As long as you have a qualifying condition set by the state, you can now obtain medical marijuana. There are many conditions and symptoms that medical marijuana can be used for, and one of them is Sickle Cell Anemia.
Sickle Cell Anemia is a type of Sickle Cell Disease where your body doesn’t have enough healthy red blood cells to carry oxygen. This can restrict blood flow and cause serious complications, including severe anemia, pain, swelling, infections, delayed growth, and more.
While the disease is incurable, various medications and treatments can help reduce symptoms and improve quality of life for patients. Medical marijuana has arisen as a popular alternative treatment that can be used along with other treatments to help with many of the complications caused by Sickle Cell Anemia.
What Is Sickle Cell Anemia & How Is It Treated?
Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) refers to a range of inherited red blood disorders, one of which is Sickle Cell Anemia. Those who suffer from Sickle Cell Disease have sickle-shaped red blood cells that restrict blood flow and oxygen in the body, which can lead to a range of serious and even potentially fatal complications.
Usually, patients start to suffer from the symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia at around 5 months of age, but new symptoms can appear and develop over time. Anemia is caused by a low count of healthy red blood cells and can result in severe fatigue. Sufferers also experience chronic pain, swelling, increased risk of infections, delayed growth, and vision problems.
Sickle Cell Anemia can also lead to further complications, some of which can be fatal. For instance, the lack of blood flow to your brain can cause strokes. Some patients also experience lung problems, organ damage, blindness, and various infections.
Treatments used to reduce symptoms and prevent complications can include blood marrow transplants, medications such as opioids and antibiotics, and red blood cell transfusions. Medical marijuana is also a popular option.
Medical Marijuana & Sickle Cell Anemia
Patients with Sickle Cell Anemia can use medical marijuana as a way to help with their symptoms. It is particularly helpful for counteracting the pain and inflammation caused by the disease, but it can also help with many of the other common symptoms and complications that come with it.
A study on cannabis use in sickle cell disease found that 36% of SCD patients in a London hospital used cannabis to help relieve their symptoms. Of these patients, 52% reported using cannabis for pain relief and 39% to relieve anxiety and depression. Some users also experienced sedation and mood changes from their cannabis use.
Another study from 2020 found that cannabis shows potential for mitigating sickle cell disease pain. Vaporized cannabis was found to be generally safe and effective for sickle cell disease patients who wanted to reduce the chronic pain that came with their condition. It also helps that medical marijuana is safer than alternative treatments and can help reduce or prevent many complications of Sickle Cell Anemia.
How Medical Marijuana Helps With SCD Symptoms
While many studies on using medical marijuana for Sickle Cell Disease focus on its ability to reduce chronic pain and inflammation, it also has many other beneficial qualities that can help sufferers. It can help improve mood, quality of life, and potentially prevent further complications from developing.
Many patients with Sickle Cell Anemia suffer from mood issues due to their condition. Medical marijuana can help as it provides potent mood-boosting effects and reduces symptoms of anxiety as well as depression and chronic stress.
Medical marijuana can also provide sleep relief. This is particularly useful for those with Sickle Cell Anemia as the condition can often cause severe fatigue. What is more, its antibacterial and antioxidant properties can ward off the risk of infections.
The lack of oxygen caused by Sickle Cell Anemia can lead to serious brain problems. Medical cannabis may help due to its neuroprotective properties. It can also potentially help with your eye health and prevent the risk of eye problems such as glaucoma.
How To Use Medical Marijuana For Sickle Cell Anemia
Patients who want to use medical marijuana for Sickle Cell Anemia have plenty of options. Smoking cannabis is a popular option as it gives you fast-acting effects and you have many strains to choose from. You can also vaporize cannabis with a vaporizer or Vape Pen if you’d prefer to avoid the drawbacks of smoking.
Some users prefer to use other methods of marijuana consumption that don’t involve inhaling anything. Cannabis Capsules and Edibles provide convenient ways to get an oral dose of THC. Cannabis Tinctures can be applied under the tongue for fast absorption. You can also use Cannabis Topicals for pain relief.
Alternatively, those who want to avoid the psychoactive effects of marijuana can use CBD products instead. CBD or cannabidiol is a non-psychoactive cannabinoid that’s said to offer many of the same perks of cannabis without getting you high. It can be used in the form of CBD Oils/Tinctures, Edibles, Capsules, Vape Products, and more.
How To Get Medical Marijuana For Sickle Cell Anemia
Although cannabis is now easily available for adults over 21 in many states, those suffering from Sickle Cell Anemia should get a medical card in their state. This allows you to buy high-quality medical cannabis and CBD products at affordable prices from medical marijuana dispensaries.
To get your medical card in Florida, you must first book an appointment with a qualified marijuana doctor. They’ll assess your symptoms and health records to confirm that you qualify for medical marijuana treatment. You can then apply for your medical card online and get it within a couple of weeks.
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Once your medical card application is approved, you can buy the products you need from medical marijuana dispensaries in the state. I
The Takeaway
Medical marijuana can help patients with Sickle Cell Anemia manage many of the symptoms and complications that come with the condition. As well as reducing pain and inflammation, medical marijuana can boost their mental state, improve sleep, and reduce the risk of further complications.
Treat Sickle Cell Anemia naturally with medical marijuana by getting your medical marijuana card. The first step is to schedule an appointment with a medical marijuana doctor. We make it fast and easy!
