Cannabis - Positionspapier der Deutschen Gesellschaft für Pneumologie und Beatmungsmedizin e.V. (DGP) Cannabis - Position Paper of the German Respiratory Society (DGP) in Cooperation with DGAUM, DGS, DG-Sucht, DGKPJ, DGKJ, GPP, BVKJ, BdP, DGK, and Herzstiftung

3 , E. Hoch 4 Abstract ! In this position paper, the adversehealth effects of cannabis are reviewed based on the existing scientific literature; in addition possible symp- tom-relieving effects on some diseases are de- picted. In Germany, cannabis is the most widely used illicit drug. Approximately 600000 adult persons show abusive or addictive cannabis con- sumption. In 12 to 17 year old adolescents, canna- bis use increased from 2011 to 2014 from 2.8 to 6.4%, and the frequency of regular use from 0.2 to 1.5%. Currently, handling of cannabinoids is much de- bated in politics as well as in general public. Health aspects have to be incorporated into this debate. Besides analysing mental and neurologi- cal side effects, this position paper will mainly focus on the influences on thebronchopulmonary and cardiovascular system. There is strong evi- dence for the induction of chronic bronchitis. Al- lergic reactions including asthma are known, too.