More than 100,000 people across America suffer from sickle cell anemia, and about one in 13 African American babies are born with this condition. The disease is expensive to treat and can make living comfortably and healthily extremely difficult. The condition’s symptoms have led researchers to try to find many ways to give sufferers a more comfortable life. While there is only one potential cure, there are many studies that have shown that medical marijuana could be the answer to some of the worst symptoms. Here’s what you need to know about the use of medical marijuana for sufferers of sickle cell anemia in Ohio.
Sickle cell anemia is a disease of the blood. In this disease, red blood cells mutate into a shape like sickle or crescent, and that makes it difficult for these blood cells to properly carry oxygen through the body. It can also cause blood clots and blockages in the veins. This condition causes a person to be at high risk of stroke, as well as many other issues. Due to the lack of oxygen, the hands and feet can swell painfully. The internal organs can face inflammation and become damaged, which leads to a high risk of infections.
People who have sickle cell anemia frequently suffer from vision problems, as well as delayed puberty and slowed growth. Finally, they often suffer from chronic pain called “sickle pain” due to the circulatory system being inflamed. This causes a stabbing pain that many sufferers have to live with.
The only potential cure for sickle cell anemia is a blood marrow transplant. This is not a guaranteed cure, and it can be expensive and difficult to receive a transplant. For most patients, the treatments include pain relievers, frequent bouts of antibiotics for infections, and a medication that can help prevent blood cells from mutating. The problem with this medication is that it brings many of the same side effects as the disease itself, so it can’t really be considered a cure.
How Could Medical Marijuana Help Sickle Cell Anemia?
There are many ways that medical marijuana can help patients with sickle cell anemia. One of the biggest reasons that this is often recommended for sufferers is that it can help relieve chronic pain. Marijuana has proven pain-relieving effects. It has also been shown that marijuana is an anti-inflammatory, which could mean that it can help reduce the damage to internal organs by reducing the inflammation that plagues the organs.
Another very important thing that medical marijuana offers is relief from anxiety and depression. For sufferers of chronic pain conditions like sickle cell, it is very easy to fall prey to these conditions. Medical marijuana offers relief from these serious mental disorders that can make life much more difficult to live and enjoy. Finally, by helping to relieve inflammation, medical marijuana may contribute to a lower risk of stroke in sickle cell patients. All of this together means that not only will the quality of life be better, but it could mean that patients with this disease live longer.
3 Easy Steps
Step 1
Schedule an appointment with one of our friendly marijuana doctors at any location throughout the State!
Step 2
Visit our office for your
in-person evaluation with a state-certified medical marijuana doctor.
Step 3
With the doctor's approval, you'll receive your card via email from the Ohio Board of Pharmacy.