A study published this week finds that cannabis users may face reduced risks of developing certain sinonasal conditions, including chronic rhinosinusitis (CRS), allergic rhinitis (AR), and chronic rhinitis (CR).
Researchers from Louisiana State University, Texas A&M School of Medicine, the University of Houston, and Houston Methodist Hospital conducted the study, published in Laryngoscope Investigative Otolaryngology. They examined data from the NIH AllOfUs database, comparing more than 25,000 cannabis users with over 113,000 non-users.
The findings showed a clear pattern: cannabis use was associated with significantly lower odds of sinonasal disease. Daily cannabis users had a 36% lower likelihood of CRS (OR 0.64, 95% CI 0.53-0.78) compared to non-users. Weekly users saw a 39% reduced risk (OR 0.61, 95% CI 0.48-0.77), and monthly users had a 20% lower risk (OR 0.80). For AR, odds ratios were 0.64 for daily users, 0.62 for weekly users, and 0.69 for monthly users. Chronic rhinitis also showed reduced odds, with monthly users having the lowest risk at 0.41.
Interestingly, the route of cannabis consumption—whether smoking or non-smoking—did not significantly change the outcomes (HR 0.64, 95% CI 0.27-1.5).
Researchers conclude by stating:
This is the largest study to specifically comment on the association between cannabis use and three of the most common sinonasal diseases—AR, CRS, and CR. We found lower odds of AR, CRS, and CR in patients who use cannabis compared to those who do not, which is strengthened by the size of our cohorts and by incorporating demographic and comorbidity information in our analysis. Route of consumption did not change CRS incidence. Although the study presents intriguing findings, caution remains warranted due to the well-documented and significant adverse effects of recreational cannabis use and the caustic nature of inhaling combustion products. The intent of this research is to encourage further investigation into the potential anti-inflammatory mechanisms involving cannabinoid receptors in sinonasal disease. As cannabis use increases among Americans, robust molecular and translational research will further clarify the risks and possible benefits of cannabinoid use in chronic conditions.
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