Daily Inhaled Cannabis Linked to Higher Odds of Asthma and COPD in Nearly 380,000 Adults
In a nationally representative sample of nearly 380,000 adults, daily inhaled cannabis was associated with 44% higher odds of asthma and 27% higher odds of COPD, even after adjusting for tobacco use.
Quick Facts
What This Study Found
Daily inhaled cannabis was associated with higher odds of asthma (aOR 1.44) and COPD (aOR 1.27) after adjusting for tobacco use. Among 221,767 never-tobacco-users, the asthma association persisted (aOR 1.51) while COPD showed elevated but non-significant odds (aOR 1.54).
Key Numbers
n=379,049; n=23,035 cannabis users. Daily cannabis and asthma: aOR 1.44 overall, 1.51 in never-tobacco users. Daily cannabis and COPD: aOR 1.27 overall.
How They Did This
Cross-sectional analysis of 2016-2020 BRFSS nationally representative survey. 379,049 adults aged 18-74. Multivariable logistic regression adjusted for sociodemographics and tobacco use. Pre-specified subanalysis in never-tobacco users.
Why This Research Matters
This is one of the largest studies examining cannabis and pulmonary disease independent of tobacco. The finding that asthma associations persist even in never-tobacco-users strengthens the case that inhaled cannabis itself may contribute to respiratory disease.
The Bigger Picture
As legalization expands, understanding respiratory risks becomes urgent. This study suggests inhaled cannabis may be an independent risk factor for asthma and possibly COPD, which could influence harm reduction messaging about consumption methods.
What This Study Doesn't Tell Us
Cross-sectional. Self-reported diagnoses. No information on product type or method beyond 'inhaled.' Residual confounding possible.
Questions This Raises
- ?Would switching to vaporizing reduce risk?
- ?Is the asthma risk reversible with cessation?
- ?Do non-inhaled products avoid pulmonary risks?
Trust & Context
- Key Stat:
- 44% higher asthma odds with daily inhaled cannabis
- Evidence Grade:
- Moderate: very large nationally representative sample with tobacco adjustment, but cross-sectional and self-reported outcomes.
- Study Age:
- Published in 2025, with data from 2016-2020.
- Original Title:
- Inhaled Cannabis, Asthma, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of n = 379,049.
- Published In:
- Journal of general internal medicine (2025)
- Authors:
- Rustagi, Alison S, Jeffers, Abra M(2), Graham, F Julian, Cohen, Beth E, Slatore, Christopher G, Byers, Amy L, Glantz, Stanton A, Keyhani, Salomeh
- Database ID:
- RTHC-07536
Evidence Hierarchy
A snapshot of a population at one point in time.
What do these levels mean? →Frequently Asked Questions
Can smoking cannabis cause asthma?
This large study found daily inhaled cannabis associated with 44% higher odds of asthma, even after accounting for tobacco use. Among never-tobacco-users, the association was slightly stronger (51%).
Is inhaled cannabis bad for your lungs?
This study of nearly 380,000 adults found associations between inhaled cannabis and both asthma and COPD, suggesting inhaled cannabis may be a modifiable risk factor for respiratory disease.
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Cite This Study
https://rethinkthc.com/research/RTHC-07536APA
Rustagi, Alison S; Jeffers, Abra M; Graham, F Julian; Cohen, Beth E; Slatore, Christopher G; Byers, Amy L; Glantz, Stanton A; Keyhani, Salomeh. (2025). Inhaled Cannabis, Asthma, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of n = 379,049.. Journal of general internal medicine. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-025-09833-8
MLA
Rustagi, Alison S, et al. "Inhaled Cannabis, Asthma, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of n = 379,049.." Journal of general internal medicine, 2025. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-025-09833-8
RethinkTHC
RethinkTHC Research Database. "Inhaled Cannabis, Asthma, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary ..." RTHC-07536. Retrieved from https://rethinkthc.com/research/rustagi-2025-inhaled-cannabis-asthma-and
Access the Original Study
Study data sourced from PubMed, a service of the U.S. National Library of Medicine, National Institutes of Health.
This study breakdown was produced by the RethinkTHC research team. We analyze and report published research findings without making health recommendations. All interpretations are based solely on the published abstract and study data.