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Can Medical Marijuana Help Patients Recover from Pneumonia?

by Sarah Walker

October 16, 2021 06:00 pm ET Estimated Read Time: 10 Minutes

Medically reviewed by Dr. Abraham Benavides Fact checked by Kymberly Drapcho

What You Need to Know: Medical Cannabis for Pneumonia 

The relationship between cannabis use and pneumonia is complex, influenced by factors such as the type of pneumonia and an individual’s smoking history. While long-term marijuana smoking is acknowledged as a potential cause of pneumonia, cannabis smoke does not seem to increase the risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or lung cancer. The use of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in cannabis, particularly through smoking, is associated with effects on immune cells in the alveoli and alterations in bronchial tissues, leading to increased phlegm and coughing. Caution is advised, and alternative methods of cannabis delivery, such as vaping or edibles, are recommended to avoid lung irritation during pneumonia.

The activation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS) by cannabis, including THC and cannabidiol (CBD), can modulate immune responses and provide temporary bronchodilation. However, chronic cannabis use may constrict lung capacity over time. Using cannabis during pneumonia, especially through smoking, is discouraged due to potential lung irritation and increased infection risk. This article emphasizes the need for further research to understand the nuanced effects of cannabis on pneumonia and highlights the importance of considering individual health conditions and methods of cannabis consumption.

The Science Behind Medical Cannabis for Pneumonia

1. Cannabis Use and Pneumonia
2. Treating Pneumonia with Medical Cannabis
3. Smoking and Pneumonia: Notes to Consider
4. Understanding the Different Types of Pneumonia
   1. Bacterial Pneumonia
   2. Viral Pneumonia
   3. Mycoplasma Pneumonia
   4. Atypical Pneumonia
5. Research on Pneumonia and Cannabis Use

Treating pneumonia with medical marijuana is complicated. Not only can the effects of it vary depending on the type of pneumonia you have, but it is also known to cause pneumonia in people who are long-term marijuana smokers. Cannabis smoke does not appear to increase the risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or lung cancer. However, it is associated with symptoms of chronic bronchitis (8).

According to a 2015 expert panel review of the literature “It is unclear whether cannabis is associated with an increased risk of pneumonia. Some case series and studies in immunocompromised patients have noted a link, but no definitive studies have been done. Some effects of smoked cannabis could predispose to pneumonia (8).” 

The use of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) suppresses macrophages, a type of immune cell, and their functionality in alveoli which are little air sacs that connect to the bronchioles and bronchi (where air enters the lungs) (8). Alveoli are important because it’s the portion of the lung where your blood cells exchange carbon dioxide for fresh oxygen. THC also causes the ciliated, or hair-like bronchial tissues to be replaced by hyperplastic mucus-secreting bronchial cells. This is related to increased phlegm and the cough smokers develop. 

Cannabis begins its influence on the body through the activation of the endocannabinoid system (ECS), which is made up of fat-based neurotransmitters that the body self produces. Through the activation of cannabinoid receptors in the body, the cannabinoids found in cannabis, such as THC and cannabidiol (CBD), can increase or decrease neurotransmitters in the body, allowing for immune modulation, pain reduction, and other physiological effects.

An evidence brief from the Michael G. DeGroote Centre for Medicinal Cannabis Research on the lungs and cannabis notes that THC activates the endocannabinoid anandamide (AEA), which binds to CB1 receptors in the lungs, causing the bronchial muscles, or upper lung to relax (17). This can help open up the airways into the lungs, but if THC is ingested and the airways are already relaxed, patients may experience bronchospasms which restrict the airways. It is thought that acute use helps relax the bronchial muscles, but long-term cannabis use actually constricts the lungs’ ability to take in air.

For more information on how the endocannabinoid system works, please see our page on endocannabinoids here.

Cannabis Use and Pneumonia

Using medical cannabis while you have pneumonia can have different effects depending on a variety of factors. If you are a long-term cigarette or cannabis smoker, despite the evidence above about how cannabis can help open airways, it most likely will cause you to have a harder time breathing while you have pneumonia. 

Marijuana smoking or cigarette smoking can cause you to experience the following: increased coughing, increased mucus production, possible allergy to any contaminants, and increased risk for infection (23). 

It is important to note that research supports that these issues can improve after smoking has stopped, so these changes are not necessarily permanent unless you are suffering from chronic lung disease or other cardiopulmonary complications (8). If you continue to suffer from the above symptoms after quitting and it has been several months, please reach out to your health care provider to determine why you are having continued shortness of breath or other breathing issues. 

Vaping and edibles offer more efficient and less irritating methods of delivery while avoiding potentially hazardous free radicals and carbon monoxide from combustion. In general, inhalational methods are best avoided in patients with pneumonia or lung issues (8). 

In general, medical marijuana has the following positive health effects:

• Temporarily increase bronchodilation (17)
• Reduce chronic pain
• Reduce inflammation
• Temporarily increases lung capacity

Treating Pneumonia with Medical Cannabis

Treating pneumonia with medical cannabis is not recommended by smoking or inhaling it because it can irritate the lungs, throat, and airways, and actually increase your risk for developing pneumonia over time (17). Smoking cannabis, like tobacco smoke, increases your risk of damage to your lungs over time. It can also increase your body’s risk of health problems and infections such as pneumonia through its ability to modulate your immune system. 

Through modulating your immune system, cannabis helps decrease chronic pain and inflammation by slowing down immune cell responses in B/T lymphocytes and macrophages, as well as altering the presence of cytokines (17). This may be great for people who have chronic inflammatory conditions such as autoimmune diseases and arthritis to slow the body’s attack on healthy tissue, but it can increase your risk for infection. 

Smoking and Pneumonia: Notes to Consider

It is important to note that cannabis can sometimes contain bacteria and fungus that may also increase your risk of infection when inhaling cannabis, particularly if you have another chronic condition that lowers your immune system’s ability to fight off infections or are taking immunity-modifying medications (17). 

It is also unlikely, but possible, to be allergic to any contaminants like Aspergillus and Penicillium mold present on contaminated cannabis (17)(8). This is also noteworthy for persons with predisposing asthma or cystic fibrosis. All the more reason for everyone to double-check the lab quality of your cannabis before purchasing or consuming it.

Understanding the Different Types of Pneumonia

There are four main types of pneumonia; they are grouped by what is causing the infection. Healthcare providers may also further divide pneumonia into two groups: community-acquired vs healthcare-associated pneumonia, depending on the probable source of infection (2). This helps providers determine appropriate management and treatment per guidelines from the Center for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) and other professional societies (4). There are also many subtypes of each of the four main kinds that include new diagnoses like pneumonia caused by COVID-19 infection. 

The four main types include:

Bacterial Pneumonia

Bacterial pneumonia can be caused by a variety of different types of bacteria. It usually happens when the body has been weakened by illness, poor nutrition, or an impaired immune system. It is typically caused by pneumococci bacteria that are also responsible for ear infections, sinus infections, sepsis, and meningitis (24). You may also have an increased risk of pneumonia if you abuse alcohol or smoke cigarettes or cannabis (18). Certain medical conditions, immune-reducing medications, and even surgery can also increase the risk of bacterial or other pneumonia. 

Viral Pneumonia

Viral types of pneumonia are caused by viruses as opposed to bacteria. Influenza causes about one-third of viral pneumonia infections (18). If you suspect you have viral pneumonia, it is important to rest and take care of yourself because it can develop into bacterial pneumonia. 

Breathing, pain, or any issues that worsen or fail to improve should be medically evaluated to rule out other potentially serious conditions. This is especially important in a COVID-19 world, and also emphasizes the need for vaccinations. 

There are now safe and effective vaccinations for COVID-19 readily available in the US that prevent COVID pneumonia, hospitalization, and severe disease (9). Additionally, there are existing vaccines recommended by the CDC to prevent bacterial pneumonia in children under 2 and persons over 65 (5). Antibiotics are not recommended for viral pneumonia, only bacterial ones. Speak to your provider if you have any health concerns or questions about vaccines.

Mycoplasma Pneumonia

Also known as “walking pneumonia,” Mycoplasma pneumoniae bacteria can cause damage to the lining of the respiratory system and is considered contagious if you are in close contact with someone who has it (25). Outbreaks of walking pneumonia are common in crowded places like schools, dormitories, military barracks, nursing homes, and hospitals.

Atypical Pneumonia

These types of pneumonia are harder to diagnose through standard bacterial identification methods. They also can cause slightly different symptoms, appear differently in chest x-rays, or respond to antibiotics differently than the more typical types of pneumonia (26). Some atypical types can be caused by the following bacteria:

• Chlamydia pneumoniae – This is a type of bacteria that causes respiratory infections in children, that usually leads to mild pneumonia or bronchitis (3). Some people may be infected by this bacteria and have mild or no symptoms. Sometimes it is also referred to as Chlamydophila pneumoniae.
• Chlamydia psittaci – Also known as psittacosis, this bacteria is known for infecting birds, but it can sometimes be passed to people (27). It is important to follow good precautions while cleaning and handling birdcages to help avoid this infection. It can cause a mild respiratory illness or pneumonia in people.
• Legionella pneumophila – Legionnaires’ disease is a very serious type of pneumonia to be infected with. It is caused by swallowing or inhaling small water droplets that contain legionella (28). Legionella occurs naturally in lakes and streams, but it becomes a health concern when it grows and spreads in building water systems, air conditioners, and hot tubs that are not properly maintained. According to the CDC, 1 out of 10 people with Legionnaire’s will die from it.

Research on Pneumonia and Cannabis Use

According to a report given at the 2020 CHEST Conference, COPD patients saw a 37.6% reduction in the odds of dying in the hospital in patients with cannabis use (29). In addition, the same COPD patients had an 11.8% lower risk of developing pneumonia. 

Another recent study evaluated cannabis use with the risk of pneumonia in men with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) that came with similar results as above. This study checked in with patients at regular six-month intervals over the course of 30 years. Self-reported cannabis smoking daily or weekly did not increase the risk for pneumonia in the control group that included participants without HIV (30). Patients with HIV saw a small increase in the risk of pneumonia, which researchers thought had to do with this group’s compromised immune system combined with the immune-suppressing effects of THC.

Note: Veriheal does not intend to give this as professional medical advice. Do not attempt to self-diagnose, or prescribe treatment based on the information provided on this page. Always consult a physician before making any decision on the treatment of a medical condition.