The potential of cannabis as a treatment for lupus is an exciting one. Research shows that the plant has anti-inflammatory properties that may help reduce pain and swelling, especially in people with lupus.
However, lupus patients should avoid smoking marijuana as it is highly likely to trigger flares and decrease the effectiveness of some medications. Instead, they should try edibles, topical applications or vaporizing.
Cannabinoids
The potential of cannabis as a treatment for lupus lies in its ability to affect the body’s internal balance (homeostasis). Every function needs to be in balance and homeostasis is achieved when all the elements are working together to perform at their highest levels.
The body’s endocannabinoid system is a complex set of chemical compounds that regulate pain, mood, immunity, sleep, and responses to stress. These chemicals, which are naturally produced by the body, attach to cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2) to elicit physical changes that promote homeostasis in the brain and body.
Research into the effects of cannabinoids on autoimmune diseases is underway, and some studies show that cannabinoids can help reduce inflammation in these conditions. Cannabinoids are able to inhibit inflammation by blocking the production of certain inflammatory molecules, known as cytokines. These cytokines cause the immune system to release proteins that lead to the deterioration of joints, organs, and tissues in a number of autoimmune disorders, including lupus.
Cannabinoid-based drugs that block cytokines are currently being studied in clinical trials for lupus, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Lenabasum, an agonist that binds to CB2, has been shown to lower the inflammatory cytokines TNF-alpha and interferon-
In addition, cannabis terpenes have anti-inflammatory properties and can reduce the production of cytokines. The terpenes beta-caryophyllene and myrcene have been found to decrease inflammation by stimulating the CB2 receptor.
Although lupus research is limited, many patients have seen great improvements by using medical marijuana as part of their treatment. They often report weaning off pharmaceuticals and controlling their symptoms with cannabis, dietary changes, exercise, and stress reduction.
As a result of these positive experiences, there is growing interest in the potential of cannabis as a treatment for autoimmune diseases. This is a good thing for those who are tired of prescription medications with serious side effects.
In some cases, patients who use cannabis experience a significant improvement in their condition after two months on the drug. This makes it more likely that the patient will be able to stop taking pharmaceuticals and start living their life again.
THC
Lupus is a disease of the immune system that causes inflammation and damage to healthy tissue. The condition affects many people and is ten times more common in females than men. Treatment usually involves a team of doctors, a customized plan, and keeping up with a healthy lifestyle. However, some patients have found relief from using cannabis in conjunction with other therapies.
One of the most common cannabinoids used to treat lupus is THC, which has been shown to reduce pain and inflammation. It is also believed to decrease the amount of inflammatory cytokines in the body (chemical messages sent from cells that cause inflammation).
THC has been shown to increase the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells, which are cell types that help regulate the immune system. This may make the immune system more responsive to lupus medications and reduce symptoms like fatigue, muscle pain, joint pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Another possible benefit of THC is that it binds to CB2 receptors, which are on most immune system cells, especially B-cells and T-cells. When activated, CB2 helps control the immune system by reducing inflammation.
Research is still in its early stages, but there are some promising findings. For example, lenabasum, an experimental cannabinoid drug, is being tested in clinical trials for systemic lupus erythematosus and dermatomyositis. It binds to CB2 and has been shown to reduce inflammatory cytokines, which are chemical messages that tell cells to become more active and cause inflammation.
It has been shown to relieve chronic pain in a study of people with lupus. It is also being investigated for its ability to relieve arthralgia and spasms, among other symptoms.
Unlike traditional medications, marijuana does not have psychoactive properties, so it doesn’t get you high. It is also safe to use and has little to no side effects.
As with other medications, determining the best form and dosage of marijuana is a process of trial and error. It’s important to experiment with different strains and ingestion methods until you find one that is effective for you.
Taking marijuana can also be a helpful way to manage stress and anxiety, which can be exacerbated by lupus symptoms like fatigue and joint pain. In fact, some patients claim that THC makes them feel lighter and more relaxed.
CBD
Lupus is an autoimmune disease that causes your immune system to attack its own tissues and organs. There’s no cure for the disease, but treatments help control symptoms and minimize flare-ups. Treatments include nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, corticosteroids and immunosuppressants. But these medicines can cause side effects such as nausea and vomiting, bruising and high blood pressure.
One of the most promising potential treatments for lupus is CBD oil, a naturally occurring cannabinoid found in cannabis plants. It has been shown to reduce inflammation and relieve pain in many autoimmune diseases, including lupus.
While most of the research on lupus and CBD is still in its early stages, the data is promising. As a result, more and more people are turning to marijuana as an alternative to traditional lupus medication.
The first step in treating lupus with cannabis is choosing the right strain and dosage for your individual situation. It’s important to choose a strain that is low in THC and higher in CBD.
Strains with lower levels of THC can be helpful for lupus patients because they tend to make you feel less euphoric, which may help you sleep better on flare-up days. Similarly, high-CBD strains may be more effective because they are more likely to reduce pain and inflammation.
You can also find a wide variety of products that contain CBD or THC, including oils, tinctures, edibles, sprays, and topical creams and lotions. However, before using any product for the first time, you should always check with your doctor or a medical professional to ensure that it’s safe and effective for you.
Taking CBD or THC can interact with some medications, so it’s best to speak to your doctor before trying any new products or supplements. This will ensure that you’re using the right dose for your condition and don’t have any negative interactions.
Another key factor to remember is that you should avoid smoking or vaping cannabis if you have a breathing problem, such as asthma, or if you have a history of lung disease. This is because marijuana smoke can irritate the lungs and cause lung infections or other problems.
Side effects
There are many medications that can help treat lupus, but they may cause side effects. For example, steroid drugs can suppress the immune system and increase the risk of infection, while NSAIDs can cause stomach pain, liver damage and blood clotting problems.
Some patients with lupus choose to use cannabis as an alternative treatment. It has been shown to be effective in reducing inflammatory symptoms and pain associated with lupus.
It also helps calm the immune system. This can reduce inflammation in the body and can relieve symptoms of lupus such as fatigue, joint pain and skin rashes.
Another reason that cannabis may be a good option for lupus patients is because it can help ease the symptoms of depression. Studies have shown that 37% of lupus patients suffer from anxiety and depression, which can be severe enough to interfere with daily life.
If you are looking to try a cannabis treatment for your lupus, it is important to consult with your doctor first. They can recommend a strain and ingestion method that will work best for you.
One of the most common methods of consuming marijuana is smoking. While this is not the healthiest way to consume marijuana, it can be a great choice for patients with lupus because it releases cannabis compounds that are safe.
Vaping can also be an alternative to smoking. This method vaporizes the plant material so that it releases cannabinoids but does not produce carbon monoxide like smoking does.
Other methods of ingesting cannabis include edibles, tinctures and concentrates. These are absorbed through the mouth and have more lasting effects than inhaling. They are not a safe or effective treatment for all lupus patients, but they can be very helpful in relieving pain and other symptoms.
Some lupus patients prefer to take CBD-only products instead of THC-containing ones. These are derived from hemp and are legal in most states, as well as Canada.
The main difference between these two is that THC-containing products can make you feel very high, while CBD-only products are non-psychoactive. However, THC-containing products can still cause addiction and withdrawal syndrome. This can be a life-threatening condition for those with lupus.
