Cannabis as a treatment for Lupus
The Lupus Foundation of America reports that lupus affects up to 1.5 million Americans, 90% of whom are women. Lupus is an autoimmune disorder that slowly attacks healthy tissues and cells, fever, causing pain, rash, and swelling. While the cause of lupus is unknown, the treatment only focuses on easing symptoms. However, with recent advances in research, there is hope that a cure may be found shortly. The Lupus Foundation of America is instrumental in funding this research, and they work tirelessly to raise awareness about lupus and its effects on those who suffer from it.
Some experts, such as Lupus Program Director Dr. Fotios Koumpouras and Yale Medicine’s rheumatologist, are exploring the potential benefits of medical cannabis for treating lupus. Preliminary research suggests that cannabinoids — the same molecules found in marijuana plants — may help relieve some of the symptoms of lupus. While more research is needed to confirm these findings, this could be a promising new treatment option for lupus patients.
Toni Braxton, a well-known singer who uses CBD oil to help manage her lupus symptoms, is one such celebrity. She discovered that if she couldn’t locate her prescription medicine, she could use Uncle Bud’s CBD oil and feel better in 20 minutes. She attributes CBD oil to assist her in managing her lupus problems.
Lupus Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment
Lupus is an autoimmune condition that can affect any part of the body. There is no known cause of lupus, although several types of the condition exist, including discoid lupus, drug-induced lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus (the most common type), neonatal lupus and subacute cutaneous lupus. Although lupus is most common in women, it can affect men as well. The more severe types of the illness are more frequent among African Americans than among other groups.
Lupus symptoms can range widely, but they are all debilitating. Inflammation, mouth ulcers, fever, hair loss, chest pain with deep breaths, rash, and are all common symptoms for those who are afflicted, as is sun sensitivity. According to MedlinePlus, in addition to lupus medications, you may also need to take medications for underlying health issues like high BP, high cholesterol, infection. Swelling, flare-ups, and the strengthening of the immune system can all be alleviated with the use of certain medications.
A Cannabinoid-Based Treatment for Lupus
Dr. Koumpouras from Yale believes that Inflammation reduction is essential for those suffering from the disease lupus, as it can cause vital organs to deteriorate over time. Pure Green’s Dr. Kimless agrees and stresses the importance of reducing inflammation for lupus patients.
Inflammation is at the root of most diseases, according to Dr. Kimless. This means that conditions like acne, autoimmune disorders, and high BP can all be traced back to inflammation. Chronic inflammation can have a wide range of adverse effects on the human body. However, cannabis is a true medicine because it works to maintain balance in the body as well as working with some other systems.
Lupus News Today reported in 2017 on a potential benefit of medical marijuana for Lupus patients:
“Delta-9-THC and cannabidiol are a couple of the active tetrahydrocannabinol found in medical marijuana.” Cannabidiol, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and can reduce inflammation in the nervous system and immunity without causing a “high,” according to the news source. More lupus patients may soon find relief as new medical cannabis research shows it can ease the disease.