Purpose-built for physicians
ORLANDO — Patients with asthma who use marijuana have greater risks for mortality and respiratory support following admission for an exacerbation, according to an abstract presented at the American Thoracic Society International Conference.
“Marijuana is one of the most commonly used psychoactive substances used worldwide, with increased prevalence due to recent legalization,” Juan Martinez Ortega, MD, a third-year medical resident at Lincoln Medical Center in New York, said during his presentation.
Yet previous studies on the effects of marijuana on asthma have offered conflicting evidence about its benefits and harms, with some research indicating that it may act as a bronchodilator and improve outcomes, according to Martinez Ortega.
“Patients are sometimes misled by these studies, and they continue to use, smoke or vape marijuana,” Martinez Ortega said.
