentation can vary, the conventional treatment approach for asthma has been consistent. Historically, the focus was on reducing the risk of respiratory complications. Nowadays, anti-inflammatory medications are the most sought-after treatments for asthma sufferers. These steroids are commonly administered through inhalers, acting as short-term bronchodilators. Bronchodilators function to widen the airways, relieving the breathlessness, wheezing, coughing, and tightness associated with asthma. The cannabis asthma inhaler transforms the medication from liquid to mist, making it easier to inhale and absorb.
Users Seeking Accurate Dosing. One of the primary advantages of a cannabis inhaler is its ability to deliver a highly consistent and accurate dose every time it’s used. This is especially beneficial for those who want to ensure they are not overconsuming, or who require a very specific amount for therapeutic reasons.
Recent research exploring the potential of cannabis indicates that treating asthma with cannabis might be more effective than traditional methods. Currently, two techniques utilizing the palliative properties of cannabis or its derivatives for asthma treatment are under investigation.
Data from these studies suggest that vapors produced during cannabis inhalation help relax the bronchial walls. A 1973 study published in the “New England Journal of Medicine” reported that “Marihuana smoke, unlike cigarette smoke, causes bronchodilation [expansion of the air passages] rather than bronchoconstriction [narrowing of the air passages] and, unlike opiates, does not cause central respiratory depression.”
Another research avenue focuses on specific dosages of cannabinoid medications acting as pain relievers or anti-inflammatory agents. These drugs interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors in a way that decreases the likelihood of lung constriction and promotes regular blood flow within them. Taking cannabinoids orally also aids in opening the airways, functioning as a bronchodilator.
With the rise of cannabis inhaler reviews and growing discussions around medical cannabis use, it’s clear that cannabis can alleviate pain, nausea, and muscle spasms. Thus, cannabis-derived medications are being employed to treat neuropathic pain, manage HIV symptoms, and control refractory epilepsy, which doesn’t respond to other treatments. It’s crucial to note that medications with precisely measured and adjusted cannabinoid content are used for these purposes.
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