A new study reveals that young adults who inhale marijuana—whether through smoking or vaping—face a significantly heightened risk of experiencing asthma attacks compared to non-users.
- Highest Risk from Vaping: Vaping weed is associated with an 81% higher likelihood of an asthma attack.
- Demographic Focus: The research tracked nearly 4,500 individuals aged 18 to 34, the age group with the highest prevalence of cannabis use in the U.S.
- Association, Not Causation: While the link is strong, researchers emphasize that the study shows an association rather than a direct cause-and-effect relationship.
Researchers from UConn Health have confirmed that inhaling marijuana products significantly increases the likelihood of asthma attacks among young adults. This finding emerges as cannabis consumption continues to rise across the U.S., directly linking both traditional smoking and modern vaping methods to heightened respiratory distress.
The research team, led by Dr. Eric Mortensen and recently published in the journal Chest, analyzed data from an ongoing federal study on tobacco and smoking. They tracked the health outcomes and cannabis habits of nearly 4,500 participants between the ages of 18 and 34 over a one-year period.
Background data highlights why this demographic is critical: 35% of U.S. adults aged 18 to 25 use marijuana regularly, compared to just 22% of those aged 26 and older.
Among the study participants, 17% had exclusively smoked weed within the past year, 9% had exclusively vaped it, and nearly 11% had engaged in both practices. Overall, about 5% of the surveyed group experienced at least one asthma attack during the tracking period.
When comparing usage methods to respiratory outcomes, researchers discovered significant risk increases across all forms of inhalation.
| Method of Cannabis Inhalation | Increased Risk of Asthma Attack |
|---|---|
| Vaping Weed Only | 81% Higher Odds |
| Smoking Weed Only | 64% Higher Odds |
| Both Smoking and Vaping | 57% Higher Odds |
The scientific community has seen mixed results regarding cannabis and respiratory health in the past. While previous studies have shown that asthma odds increase with heavier cannabis use, other conflicting research has suggested that weed might temporarily help asthma by opening up airways.
Because this current study is observational, it highlights a strong association rather than proving direct causation.
“Given the rising prevalence of marijuana use among young adults and the evolving regulatory landscape of marijuana products, further research is necessary to strengthen the understanding of its long-term effects on respiratory health,” the research team concluded, noting that this evidence is vital for shaping future public health recommendations.