MEDICAL MARIJUANA CAN BENEFIT YOU
LUPUS AND CANNABIS; HERE’S HOW MEDICAL MARIJUANA CAN BENEFIT YOU
What is Lupus?
Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease. A disorder of the immune system, the immune cells in the body aren’t able to differentiate between its healthy tissues and the harmful pathogenic intruders like bacteria and virus. As a result, the antibodies in our system become hyperactive and start attacking and destroying its own tissues and organs.
How does Lupus affect our body?
The disease is very painful and can lead to a wide range of symptoms. Most of them are related to the skin such as excessive inflammation and rashes (in shape of a butterfly across the face).
The most common form of Lupus is Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) which also causes internal problems such as joint pain on both sides of the body at a single interval. Pain and soreness manifest in many parts of the body including knees, fingers and wrists.
In severe cases, the disease can reach out to the brain causing strokes and extreme headaches.
What’s the cure and diagnosis?
Right now, there is no available cure for this disease. Neither do we know a single factor responsible for its cause. Even with these limitations, the treatment for symptoms can be done with the prescription drugs available today. However, these drugs come with a multitude of side effects which can prove counterintuitive for the body.
Lupus affects around 1.5 million people have in the US. However, only 72% of Americans are not aware of this disease. Therefore, it becomes pertinent to diagnose the disease early before the symptoms come out in full force. When lupus begins, it can mimic rheumatoid arthritis or fibromyalgia. The diagnosis can be made by Lab tests for antibodies in blood and tissue biopsy of an organ affected by it.
In recent times, Cannabis has become a very safe and effective treatment for symptoms cause by lupus. Let’s find out how it may help you
Medical Marijuana for Lupus, A Potent Medicine
Inflammation and severe pain are the two most common symptoms of this disease. Fortunately, the therapeutic effects of cannabis can relieve both of them efficiently.
Compounds (mostly CBD here) in Cannabis interact with the Cannabinoid receptor- CB2 present in the immune system. This reaction helps in lowering down the inflammatory response of the body. At the same time, it increases interleukin-10, an anti-inflammatory protein and simultaneously reduce the levels of pro-inflammatory protein, interleukin-2.
As a result, the ECS works to sustain body balance and regulate our mood, pain immune system of the body.
Marijuana Strains for Different Symptoms
The unique feature of Cannabis is the availability of several strains. One can choose the strain which can work best for your symptoms. If you are suffering from fatigue, nausea or extreme inflammation, go for a sativa. For pain related symptoms, go for high CBD strains.
Some strains which are found to work best with patients include:
- Hybrid: Catatonic- THC to CBD ratio as 1:1
- Indica: Charlotte’s Web, Harlequin
- Sativa: Super Silver Haze, Strawberry Cough
Some useful tips to aid your Cannabis medication
- Juicing raw cannabis (mix it with other fruit juices) tremendously help in reducing inflammation and pain from Lupus
- Vape cannabis instead of smoking it (preferable if you don’t want to get high)
- Apply cannabis topicals (creams, lotions) on your painful joints in the body during the day.
- Eating a Cannabis edible at night can help you relieve anxiety and insomnia.
Note: Medical Marijuana has been legalized in 29 States and DC. Get your legal Medical Marijuana Card in California here.
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