CBD has been shown to have strong anti-inflammatory effects. However, more research is needed to determine if CBD oil has the potential to become a part of prescribed COPD management.

Cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) are two compounds that come from cannabis plants.

THC is well-known for causing the intoxicating effects of cannabis. CBD shares some of the benefits of THC but without the intoxicating effects. Some people use CBD oil to reduce anxiety, pain, and inflammation.

CBD may be helpful for other health conditions, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), though more research is needed.

COPD is a collection of diseases that cause inflammation and limit airflow in your lungs. Inflammation causes chest tightness and breathing difficulties.

A 2015 study on mice showed that CBD can help reduce lung inflammation. Less inflammation can make it easier to breathe.

A 2020 study found that cannabis oil may help regulate human airway cell genes involved in inflammation. The oil contained CBD, cannabidiolic acid (CBDA), THC, and tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA).

The study did not differentiate between the effects of THC and CBD.

THC has been shown to dilate the airways, though many CBD products do not contain significant amounts of THC. Although hemp-based CBD products are legal in all U.S. states and territories, THC is not.

There’s not enough evidence yet to use CBD with or in place of prescribed COPD medications. More research is needed.

There has been early research done to explore if CBD may be helpful for people who are trying to quit smoking. In a small 2013 study, people who used CBD as needed ended up smoking 40% fewer cigarettes than people taking a placebo.

CBD works on the body’s endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system affects signaling in the central nervous system. This affects many parts of your body’s function, including:

  • mood
  • appetite
  • energy
  • memory
  • sleep
  • digestion
  • heart function

To make CBD oil, CBD is extracted from the cannabis plant and added to a base oil. The base oil helps your body absorb the CBD.

CBD oil is thought to enter the bloodstream faster when taken sublingually and absorbed through the capillaries under your tongue, compared with swallowing a capsule. However, more research is needed.

There’s not enough evidence to recommend a type or dose of CBD oil for COPD. CBD oil is generally considered safe, but it may not be right for everyone.

The product label will tell you the amount of CBD in each dose. Because CBD oil isn’t considered a medication, there isn’t a standard dose.

If you decide to try CBD oil, you’ll need to experiment until you find a dose that is helpful for you. Typically, there will be some dosage guidelines on the package, but labeling can be inaccurate.

If you try CBD, start with a low dose and monitor your reaction. Remember that it may take days or weeks to feel any effects.

It’s important to select CBD products with a certificate of analysis (COA). This may look like a QR code on the label or packaging.

The COA will tell you what the product contains according to an independent lab test, including its true CBD content. It will also note if there are any harmful ingredients in the product.

CBD and grapefruit can have similar effects on certain medications, so CBD can interact with medications that carry a grapefruit warning. Some people also notice side effects such as feeling sleepy or experiencing digestive upset.

CBD products are not considered over-the-counter or prescription medications. They aren’t covered by insurance.

You can expect to pay around 10–20 cents per milligram of CBD. This means that a bottle of CBD oil can cost $50–$100 or more. The price range may be due to the quality, other ingredients, and if the product is organic.

Early research suggests that CBD may reduce lung inflammation and help people quit smoking. More studies are needed before it can be recommended as a COPD treatment.

Is CBD legal? The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC legal at the federal level. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them illegal at the federal level. Some states have legalized CBD, so be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.