Multiple clinical risks for cannabis users during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Ellen Mello BorgonhiVanessa Loss VolpattoFelipe OrnellFrancisco Diego Rabelo-da-PonteFelix Henrique Paim KesslerPublished in: Addiction science & clinical practice (2021)
The pandemic caused by Sars-CoV-2 (COVID-19) has been a great concern for public and mental health systems worldwide. The identification of risk groups is essential for the establishment of preventive and therapeutic strategies, as for substance users. During COVID-19 pandemic, there was an increase in the use of psychoactive substances during the lockdown, including cannabis. This commentary reviews relevant findings and discusses scientific evidence on the risks of worse clinical and psychiatric complications due to coronavirus disease COVID-19 in subjects who use cannabis. Although they are not included as a risk group in the health recommendations for that disease, they may have a more vulnerable respiratory system to viral diseases. There are certain similarities between the harmful cardiovascular and respiratory effects of cannabis use and those of smoking. Due to the different modes of smoking, cannabis chemicals are retained in the body for longe and may also contain other toxic substances such as tar, a substance found in tobacco and which has been associated with the development of lung cancer, bronchitis and pulmonary emphysema. Therefore, we discuss if individuals who use cannabis regularly might be more vulnerable to COVID-19 infection. This population deserves more clinical attention worldwide and this manuscript can help clinicians become more aware of cannabis risks during pandemics and develop specific intervention strategies.
Keyphrases
- sars cov
- coronavirus disease
- mental health
- respiratory syndrome coronavirus
- human health
- healthcare
- public health
- randomized controlled trial
- smoking cessation
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease
- risk assessment
- drinking water
- palliative care
- lung function
- working memory
- climate change
- air pollution
- clinical practice
- adverse drug