Quick answer
Quick answer
It can. No state lists COPD by name, but 14 states let providers certify any condition they believe cannabis will help. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Understanding COPD
COPD can cause breathlessness with everyday tasks, frequent coughing, flare-ups and fatigue, and it often affects sleep, mood and appetite. Treatment usually includes quitting smoking, inhaled medicines, pulmonary rehabilitation, vaccines, and oxygen for some people.
Symptoms patients hope to ease
- Anxiety that comes with feeling short of breath
- Poor sleep from coughing or breathlessness
- Loss of appetite and unwanted weight loss
- Low mood linked to living with a chronic illness
- Chest wall and muscle aches from hard breathing
Does COPD qualify in your state?
- AL AlabamaNot listed by name
- AK AlaskaDoctor's discretion
- AZ ArizonaNot listed by name
- AR ArkansasNot listed by name
- CA CaliforniaDoctor's discretion
- CO ColoradoDoctor's discretion
- CT ConnecticutNot listed by name
- DE DelawareDoctor's discretion
- FL FloridaDoctor's discretion
- HI HawaiiDoctor's discretion
- IL IllinoisNot listed by name
- KY KentuckyNot listed by name
- LA LouisianaDoctor's discretion
- ME MaineDoctor's discretion
- MD MarylandNot listed by name
- MA MassachusettsNot listed by name
- MI MichiganNot listed by name
- MN MinnesotaDoctor's discretion
- MS MississippiNot listed by name
- MO MissouriDoctor's discretion
- MT MontanaNot listed by name
- NV NevadaNot listed by name
- NH New HampshireNot listed by name
- NJ New JerseyNot listed by name
- NM New MexicoNot listed by name
- NY New YorkDoctor's discretion
- ND North DakotaNot listed by name
- OH OhioNot listed by name
- OK OklahomaDoctor's discretion
- OR OregonNot listed by name
- PA PennsylvaniaNot listed by name
- RI Rhode IslandNot listed by name
- SD South DakotaNot listed by name
- UT UtahNot listed by name
- VT VermontNot listed by name
- VA VirginiaDoctor's discretion
- WA WashingtonNot listed by name
- DC Washington, D.C.Doctor's discretion
- WV West VirginiaNot listed by name
What the research says
Not enough research. Smoking anything can worsen lung disease. Doctors usually suggest non-inhaled forms if they recommend cannabis at all.
- There is little research specifically on cannabis for COPD, and no studies show that it improves lung function or slows the disease.
- The 2017 National Academies review found that smoking cannabis is linked to worse cough, phlegm and more episodes of chronic bronchitis.
- A small trial of vaporized cannabis in people with advanced COPD did not improve breathlessness or exercise ability compared with placebo.
- People with COPD who use medical cannabis typically do so for related problems such as anxiety, sleep or appetite rather than for breathing.
Sources: National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids (2017); FDA approvals; published trials. General information, not medical advice.
How doctors approach COPD
Doctors strongly favor non-inhaled forms such as tinctures, capsules or edibles, so the lungs are not exposed to smoke or vapor.
Lower-THC or CBD-balanced products may be considered to limit sedation, which matters when breathing is already weak.
Evening use is sometimes considered for sleep, but only with care because sedation can affect breathing at night.
Starting with a very low amount and increasing slowly is important, especially for older adults or those on oxygen.
Risks and precautions
- Smoking or vaping cannabis can irritate the airways and worsen cough, phlegm and flare-ups, so avoid inhaled forms.
- Combining cannabis with opioids, benzodiazepines, sleep aids or alcohol can slow breathing, which is especially risky in severe COPD.
- Never smoke or use open flames near home oxygen, because this is a serious fire risk.
- Some illicit THC vape products have been linked to severe lung injury, so only use tested products from licensed sources.
- Tell your lung specialist about any cannabis use, and do not drive while impaired.
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and never drive while impaired.
What to bring to your evaluation
A COPD diagnosis from your doctor or pulmonologist, ideally with recent breathing test (spirometry) results.
A list of your inhalers, oxygen use and other medicines, including any sedatives or pain medicines.
Recent clinic or hospital notes describing flare-ups.
A short diary of the symptoms you want help with, such as sleep, anxiety or appetite.
A government photo ID and proof that you live in your state.
Don't have records handy? Many patients are evaluated on their history alone.
Start my free checkHow to get certified for COPD
Answer a few questions
Pick your state, tell us your symptoms and what you've already tried. Review your answers and contact you to schedule your video visit.Meet your doctor by video
Join from your phone or laptop. Have a photo ID ready. The doctor reviews your history and decides whether cannabis is right for you.Get certified and registered
Pay the evaluation fee, then submit your state registry form. The doctor files your certification. We walk you through the state form line by line.
COPD: 9 common questions
Does COPD qualify for a medical marijuana card?
It can. No state lists COPD by name, but 14 states let providers certify any condition they believe cannabis will help. Either way, a provider licensed in your state has to evaluate you and agree that cannabis is appropriate.
Which states list COPD as a qualifying condition?
None list it by name. It can still be certified in Alaska, California, Colorado, Delaware, Florida, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 6 more, where providers decide. Lists change, so confirm on your state's page before you apply.
Can I get certified for COPD online?
Yes, in 11 of those states — including California, Delaware, Hawaii, Louisiana, Maine and 6 more — your first evaluation can happen by video with a provider licensed there. In 3 others, such as Alaska, Colorado and Florida, the first visit must be in person, and renewals can usually be done online.
Is smoking cannabis bad for COPD?
Yes, smoke from cannabis irritates the airways and is linked to more coughing, phlegm and bronchitis episodes. If you have COPD, smoking anything is a poor choice for your lungs. Doctors who consider cannabis almost always suggest oral or under-the-tongue forms instead.
Is vaping cannabis safer for my lungs?
Vaping avoids some of the products of burning, but it still delivers heated vapor to sensitive airways, and some illicit vape products have caused serious lung injury. For people with COPD, tinctures, capsules or edibles are generally the safer choice. If you do vape, use only lab-tested products from a licensed source.
Can cannabis help with breathlessness?
There is no good evidence that it does, and a small trial in advanced COPD found vaporized cannabis did not ease breathlessness. Some people feel less anxious about their breathing, but that is not the same as better lung function. Keep using your prescribed inhalers and pulmonary rehab plan.
Can cannabis interact with my COPD medications?
Inhalers rarely interact directly, but cannabis can add to sleepiness from opioids for breathlessness, benzodiazepines, sleep aids and some cough medicines. Together they can slow breathing. Give your doctor and pharmacist a full medicine list before starting.
Can cannabis help me sleep with COPD?
Some people report better sleep, but sedation can lower your breathing drive at night, which is a concern in moderate to severe COPD or if you already have low oxygen levels. Talk with your lung doctor first, especially if you use oxygen or have sleep apnea. If you try it, start very low.
Is cannabis safe for older adults with COPD?
Older adults are more sensitive to dizziness, confusion and falls, and often take several medicines. Combined with weaker lungs, this means extra care is needed. Start low, avoid inhaled forms and have a family member aware of what you are taking.