HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Can Cannabis Oil Be Used For Systemic Lupus?

default
Posted on Wed, 16 Aug 2017
Question: My daughter is 36-year old and was diagnosed with Systemic Lupus abut 7-Months ago. She is being seen by a Rheumatoligist and her last blood work-up was very good. She ask about using Cannabis Oil and the doctor did not know anything about Cannabis Oil. Do you know of a reason not to try Cannabis Oil and can you direct me to where I can get some legitimate information to discuss with her doctor.
We are in Oklahoma City, Ok.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (57 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Please see as below

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

I understand your concern. Medicinal marijuana is a relatively new concept in modern medicine and its effects on many health conditions are very limited and subject to controversy. Due to side effects and the risk of addiction, doctors are very hesitant to prescribe or even aknowledge it's benefits.

As far as Lupus is concerned, it is thought that cannabis reduces pain and inflammation, the two main symptoms of Lupus, without the side effects of Lupus medication. This is due to the fact that the cannabis receptors CB2 are also found in the immune system, so cannabis helps to decrease or reduce the hyper activity that is typical in autoimmune diseases such as Lupus.

For people who want to remain on Lupus medication, smoking medicinal marijuana is the best alternative, however for those who want to be off medals, then cannabis oil is the best.

It should be kept in mind that there is a long list of side effects associated to cannabis, such as breathing problems. dizziness, impaired concentration and memory, heart rhythm problems, stroke, drug interactions etc. The full range and effects of this substance is still being studied.

If want to give it a try, you can suggest your doctor some very informative articles on this subject that can be found on the Mayo Clinic website.

It will ultimately be up to your doctor to decide whether they are convinced about it or not and you may always look for a doctor who is a believer in the healing power of CBD.

I hope this helps. if you have further questions I'd be happy to answer them.

Wishing you good health and all the best.




Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Ornela Ademovi (1 hour later)
Thanks you so very much for your response. I do want to let you know I didn't mean for her to smoke marijuana but to only take Cannabis Oil which is actually Hemp which does not contain THC which gives a person the high.

I also understand that Hemp has recently in the last six months been approved by the FDA and is legal to ship across state lines.

It is also my understanding there is no side affects to Hemp and I hope you can give me your objective thoughts.

Goal is to help keep Lupus in remission.

Thanks in advance for your response.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Ornela Ademovi (11 hours later)
Brief Answer:
See description below

Detailed Answer:
What I meant when I mentioned smoking is only that this is the chosen method for people who want to also continue taking Lupus medication. While some others choose to give up the medication and will opt for CBD oil, which they find more than makes up for the standard Lupus medications. Of course, CBD oil is devoid of the high.

I am aware that Hemp has been recently approved by the FDA. Personally, I am in favor of its use and am fully convinced of its benefits and I am sure it will become progressively easy to find a doctor who is on board with this novelty treatment.

However, although few in number, as with any remedy, Hemp is not without side effects. Some of them are decreased blood pressure, drowsiness and light headedness, dry mouth and most importantly, decreased liver metabolism. For this reason, it is always best to be in touch and consult a doctor during the course of treatment.

As I mentioned above, the benefits of CBD oil in Lupus are related to the fact that cannabinoid receptors are also found on the immune system, making this oil effective in an autoimmune diseases such as Lupus by decreasing pain and inflammation. Therefore I do encourage you to go for it, but first find with a doctor who is willing to be on board.

I hope this helps.

Wishing you and your daughter good health and all the best.
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Ornela Ademovi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 725 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Can Cannabis Oil Be Used For Systemic Lupus?

Brief Answer: Please see as below Detailed Answer: Hello, I understand your concern. Medicinal marijuana is a relatively new concept in modern medicine and its effects on many health conditions are very limited and subject to controversy. Due to side effects and the risk of addiction, doctors are very hesitant to prescribe or even aknowledge it's benefits. As far as Lupus is concerned, it is thought that cannabis reduces pain and inflammation, the two main symptoms of Lupus, without the side effects of Lupus medication. This is due to the fact that the cannabis receptors CB2 are also found in the immune system, so cannabis helps to decrease or reduce the hyper activity that is typical in autoimmune diseases such as Lupus. For people who want to remain on Lupus medication, smoking medicinal marijuana is the best alternative, however for those who want to be off medals, then cannabis oil is the best. It should be kept in mind that there is a long list of side effects associated to cannabis, such as breathing problems. dizziness, impaired concentration and memory, heart rhythm problems, stroke, drug interactions etc. The full range and effects of this substance is still being studied. If want to give it a try, you can suggest your doctor some very informative articles on this subject that can be found on the Mayo Clinic website. It will ultimately be up to your doctor to decide whether they are convinced about it or not and you may always look for a doctor who is a believer in the healing power of CBD. I hope this helps. if you have further questions I'd be happy to answer them. Wishing you good health and all the best.