The effects of marijuana smoking on lung function in older people. Issue 6 (19th December 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tan, Wan C.; Bourbeau, Jean; Aaron, Shawn D.; Hogg, James C.; Maltais, François; Hernandez, Paul; Marciniuk, Darcy D.; Chapman, Kenneth R.; To, Teresa; FitzGerald, J. Mark; Walker, Brandie L.; Road, Jeremy; Zheng, Liyun; Zhou, Guohai; Yau, Trevor; Benedetti, Andrea; O'Donnell, Denis; Sin, Don D.
• Other Names: author non-byline.; Samet Jonathon author non-byline.; Puhan Milo author non-byline.; Hamid Qutayba author non-byline.; Baglole Carole author non-byline.; Mancino Palmina author non-byline.; Fortier Yvan author non-byline.; Song Zhi author non-byline.; Comeau Joe author non-byline.; Coxson Harvey author non-byline.; Kirby Miranda author non-byline.; Leipsic Jonathon author non-byline.; Hague Cameron author non-byline.; Sadatsafavi Mohsen author non-byline.; Andrea Gershon author non-byline.; Li Pei-Zhi author non-byline.; Jensen Denis author non-byline.; Lo Christine author non-byline.; Cheng Sarah author non-byline.; Un Elena author non-byline.; Fung Cindy author non-byline.; Haynes Nancy author non-byline.; Wang Wen Tian author non-byline.; Xu Jijie author non-byline.; Faroon Faize author non-byline.; Duke Jane author non-byline.; Dumonceaux Curtis author non-byline.; Fulton Scott author non-byline.; Vandemheen Kathy author non-byline.; McNeil Matthew author non-byline.; Brouillard Cynthia author non-byline.; Clemens Ron author non-byline.; Baran Janet author non-byline.;
• Is Part Of: European respiratory journal. Volume 54:Issue 6(2019)
• Publication Date: 2019-12-19
• Subjects: Respiratory organs -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Respiration -- Periodicals; 616.2
• DOI: 10.1183/13993003.00826-2019
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0903-1936

Abstract

Background: Previous studies have associated marijuana exposure with increased respiratory symptoms and chronic bronchitis among long-term cannabis smokers. The long-term effects of smoked marijuana on lung function remain unclear. Methods: We determined the association of marijuana smoking with the risk of spirometrically defined chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) (post-bronchodilator forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1 )/forced vital capacity ratio <0.7) in 5291 population-based individuals and the rate of decline in FEV1 in a subset of 1285 males and females, aged ≥40 years, who self-reported use (or non-use) of marijuana and tobacco cigarettes and performed spirometry before and after inhaled bronchodilator on multiple occasions. Analysis for the decline in FEV1 was performed using random mixed effects regression models adjusted for age, sex and body mass index. Heavy tobacco smoking and marijunana smoking was defined as >20 pack-years and >20 joint-years, respectively. Results: ∼20% of participants had been or were current marijuana smokers with most having smoked tobacco cigarettes in addition (83%). Among heavy marijuana users, the risk of COPD was significantly increased (adjusted OR 2.45, 95% CI 1.55–3.88). Compared to never-smokers of marijuana and tobacco, heavy marijuana smokers and heavy tobacco smokers experienced a faster decline in FEV1 by 29.5 mL·year −1 (p=0.0007) and 21.1 mL·year −1 (p<0.0001), respectively. Those who smoked both substances experienced a decline of 32.31 mL·year −1 (p<0.0001). Interpretation: Heavy marijuana smoking increases the risk of COPD and accelerates FEV1 decline in concomitant tobacco smokers beyond that observed with tobacco alone. Prolonged heavy marijuana smoking increases the risk of COPD and accelerates FEV 1 decline in concomitant tobacco cigarette smokers beyond the effects of tobacco alone http://bit.ly/2lI2lEu