In 2017, a american study had shown the efficacy of cannabis for therapeutic use in sleep apnea. As a result, the Minnesota Department of Health announced the addition of Obstructive Sleep Apnea Syndrome (OSAS) as a new qualifying condition for the state’s medical cannabis program. Today, the American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) protested against this decision and wrote a “position statement” published in the Journal of Clinical Sleep Medicine.
Nearly 30 million American adults have sleep apnea. This disease involves the repeated collapse of the upper airways during the night. Initially, animal studies had shown the effectiveness of a synthetic version of THC, the active ingredient in cannabis, in maintaining respiratory stability. The subsequent human study presented therapeutic cannabis as an alternative treatment for sleep apnea. However, for AASM, the evidence is too weak to include OSA in the medical cannabis programs of states authorizing it.
Other safer and more effective treatments
“Until we have further evidence on the effectiveness of medical cannabis for the treatment of sleep apnea, patients should discuss proven treatment options with a licensed medical provider at an accredited sleep facility.” Kannan Ramar, lead author of the “position statement”, said in a statement. According to them, the methods of administering cannabis are unreliable and there is insufficient evidence for efficacy and tolerance of the product. On the other hand, these treatments have shown harmful effects such as drowsiness during the day which can lead to accidents. The AASM explains that treatment with continuous positive pressure airways remains the most effective against sleep apnea today.
Read also :
Sleep apnea increases risk of Alzheimer’s disease
Cannabis is not necessarily the solution to treating depressive disorders
