Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that affects millions of people worldwide, and can have a devastating impact on a person’s quality of life. Conventional treatments for lupus such as corticosteroids, antimalarials, and immunosuppressants are effective, but can also cause serious side effects. In recent years, medical cannabis has emerged as a possible treatment for lupus symptoms, and researchers are beginning to explore its potential benefits. In this article, we will examine the evidence for the efficacy of medical cannabis in treating lupus, and discuss the potential risks and benefits of using this alternative therapy.
What are the potential benefits of using medical cannabis to treat symptoms of lupus?
Potential benefits of using medical cannabis to treat symptoms of lupus include reducing inflammation, pain, and fatigue, reducing joint stiffness, and improving sleep. Cannabis has also been shown to reduce the effects of autoimmune conditions like lupus by modulating the immune system and providing antioxidant protection. Additionally, medical cannabis has been found to be an effective treatment for nausea and other gastrointestinal issues associated with lupus.
Are there any known risks associated with using medical cannabis to treat lupus?
Yes, there are known risks associated with using medical cannabis to treat lupus. These risks include increased risk of psychosis, cognitive impairment, and potential drug interactions. Additionally, cannabis may interact with other medications used to treat lupus and could worsen the condition. Therefore, it is important to consult a healthcare professional before using medical cannabis to treat lupus.
Is CBD oil a viable treatment option for patients with lupus?
Yes, CBD oil is a viable treatment option for patients with lupus. Studies have shown that CBD oil has anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce the symptoms of lupus. Additionally, CBD oil is known to have analgesic and neuroprotective effects, which can help alleviate pain and reduce inflammation. However, it is important to note that more research is needed to fully understand the potential therapeutic benefits of CBD oil for lupus patients.
Are there any medical studies that have explored the effects of medical cannabis on lupus?
Yes, there have been a few studies that have explored the effects of medical cannabis on lupus. One of the most recent studies was published in the journal Frontiers in Immunology, which found that the cannabinoids in cannabis have anti-inflammatory properties that can help reduce pain and inflammation associated with lupus. Other studies have also found that medical cannabis can provide relief from the fatigue, muscle pain, and joint pain associated with lupus.
Are there any specific CBD products that have been found to be effective in treating lupus symptoms?
Yes, there have been studies that have found certain CBD products to be effective in treating lupus symptoms. These include CBD oils, tinctures, capsules, and edibles. Studies have specifically found that CBD can help reduce inflammation, pain, and fatigue associated with lupus. Additionally, CBD may help reduce anxiety and depression, two common symptoms of lupus.
Dont miss a thing. Subscribe to email for more resources. Medical marijuana is not approved by the U. Research is just starting to study how it might help manage or treat lupus. People have used the marijuana plant or its extracts for medical purposes for thousands of years. There are also hundreds of synthetic cannabinoid chemicals chemicals that are created in the laboratory that mimic natural cannabinoids. These include the dried plant herb or flower , edibles brownies, cookies, candy , drinkables coffee, tea, lemonade, soda , oils, tinctures which are taken orally , sprays, and topical creams and gels. People have used medical marijuana for a variety of health conditions. The FDA has approved one drug that contains CBD to treat seizures associated with two severe forms of childhood epilepsy. It has also approved three medications containing synthetic cannabinoids that may help treat cancer symptoms or the side effects of cancer therapies. The research for medical marijuana uses have steadily increased. That research suggests that medical marijuana may be helpful in these conditions and symptoms. There is only one currently ongoing study of medical marijuana for lupus. That study is looking at whether a potential new drug made from a synthetic cannabinoid can treat joint pain and swelling inflammation in people with lupus. Several smaller studies of other conditions involving the immune system have reported positive results with lenabasum. If someone with lupus is thinking about trying any alternative treatments or products including medical marijuana they should always talk with their doctor first. Some of these products might not be safe, may interact with medications, or could make symptoms worse. Understanding Lupus. Living with Lupus. Advancing Research. Get Involved. About Us. Donate Become an Advocate. What is lupus? Impact on Daily Life. Ask a Health Educator. Find Support Near You. List of Financial Assistance Resources. Programs and Services. Anyone with lupus. Health care professionals. Newly diagnosed. Find resources. Get answers. Our Work. Get Involved in Research. For Researchers. Research News. Advocacy for Research. Make a Donation Now. Give Monthly. Give In Memory or Honor. Other Ways to Give. Be a Corporate Partner. Shop and Support. Walk to End Lupus Now. Start a Fundraiser. Create a Tribute Page. Livestream to End Lupus. Race to End Lupus. Virtual 6 Challenge. Advocate with Us. Legislative Successes. Spread Awareness. Get Local Support. Join Our Support Community. Shareable Toolkit. Sign Up for Emails. Tell Your Story. Media Relations. Contact Us. Annual Report. National Lupus Partners Network. What is medical marijuana? What is medical marijuana used for? About Synthetic Cannabinoids. Related Resources. Organizational statement on medical marijuana. The Expert Series Complementary and alternative medicines. Was this resource helpful? Yes No. Treating lupus. Last updated April 19, Get lupus resources and updates. Subscribe to our emails. Close Choose a chapter. Lupus Foundation of America. Supporting lupus patients and advocates in Arizona. Serving southern Illinois up to and including Springfield, eastern Kansas, and Missouri. Serving northern and central Illinois. Serving all northern counties in New Jersey, south through Mercer and Ocean counties. Supporting lupus patients and advocates in the Northeast. Close Find a walk.
A lupus diagnosis can be devastating. Lupus affects approximately , people in the United States, and yet at present doctors neither know the exact cause nor have a cure. Instead, current treatments focus on improving quality of life by controlling symptoms and minimizing flare-ups to reduce risk of organ damage. Most of the drugs we use are being repurposed from other conditions and are not unique to lupus. All of these issues create the impetus to find new and more effective therapies. CB1 receptors are mostly located in the nervous system, connective tissues, gonads, glands, and organs CB2 receptors are primarily found in the immune system, along with the spleen, liver, heart, kidneys, bones, blood vessels, lymph cells, endocrine glands, and reproductive organs. Collectively this is called the endocannabinoid system. What these cannabinoids do when they bind to the receptors depends on which receptor is activated, and thus can produce effects ranging from the firing of neurotransmitters the chemical messengers sent from the brain to the rest of the body that alter mood, to reducing inflammation and promoting digestion. So, our bodies have their own endocannabinoid system, but cannabinoids can also be found in nature, most abundantly in the marijuana plant. The two most well-known types of cannabinoids in the marijuana plant are THC tetrahydrocannabinol and CBD cannabidiol.
