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Does Cannabis Increase the Risk of Pneumonia or Infection in Dementia Care? 

Posted
Updated
ByMy Patient Advice
Author: Julia Sutton, MSc | Reviewed by: Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD

As medical cannabis use expands, some families caring for loved ones with dementia worry about potential effects on the immune system or lung health. According to recent NHS, NICE, and clinical research, the answer depends largely on how cannabis is taken, the presence of THC, and the individual’s general health. 

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What The Research Says 

Most evidence suggests that the method of administration is the key factor influencing infection risk. Smoking cannabis, whether medically or recreationally, exposes the lungs to irritants that may increase the risk of bronchitis and chest infections.  

A 2024 review in Age and Ageing reported that older adults using smoked or vaporised cannabis had a slightly higher rate of respiratory infections, particularly if they had chronic lung disease, compared with those using oral oils or capsules (Age and Ageing, 2024). However, studies of medical cannabis taken as oral drops or sprays found no significant increase in infection risk. 

Recent research from the Journal of the American Geriatrics Society (2025) found that cannabis oils containing CBD and low THC concentrations did not suppress immune response or increase infection risk in older adults (JAGS, 2025). This suggests that properly prescribed, non-smoked medical cannabis is unlikely to cause pneumonia. 

Dementia-Specific Concerns 

People with dementia often have reduced mobility, swallowing difficulties, or lung vulnerability, which can increase infection risk regardless of medication use. According to the Alzheimer’s Society, there is currently no evidence that medical cannabis directly increases pneumonia or infection rates in dementia care. 

NHS And NICE Advice 

NHS England advises that cannabis-based products should be prescribed only under specialist supervision, and smoked forms are not recommended for medical use due to respiratory risks (NHS England, 2023). NICE guidance (NG144) reinforces this, recommending non-inhaled routes to minimise harm (NICE, 2023). 

Clinical Bottom Line 

  • Smoking or vaping cannabis increases the risk of bronchitis and chest infection. 
  • Oral oils, sprays, or capsules show no clear link with pneumonia. 
  • CBD-dominant products appear safe from an infection standpoint. 
  • In dementia care, cannabis should never be smoked and always prescribed under medical supervision. 

Educational Context: AlleviMed 

AlleviMed provides educational information about the regulated use of medical cannabis in the UK. The platform explains how clinicians determine eligibility, dosage forms, and safe administration routes, particularly for patients at risk of respiratory illness. Dementia remains a non-licensed indication, so any consideration of cannabis should be handled by a specialist doctor. 

Takeaway 

There is no evidence that prescribed medical cannabis increases pneumonia risk in dementia care when taken orally and under supervision. However, smoking cannabis can harm lung health and should be avoided. For older adults, especially those with cognitive decline, safety depends on the formulation, dosage, and route of use. 

Julia Sutton, MSc
Author

Julia Sutton is a clinical psychologist with a Master’s in Clinical Psychology and experience providing psychological assessment and therapy to adolescents and adults. Skilled in CBT, client-centered therapy, and evidence-based interventions, she has worked with conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and conversion disorder. She also has experience in child psychology, conducting psycho-educational evaluations and developing tailored treatment plans to improve learning and well-being.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the author's privacy. 

Dr. Clarissa Morton, PharmD
Reviewer

Dr. Clarissa Morton is a licensed pharmacist with a Doctor of Pharmacy degree and experience across hospital, community, and industrial pharmacy. She has worked in emergency, outpatient, and inpatient pharmacy settings, providing patient counseling, dispensing medications, and ensuring regulatory compliance. Alongside her pharmacy expertise, she has worked as a Support Plan & Risk Assessment (SPRA) officer and in medical coding, applying knowledge of medical terminology, EMIS, and SystmOne software to deliver accurate, compliant healthcare documentation. Her skills span medication safety, regulatory standards, healthcare data management, and statistical reporting.

All qualifications and professional experience stated above are authentic and verified by our editorial team. However, pseudonym and image likeness are used to protect the reviewers's privacy. 

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