A study that claims to be the biggest of its kind on medical cannabis and its effects with sleep apnea sufferers has revealed a substantial improvement in the quality of their sleep.
The disorder is marked by prolonged pauses or shallow breaths (also called apneas), which are caused by an obstruction or narrowing in the upper airway. Untreated, the condition can cause fatigue and disrupt sleep. It also increases your risk for high blood pressure and heart disease.
There is a high prevalence of OSA in the USA is high – estimated at 33.9% among men and 17.4% among women.
In some cases, it can be managed by a combination lifestyle modification, device therapy (such as Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP)), or surgery. A treatment method that is gaining attention more and more is medical marijuana.
OSA is a condition that qualifies for Minnesota’s medical marijuana program. This was done in 2018. Minnesota’s medical cannabis program began in 2015. It collects information about patients who participate and also publishes studies that contribute to the growing body of scientific knowledge regarding use of marijuana for medicinal purposes.
In a recent study, researchers from the Minnesota Office of Cannabis Management studied 3,102 OSA-related patients. 39.4% out of 2,749 people with moderate or severe sleep disturbances were able reduce symptoms by 30% and keep it at that level for a minimum period of four months. Patients with moderate or severe fatigue were 33.5% more likely to be able to reduce their symptoms by 30% and maintain it for atleast four months.
As for side-effects, only 16.5% reported adverse events — with 75.5% of side effects reported as mild. Most common was dry mouth. The most severe side effect reported by patients was fatigue, followed closely by headache.
Medical cannabis products are used in a wide variety by patients. Patients used a variety of medical cannabis products.
This is the full report can be viewed here.
At the time of OCM’s last dashboard update in June 2024, 48 349 people were enrolled for the program. Sleep apnea obstructed was the most common qualifying medical condition.
Minnesota Medical Cannabis Program: More Information can be found here.