Association of Inhaling Marijuana With Asthma Attacks: An Analysis of Nationally Representative Survey Data

Marijuana has been increasing in popularity. Asthma is an inflammatory airway disease that can cause a range of respiratory symptoms. Currently, there are extremely limited studies on the effects of marijuana use on asthma attacks.

What is the association between inhaling marijuana and asthma attacks in US adults with asthma?

Waves 4 to 6 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health (PATH) study, a longitudinal study examining tobacco use and its impact on various aspects of health, were used for this analysis. The presence of asthma attacks at follow-up waves was compared between individuals who did not use marijuana and those who inhaled combustible marijuana, inhaled electronically delivered marijuana, or used both at their baseline wave (dichotomous variables). Presence of asthma attacks was defined by self-report use of oral or injected corticosteroid to treat an attack in the past 12 months. Statistical analysis was conducted by using a weighted multivariable logistic regression model adjusting for baseline characteristics.

In this study involving 4,477 participants, inhaling marijuana was significantly linked to higher rates of asthma exacerbations 1 year from baseline. Compared with those who do not use marijuana, marijuana participants who inhaled combustible marijuana products only (smoke; OR, 1.64; 95% CI, 1.12-2.40; P < .05), electronic products only (vape; OR, 1.81; 95% CI, 1.06-3.08; P < .05), or both combustible and electronic products (smoke and vape; OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.01-2.45; P < .05) had greater odds of reporting an asthma attack in the subsequent wave.

Our results show inhaling marijuana was significantly linked to a higher risk of asthma attacks from 1 year baseline. Given the increasing use of marijuana among young adults, more research is needed to better understand its long-term effects on respiratory health, especially asthma outcomes.