It's "High" Time We Knew

It's "High" Time We Knew

The impact of smoking cannabis on the function of the voice

After legalization of marajuana in Canada in 2018, studies reported that 12.5% of the population over the age of 15 years old had reported using cannabis in the past 3 months.

With the legalization of cannabis, more research has been coming out related to the health effects of inhaling or consuming marijuana in its many forms. This is important research for those of us who work as voice therapists to know what recommendations to give our clients- particularly those who use cannabis to support symptoms of anxiety and other factors that are often concomitant with voice issues.

A recent systematic review by Meehan-Atrash, et al. in August 2019 compiled results on the effects of cannabis inhalation on respiratory and vocal function. The review found that there was an association between cannabis-only smoking and changes in vocal fold appearance (darkening), respiratory symptoms, and reduced lung function.

These changes can impact overall health and function of the voice. In cannabis smokers, both heavy smoking habits or light but long-term smoking habits demonstrated these effects.

So what do you do if you use cannabis and experience issues with your voice?

Imaging of the vocal folds and respiratory/lung function tests are recommended as well as support and education from a voice care professional like a speech-language pathologist. In addition, this review found that the impacts described above can be mitigated by vapourizing or by consuming edibles.