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.
Cannabis consumers concerned about respiratory health.
44% higher asthma odds with daily inhaled cannabis
What the researchers 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).
Why it 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 numbers in context
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 the study worked
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.
What this study cannot tell us
Cross-sectional. Self-reported diagnoses. No information on product type or method beyond 'inhaled.' Residual confounding possible.
How to read the evidence
Moderate: very large nationally representative sample with tobacco adjustment, but cross-sectional and self-reported outcomes.
When this study was published
Published in 2025, with data from 2016-2020.
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.
Questions still open
- Would switching to vaporizing reduce risk?
- Is the asthma risk reversible with cessation?
- Do non-inhaled products avoid pulmonary risks?
Common questions
Can smoking cannabis cause asthma?
Is inhaled cannabis bad for your lungs?
Read the original research
Inhaled Cannabis, Asthma, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study of n = 379,049.
Journal of general internal medicine
Citation
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
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