What is the safest and most effective way to treat a cough induced by marijuana use?

From the Guidelines

The safest and most effective way to treat a marijuana-induced cough is to first reduce or stop marijuana use, particularly smoking methods, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.

Key Recommendations

• Staying hydrated by drinking plenty of water helps soothe throat irritation, while honey and lemon tea can provide natural relief.
• Over-the-counter options include throat lozenges containing benzocaine or menthol for temporary numbing, and cough suppressants with dextromethorphan (such as Robitussin DM, 10-20 mg every 4 hours as needed) for persistent coughs.
• Using a humidifier in your sleeping area adds moisture to the air, reducing throat irritation.
• If smoking cannabis, consider switching to edibles, tinctures, or vaporizers that operate at lower temperatures to minimize respiratory irritation.

Rationale

These approaches work by addressing the underlying irritation caused by hot smoke and particulates that trigger the cough reflex, as supported by studies on chronic cough due to chronic bronchitis 1.

Important Considerations

If symptoms persist beyond 1-2 weeks or are accompanied by fever, colored phlegm, or breathing difficulties, medical attention should be sought as these may indicate a more serious condition.

Additional Guidance

It is essential to note that the most effective way to reduce or eliminate cough in patients with chronic exposure to respiratory irritants, such as marijuana smoke, is avoidance, as emphasized in the guidelines 1.

From the Research

Safety and Efficiency of Treating Cough Induced by Marijuana Use

• The safest and most effective way to treat a cough induced by marijuana use is not well-established, but studies suggest that quitting or reducing marijuana use can lead to a resolution of respiratory symptoms, including cough 2.
• Marijuana smoking has been associated with multiple respiratory symptoms, including cough, sputum production, and wheezing, which are similar to those exhibited by tobacco smokers 3, 4.
• Habitual marijuana smoking may cause significant bronchial mucosal histopathology, and the effects of marijuana and cigarette smoking are additive 3.
• There is limited evidence on the treatment of cough induced by marijuana use, but a study suggests that short-term steroid use may be effective in managing acute lung injury secondary to marijuana inhalation 5.
• Clinicians should be vigilant regarding the use of marijuana in patients with hyperreactive airway disease, and patients with asthma should avoid smoking marijuana pending further studies 6.

Treatment Options

• Quitting or reducing marijuana use is associated with reductions in the prevalence of cough, sputum, and wheeze to levels similar to nonusers 2.
• Short-term steroid use may be effective in managing acute lung injury secondary to marijuana inhalation 5.
• Antibiotics alone may not be effective in managing acute lung injury secondary to marijuana inhalation, and further investigation is needed to establish treatment guidelines 5.

Respiratory Complications

• Marijuana smoking may result in serious short-term and long-term respiratory complications, including bullous disease, spontaneous pneumothoraces, and lung cancer 3, 4.
• The relationship between marijuana smoking and lung cancer remains unclear due to design limitations of the studies published so far 3.
• Daily marijuana smoking has been clearly shown to have adverse effects on pulmonary function and produce respiratory symptomatology similar to that of tobacco smokers 4.