Medical Cannabis Strains For Sickle Cell Disease

Medical Cannabis Strains For Sickle Cell Disease

Cannabis Strains that Help with Sickle Cell Anemia Patients? from CannabisNet on Vimeo.

Sickle cell disease, also called sickle cell anemia, is a condition affecting the blood. The symptoms vary from one case to another; commonly causing bouts of intense pain (called pain crises) which can last for several days or even weeks in extreme cases.

Other common symptoms of sickle cell disease include swelling in hands and feet, eyesight problems, delayed growth, and constant infections. Sickle cell disease commonly affects African-American populations.

The only known treatment today for sickle cell disease is stem cell or bone marrow transplant, which patients below 16 years old may avail of. These processes are extremely painful and are only possible if doctors are capable of finding a matched donor. The reason why these therapies are restricted to young patients is because older patients may be at risk for more complications; for those above 16, blood transfusions and a cocktail of medications are prescribed to keep the symptoms of sickle cell disease at bay. Once you are diagnosed with sickle cell anemia, you have it for life.

However, cannabis has been shown to be effective in helping sickle cell disease patients manage their pain and regain some semblance of a normal life. Cannabis can not only ease the emotional distraught caused by a sickle cell disease diagnosis, in the form of anxiety or depression, but it is also effective in combating the severe pain that patients go through. In a 2005 study of 86 sickle cell disease patients, 52% of the participants used cannabis for pain relief, and 39% said that it helped them manage depression and anxiety.

If you know someone with sickle cell disease, let them know that these cannabis strains will be of help:

White Widow is a famous hybrid strain, the result of combining a South Indian Indica and a South American Sativa. It’s well-known for producing euphoric, happy, and relaxed feeling that patients with sickle cell disease can benefit from. White Widow gets its name from the crystal white resin that covers its buds, rich in cannabis constituents that can effectively knock out pain. It can simultaneously be used to treat depression as well as insomnia, lack of appetite, and stress.

AK-47 is your weapon against pain. Despite its intense name, the AK-47 can efficiently combat pain while leaving you mellow, relaxed, and euphoric. One of the best traits of the AK-47 is that it provides long-lasting pain relief but you won’t be glued to the couch: it makes patients mentally alert in such a way that you’ll be motivated to enjoy social and creative activities to further distract you from pain. The love child of Mexican, Colombian, Afghani, and Thai varieties, AK-47 is the recipient of many Cannabis Cup awards and it’s no surprise why. AK-47 is also used for combating insomnia, stress, depression, and lack of appetite.

Jack Herer is a sativa-dominant strain that is just as famous as its namesake, a famous cannabis activist who also authored The Emperor Wears No Clothes. Jack Herer is known for delivering a clear-headed cerebral elevation. It is also valued in the Netherlands for its prized medicinal benefits, as this spicy and pine-scented strain has successfully treated patients suffering from pain, depression, fatigue, stress, and lack of appetite among patients with sickle cell disease and others worldwide.

Blackberry Kush is a high-THC indica that is well-versed in the art of knocking out pain. If pain crises are preventing you from sleeping well, which is necessary for healing from within, you can count on Blackberry Kush as an excellent nighttime medication. Its strong indica effects are felt physically from head to toe, offering unmatched relief from pain and insomnia, as well as stress and lack of appetite.

Harlequin is no longer a villain – she’s regarded as a superhero that fights against pain. Harlequin’s very low THC content is prized by sickle cell disease patients who don’t want to get high, but don’t underestimate her prowess in killing pain. Oftentimes, Harlequin’s CBD levels test as much as 11%, and it has the right balance of THC and CBD to combat pain and depression. Harlequin delivers a relaxed high, ideal for patients who also suffer from anxiety. It makes for a great daytime medication, and one that will allow you to stay productive.