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If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here’s our process. Some people with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) believe that consuming cannabidiol (CBD) gummy bears improves the symptoms. However, the evidence about the effectiveness of CBD gummy bears is limited and conflicting. Some people use products containing CBD to treat various health conditions, including COPD. COPD is an umbrella term for a group of diseases that includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis. It is the third leading cause of disease-related death in the United States. These conditions affect lung function and cause respiratory symptoms such as difficulty breathing. This article explains how CBD products, including CBD gummy bears, might be beneficial for people for COPD. It also discusses dosages, possible side effects, and other conditions for which people may use them. Finally, it provides some links to retailers who sell the products. CBD gummy bears for COPD Share on PinterestJuan Jose Lopez Brotons/EyeEm/Getty ImagesThe Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates cannabis products in the same way as other substances. These products include CBD-containing gummy bears. CBD gummies CBD is a compound called a cannabinoid. Cannabinoids are chemical messengers for the body’s endocannabinoid system. The body produces cannabinoids, which are also present in some plants, such as cannabis. The endocannabinoid system regulates the following functions:memory and emotional processing moodappetite regulationpaininflammationsleepitching CBD products interact with the body’s cannabinoid receptors, called CB1 and CB2, to influence these functions. Therefore, some people with health conditions take CBD gummies to relieve their symptoms, improve their quality of life, or promote sleep. Many CBD products do not contain the cannabinoid tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is the psychoactive ingredient in cannabis. However, anyone wishing to avoid THC should carefully check the label of their chosen product to see whether it is present. CBD isolate gummies Some retailers sell CBD isolate products containing pure CBD with no other cannabis compounds. CBD isolate gummies do not contain THC. Full-spectrum CBD gummies Full-spectrum CBD gummies contain all the beneficial compounds that occur naturally in the cannabis plant. The other compounds include:terpenesphenolic compoundsflavonoids Full-spectrum gummies also include the psychoactive ingredient THC. Research from 2016 suggests that the compounds in full-spectrum CBD have the following properties:anti-inflammatoryanticancerneuroprotective Vegan CBD gummies Some gummies may contain animal ingredients, such as gelatin. However, vegan CBD gummies contain alternative plant-derived ingredients. Do gummy bears work for COPD People take cannabis in several ways to try to relieve the symptoms of COPD. Research indicates that smoking and vaping cannabis or CBD may cause respiratory symptoms such as:wheezingcoughingshortness of breath Therefore, edible cannabis or CBD may be preferable. However, edibles take longer to produce effects than smoking cannabis, so there is a risk of people ingesting too much because they are not feeling anything. The existing research on CBD for COPD and lung function is conflicting. For example, a small 2018 study found no beneficial effects of vaporizing cannabis for adults with advanced COPD. Another review concludes that cannabis smokers do not appear to develop airflow obstruction and COPD. Meanwhile, a 2020 laboratory study found that cannabis oil extract may modulate the immune processes that cause inflammation in the airways in COPD. There is currently no clear evidence that CBD is effective in treating COPD or reducing any of its symptoms. People with COPD should not take CBD or THC products without first seeking a doctor’s advice. What dosage to use There are currently no recommendations from CBD experts or healthcare professionals about what CBD dosage to use for COPD. Additionally, gummies contain different ingredients and dosages of CBD and THC. Therefore, someone who wishes to try CBD gummies for COPD should research various brands to ensure that the product is suitable for them. A person should also speak with a doctor to confirm the best treatment options for them. Cautions CBD gummies may cause side effects or interact with prescribed medications. The FDA is uncertain of the adverse reactions or possible risks associated with the long-term use of CBD products. The federal agency advises people that CBD can cause various adverse effects, including:changes in alertness, drowsiness, or sleepinessdiarrhea, changes in appetite, or bothchanges in moodliver injuryinteractions with medications, drugs, or alcoholdamage to fertility A person should speak with a doctor before taking these CBD products. Anyone who uses these products and then experiences negative effects should also seek medical advice. Where to buy gummy bears The following are some brands that contain no more than 0.3% THC. A third party has tested them to ensure that they do not contain pesticides, heavy metals, or molds.Just CBD gummiesMedterra gummiescbdMD gummies Other potential health benefits Research indicates that CBD may be beneficial for people with other respiratory or lung diseases, such as:asthmapulmonary fibrosislung cancer However, much of the research to date involves animals or laboratory samples, and the same effects may not apply to humans. Other potential uses for cannabis and CBD include:reducing anxietyalleviating depressioneasing painpromoting sleep Alternatively, people can speak with a doctor about conventional and well-proven treatments for these conditions and symptoms. Summary Some people use CBD gummy bears to try to improve their COPD symptoms. However, there is currently no evidence that CBD is effective in treating or improving COPD-related symptoms. Although the FDA does regulate CBD products, people should research the available options carefully to ensure that they buy a quality brand and know what ingredients it contains. It is also important to be aware of any potential adverse effects and interactions with medication. As with other alternative treatments, a person should consult a doctor before trying CBD gummies. Last medically reviewed on June 28, 2022COPDPulmonary SystemRespiratoryMarijuana / Cannabis / CBDcbd 13 sourcescollapsedMedical News Today has strict sourcing guidelines and draws only from peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical journals and associations. We avoid using tertiary references. We link primary sources — including studies, scientific references, and statistics — within each article and also list them in the resources section at the bottom of our articles. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.Abdallah, S. J., et al. (2018). Effect of vaporized cannabis on exertional breathlessness and exercise endurance in advanced chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. A randomized controlled trial.https://www.atsjournals.org/doi/10.1513/AnnalsATS.201803-198OC?url_ver=Z39.88-2003&rfr_id=ori:rid:crossref.org&rfr_dat=cr_pub%20%200pubmedAndre, C. M., et al. (2016). Cannabis sativa: The plant of the thousand and one molecules.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4740396/Barrus, D. G., et al. (2016). Tasty THC: Promises and challenges of cannabis edibles.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5260817/Cannabis and cannabinoids (PDQ) - patient version. (2022).https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/patient/cannabis-pdqCather, J. C., et al. (2020). Cannabidiol primer for healthcare professionals.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7340472/Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). (n.d.).https://www.lung.org/lung-health-diseases/lung-disease-lookup/copdFDA regulation of cannabis and cannabis-derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD). (2021).https://www.fda.gov/news-events/public-health-focus/fda-regulation-cannabis-and-cannabis-derived-products-including-cannabidiol-cbdHahn, S. M., et al. (2021). Better data for a better understanding of the use and safety profile of cannabidiol (CBD) products.https://www.fda.gov/news-events/fda-voices/better-data-better-understanding-use-and-safety-profile-cannabidiol-cbd-productsKicman, A., et al. (2021). The potential of cannabinoids and inhibitors of endocannabinoid degradation in respiratory diseases.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0014299921007160Mamber, S. W., et al. (2020). Effects of cannabis oil extract on immune response gene expression in human small airway epithelial cells (HSAEpC): Implications for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).https://jcannabisresearch.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s42238-019-0014-9Pickering, E. E., et al. (2011). Cannabinoid effects on ventilation and breathlessness: A pilot study of efficacy and safety.https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/1479972310391283Ribeiro, L. I. G., et al. (2016). Effect of cannabis smoking on lung function and respiratory symptoms: A structured literature review.https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5072387/What you need to know (and what we're working to find out) about products containing cannabis or cannabis-derived compounds, including CBD. (2020).https://www.fda.gov/consumers/consumer-updates/what-you-need-know-and-what-were-working-find-out-about-products-containing-cannabis-or-cannabisFEEDBACK:Medically reviewed by Jillian Kubala, MS, RD, Nutrition — By Louisa Richards on June 28, 2022 Latest newsWhat sets 'SuperAgers' apart? Their unusually large neuronsOmega-3 may provide a brain boost for people in midlifeSeasonal affective disorder (SAD): How to beat it this fall and winterCDC: Monkeypox in the US 'unlikely to be eliminated in the near future'Why are more women prone to Alzheimer's? New clues arise Related CoverageDiet tips for COPDMedically reviewed by Natalie Butler, R.D., L.D. 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