D102-17 Smoked and Vaped Marijuana Is Associated With Higher Risk of Asthma Attacks

Abstract Background Marijuana consumption has significantly increased in the US. Asthma, an inflammatory and heterogenous disease of the airways, is highly prevalent in the US. Currently, there are only a few studies describing the effects of marijuana use on the rate of asthma attacks. Objective This study’s aim was to examine the association between inhaling marijuana and asthma attacks in US asthmatic adults. Methods Waves 4-6 of the Population Assessment of Tobacco and Health study were used for this analysis. We compared the presence or absence of asthma attacks within the past year between individuals who did not use marijuana and those who inhaled marijuana, (either smoked, vape or did both) at baseline. Statistical analysis was conducted using a weighted multivariable logistic regression model adjusting for covariates. Results In this study involving 4,477 participants, inhaling marijuana was significantly linked to higher rates of asthma exacerbations one year from baseline. Compared with non-marijuana users, marijuana users who smoked marijuana (OR = 1.64, 95% CI 1.12-2.40, p 0.05), vaped marijuana (OR = 1.81, 95% CI 1.06-3.08, p 0.05), or were dual users (OR = 1.57, 95% CI 1.01-2.45, p 0.05) had greater odds of reporting an asthma attack one year later. Conclusion Inhaling marijuana products was significantly associated with a higher odds of asthma attacks at one year from baseline. With the rising prevalence of marijuana use in the US, it is important to recognize the health risks of its use. Therefore, more research is needed to better understand the effects inhaled marijuana on respiratory health, and particularly on asthma outcomes. This abstract is funded by: None