Recently we had a customer come into the store and ask about CBD and its effect on Lupus. Since CBD is effective in helping to reduce inflammation and aiding in pain reduction, we suggested the customer try it. Subsequently to that occasion, I have been researching the efficacy of CBD on Lupus symptoms. Here is what I have found so far.
NOT A LOT OF RESEARCH SPECIFIC TO LUPUS
From a web site entitled ‘Lupus Corner’, we have, “Studies on cannabis have found potential for using CBD oil as a way to reduce lupus symptoms. Many of these studies are conducted with small numbers of participants or rely on anecdotal reports. However, the research is beginning to paint a compelling picture regarding the efficacy of CBD.
A 2010 review published by the HHS government agency details the effects that cannabinoids have on the body. CBD goes directly to the immune cells and cause weak or damaged cells to die off. They also suppress T-cell responses, a major source of inflammation. This weakens the immune response, protecting cells from being attacked by the overactive immune systems of people with lupus. A 2015 report published in the Journal of the American Medical Association that looks specifically at multiple sclerosis implies that CBD may also directly protect nerve cells from autoimmune damage.” Later in that article they stated, “There are many clinical trials in the works on how CBD oil might help with inflammation. For now, though, we have a plant extract with a high potential to help and a low potential for habit formation and side effects. As interest and funding increases for using CBD oil to treat autoimmune disease, this evidence will come.”
ANOTHER TESTIMONY
Janeen Qadri Board Member – Lupus Alliance of Upstate New York, has a degree in health sciences that she uses on a daily basis. She stated, “I thoroughly research it, speak to professionals in the field, and use CBD and cannabis myself. Cannabis education is one of my passions!” She continues, “Cannabidiol (CBD) is a natural game-changer for anyone suffering from chronic inflammation, chronic pain, autoimmune conditions, and even cancer. Lupus sufferers find cannabis and CBD to work a million times better than any other medication and there are no side effects that will hurt us.”
CONCLUSION
Well, actually, we don’t really have a conclusion on the efficacy of CBD on lupus. Without the actual research to give us a definitive answer, we are left to anecdotal evidence and some studies that can report on the ability of CBD to reduce inflammation and aid in pain reduction. We can extrapolate the evidence from those studies that CBD will have a positive effect on the symptoms of lupus. We can find a plethora of anecdotal evidence indicating that CBD has a positive effect on the symptoms of lupus, however, the best course to take if you have lupus is to talk with your doctor about taking CBD. If the two of you are comfortable with trying it, then give it a try and see how it works for you. Since there are no serious side effects from using CBD, it will be worth trying.