CBGA for Asthma
Cannabis And Chronic Respiratory Diseases
Chronic respiratory diseases like lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, acute lower respiratory tract infections, and tuberculosis constitute the fourth-largest cause of death globally. As a major health concern, the diseases affect all races, ages, and gender with just a slight difference in their prevalence. Most of these diseases arise from the inflammation and infection of the airways due to irritants and pathogens in the airway. The infection of the airways will then cause a narrowing or inflammation of the airways, making it difficult to breathe.
Asthma is the third deadliest chronic respiratory disease globally, affecting 1 in every 13 people in the U.S alone. Research shows that about 235 million people suffer from chronic respiratory diseases like asthma, COPD, and pulmonary hypertension. The prevalence of the disease follows a unique pattern and can affect all ages, sex, and races.
While asthma is manageable with some medications, the common side effects of these medications may include increased anxiety, heart rate, and nervousness hence the search for a safer and more potent remedy like plant-based medications.
Plants like cannabis have continued to show great success at dealing with chronic diseases affecting the respiratory tract, and hopefully, asthma may not be an exception. Although asthma is caused by irritants that infect or inflame the airways, it shares a unique relationship with the endocannabinoid system, which translates to the possible use of cannabinoids like CBG CBGa and CBD.
Cannabinoids and Asthma
Non-psychoactive Cannabinoids like CBG, CBD, and CBGa have shown a great deal of success where other remedies fail. The ability of these cannabinoids to interact with receptors is one of the best things to have ever happened to the human race. By studying these interactions, scientists have discovered novel remedies for convulsion and a safer way to reduce chronic inflammations. See our article on the role of CBGa for respiratory health.
Many researchers have described the role of cannabinoids in promoting a healthy and effective respiratory system, and there is an indication these therapeutic properties may work for asthmatic patients.
Asthma is characterized by eosinophilia, increased vascular permeability in the bronchial mucosa, mucus hypersecretion, and airway hyper-responsiveness. These properties are linked to the activities of cannabinoid receptors. The ECS plays a critical role in the health and safety of the respiratory system/airways. The severity of the disease increases as more cells become inflamed or swollen.
Although the role of ECS in asthma is not fully understood, some research work shows a direct relationship between cannabinoid receptors and the severity of the asthmatic symptoms.
What are the possible roles of Cannabinoids in Asthma therapy?
The role of cannabinoids like CBG, CBD, and CBGa in asthma therapy is deeply rooted in the following properties.
- Anti-inflammatory properties
Asthma arises from the chronic inflammation of the airways, which makes them narrow for the free flow of air. Some researchers have attested to how the anti-inflammatory properties of CBD were found to relieve asthmatic symptoms regardless of the dosage. Although the research only focused on CBD oil, there are indications of how CBG and CBGa have better anti-inflammatory activity in the body. Administration of CBD oil also decreased the inflammatory and remodeling process in allergic asthmatic patients.
As the “master switch” of the ECS, cannabigerol acid (CBGa) delivers drug-free anti-inflammatory treatment and a vast array of other health benefits.
CBGa’s ability to interact with receptors quickly may show a higher promise for asthmatic patients. Cannabinoids are known to exert immunomodulatory effects via the activation of CB1 and CB2 receptors located in the central nervous system and immune cells. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD and CBG can reduce hyper-responsiveness triggered by chronic asthma.
- Antimicrobial activity
The nasal colonization of the airways by Staphylococcus aureus increases the risk of asthma. CBG and CBGa exhibit a profound effect on Staphylococcus aureus, one of the organisms responsible for inflaming the airway. This property may come in handy in dealing with viral infections associated with asthma.
Note that CBGa possesses a broad-spectrum antibacterial activity which may come in handy in assisting asthmatic patients in dealing with microbial irritants and inflammation.
- Antioxidant activity
There are pieces of evidence showing how the production of free radicals is increased in asthma. These radicals are closely related to the pathogenesis of oxidants such as ozone and cigarette smoke that escalate the symptoms and severity of asthmatic episodes. The effects of these free radicals can be reversed via the administration of CBGa oils and rosins. CBGa, in combination with volatile terpenes like alpha-pinene, can act as a bronchodilator. The effect of terpenes was observed in human volunteers at low exposure levels, making it a valuable remedy for asthmatic patients.
Are there possible side effects?
While using CBGa, CBG, and CBD oils may have shown great promise for asthmatic patients, smoking cannabis may not provide a safe result. Smoking or vaping cannabis may increase cough, wheezing, and shortness of breath. It may aggravate the risk of an asthmatic attack or asthma flare. A survey shows that nearly one-third of people who smoked cannabis reported an uncontrolled asthmatic symptom. It is highly recommended that you stick to the oils and edibles as these have a better chance of providing much-needed relief.
Bottom line
CBGa possesses some myorelaxant, anticonvulsant, antioxidant, and antipsychotic properties, which may be important for patients suffering from chronic airway diseases. While cannabinoids may not have been endorsed as a federally approved remedy for asthma, their therapeutic potential appears promising.
The anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties of cannabinoids may assist in managing symptoms related to asthma and decrease flare-ups.
Our CBGa rosin was designed to provide the best combination of cannabinoids and terpenes. With zero THC, it is safe for consumption and may hold a lot of promise in dealing with respiratory diseases.
