Less than one-half of physicians ask their patients with allergies or asthma about cannabis use, according to a study published in the Annals of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology. Researchers conducted a survey to identify patterns of use and attitudes toward cannabis in 489 adults with allergies or asthma. They found that 18% of respondents currently use cannabis, with the majority younger than 50, female, and White. Among respondents who reported not using cannabis, 2.5% reported cannabis allergy. Four in 10 current cannabis users (40.9%) reported a physician inquiring about cannabis use, but only 37.5% of respondents wanted to discuss cannabis. Nearly two-thirds (65.9%) reported using cannabis for medical or medical/ recreational purposes. Smoked cannabis was reported by 53.4% versus 35.2% who reported vaping cannabis. Among cannabis users, 58.0% reported current asthma, with 39.2% saying it is uncontrolled. Significantly more patients reported positive cannabis effects than negative effects. “In order to more completely manage their allergy/asthma patients, allergists should increase their knowledge about cannabis and inquire about cannabis use, including types of cannabinoid, route of use, reasons for use, and adverse effects,” a coauthor said in a statement.
