Background: Cannabis is currently legalized for medical use in 33 states and for reactional use in 10 states in the US, including Washington state. Commonly referred to as marijuana, the effect of cannabis on the voice and lungs has been identified as a knowledge gap for health care providers.
Objective: To review the scientific literature on the effect of cannabis on the voice and lungs. To develop clinical recommendations on cannabis for health care providers who treat patients with voice conditions
Results: There is a paucity of studies on the effect of cannabis on the voice, but more studies on the effect on lungs. Studies were case reports, survey studies on frequency, small observational studies, and basic science studies. There was a high co-prevalence of cannabis and cigarette usage, which made attributing the effect to cannabis alone difficult. Clinical studies reported a negative effect of cannabis on pulmonary function tests, more so with heavy usage. Basic science studies reported significant airway toxicity similar to cigarette smoking. The relationship between cannabis usage and throat or lung cancer is unknown.
Conclusion: Preliminary studies show a negative effect of cannabis on the voice and lungs, especially with heavy usage. Clinical recommendations include: open dialogue with patients, patient education on the known effects, and cessation or risk reduction options, like edibles or creams, instead of smoking cannabis through the respiratory tract. More research needs to be conducted in this area.
Educational Objectives:
- To review the scientific literature on the effect of cannabis on the voice and lungs
- To develop clinical recommendations on cannabis for health care providers who treat patients with voice conditions
