Bronchitis, cannabis

There is no conclusive evidence that moderate, long-term use of cannabis causes lasting damage to physical or mental health. However, it is probable that frequent inhalation of cannabis smoke over a period of years will contribute towards bronchitis and other respiratory disorders and possible cancers of the lung and parts of the digestive system. Risks are greater if cannabis is smoked with tobacco. 

Throughout history, Cannabis has been appreciated as a healing herb. By the time of Christ it was used in India and China for the relief of pain, reduction of fever, surgery, stimulation of appetite and treatment of diarrhea, dysentery, bronchitis, migraine, insomnia and a variety of neurological diseases. Between 1840 and 1900, more than a hundred contributions were made to the Western medical literature that recommended Cannabis for one ailment or another. 

A review has summarized the evidence related to the adverse effects of acute and chronic use of cannabis (60). The effects of acute usage include anxiety, impaired attention, and increased risk of psychotic symptoms. Probable risks of chronic cannabis consumption include bronchitis and subtle impairments of attention and memory. 

Cannabis was also used in hay fever, bronchitis, asthma and coughs. Contemporary work has shown that, at least as regards asthma, Indian tradition had a factual basis. 

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