Impact of Marijuana Smoking on COPD Progression in a Cohort of Middle-Aged and Older Persons.

Background: Limited data are available regarding marijuana smoking's impact on the development or progression of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in middle-aged or older adults with a variable history of tobacco cigarette smoking.

Methods: We divided ever-tobacco smoking participants in the SubPopulations and InteRmediate Outcomes In COPD Study (SPIROMICS) into 3 groups based on self-reported marijuana use: current, former, or never marijuana smokers (CMSs, FMSs or NMSs, respectively). Longitudinal data were analyzed in participants with ≥2 visits over a period of ≥52 weeks.

Marijuana Use Associations with Pulmonary Symptoms and Function in Tobacco Smokers Enrolled in the Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study (SPIROMICS).

Marijuana is often smoked via a filterless cigarette and contains similar chemical makeup as smoked tobacco. There are few publications describing usage patterns and respiratory risks in older adults or in those with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A cross-sectional analysis of current and former tobacco smokers from the Subpopulations and Intermediate Outcome Measures in COPD Study (SPIROMICS) study assessed associations between marijuana use and pulmonary outcomes.