Atteintes pulmonaires liées au cannabis inhalé

The relationship between cannabis smoking and pulmonary effects is difficult to document: cannabis is commonly smoked-mixed with tobacco (“joint”), and cannabis users smoke tobacco cigarettes too. Regular cannabis use is a risk factor of chronic bronchitis. There is no significant association between inhalation of cannabis smoke and bronchial obstruction, a typical feature of COPD. Cannabis use may increase the risk of wheezing and/or asthma onset. Regular cannabis use is a risk factor of pneumonias of infectious origin, with an increased risk in immunodeficient patients, especially those with HIV infection. Results of epidemiological studies on lung cancer risk in cannabis smokers remain conflicting. Cases of pneumothorax, pneumomediastinum, pneumopericardium and pneumorachis have been described in cannabis smokers. Epidemiological studies fail to demonstrate an association between cannabis use and pulmonary emphysema. Synthetic cannabinoids, more recenly introduced on the market, demonstrate an important toxicity. They can induce severe pneumonias and/or severe respiratory depression.