Amyloidosis is a rare condition when abnormal amyloid deposits begin to build up. Amyloids are deformed proteins that cluster in different organs, damaging them and their surrounding tissue. The resulting symptoms can affect the heart, liver, kidneys, and nervous system.
The build-up of amyloid deposits can severely impact these organs. Individuals can have amyloidosis in one organ or multiple, and in severe cases, organ failure can occur.
Amyloidosis treatment can be intense in most cases. Individuals commonly receive chemotherapy as part of their treatment, and an organ transplant may be needed.
It is more common for men to have this diagnosis, as they account for about 70% of cases.
There are different types of amyloidosis: AL (Primary) Amyloidosis, AA (Secondary) Amyloidosis, Familial ATTR Amyloidosis, and Wild-Type (Senile) ATTR Amyloidosis. An individual's specific type of amyloidosis will depend on the protein that builds up. Each will have its own level of severity and impact on what treatment options are suitable.
What Causes Amyloidosis?
The different types of amyloidosis have different causes. AL (Primary) Amyloidosis is primarily caused by amyloid production via the bone marrow cells. AA (Secondary) Amyloidosis is caused by an excess production of the serum amyloid A protein, which is produced as a result of inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis. The transthyretin gene causes Familial ATTR and Wild-Type (Senile) ATTR Amyloidosis. In the case of Familial ATTR, it is a mutated gene, and in Wild-Type, it is normal and passed down in families.
Because amyloidosis is so rare, speaking to your doctor is important.
Amyloidosis Signs & Symptoms
If you are experiencing amyloidosis, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- An enlarged tongue
- Diarrhea
- Easy to bruise
- Fatigue
- Numbness or pain in the hands or feet
- Repeat infections
- Weight loss
If the amyloidosis affects the heart, it can also lead to the following symptoms:
- Chest pain
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet
Can Cannabis Help Alleviate Amyloidosis?
Did you know that amyloidosis is one of the main conditions that can increase the risk of Alzheimer’s disease?1 Standard treatments for amyloidosis include chemotherapy, bone marrow transplant, pharmaceuticals, dialysis, or organ transplant. As cannabis is becoming a popular treatment option for a variety of conditions, those with amyloidosis wonder if cannabis is an option for them.
A 2006 study on THC found that this cannabinoid was an effective inhibitor of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) induced amyloid beta protein deposit.2 Another study from 2004 found that when applied to rat cell cultures, cannabidiol had neuroprotective and anti-oxidative properties that helped lessen the effects of amyloidosis.3 A later study from 2014 also found that CBD promoted a decrease in amyloid beta proteins and the survival of neurons involved in producing amyloid precursor protein.4
One study done in cells found that the terpene bisabolol increased cell viability and had a neuroprotective effect against exposure to amyloid beta proteins.5
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if your state considers amyloidosis to be a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules for your state.
If you find that your state recognizes amyloidosis or its symptoms as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to get your medical cannabis card in your state.
How NuggMD Can Help
NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in over half the nation. We’ve connected over 1,300,000 patients with their new medical marijuana doctors face-to-face via our state-of-the-art telemedicine platform.
We believe that every human being has the right to explore the benefits of medical cannabis and are fully committed to helping each patient explore all of their options in their journey to wellness. For further information on whether you qualify for medical cannabis, select your state.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cannabis & Amyloidosis
Will topical cannabis products help my amyloidosis?
Topical products are unlikely to produce the desired results when it comes to treating amyloidosis. While they may have a variety of benefits, they do not enter the bloodstream and will not affect amyloidosis.
Is there a specific strain that’s best for amyloidosis treatment?
There hasn’t been much research into what specific strains impact this condition. When picking a strain, it’s important to remember that they will affect everyone differently. Speak with your doctor and a cannabis professional to help you determine which one might be right for your symptoms. Take notes on how you feel and be open to trying different options.
Is there a possibility that cannabis could worsen my amyloidosis?
While the data does not point to cannabis worsening amyloidosis, it’s impossible to guarantee any specific outcome. If you’re noticing worsened symptoms after using cannabis, stop your cannabis use and speak with your doctor.
Can I use cannabis for cardiac amyloidosis treatment?
While cannabinoids have demonstrated positive effects against the build-up of amyloid beta proteins, there has been no research on the effects of cannabis on cardiac amyloidosis. If you have concerns about a treatment, it is best to speak with your doctor.
Resources
- Ma C, Hong F, Yang S. Amyloidosis in Alzheimer's Disease: Pathogeny, Etiology, and Related Therapeutic Directions. Molecules. 2022;27(4):1210. Published 2022 Feb 11. doi:10.3390/molecules27041210
- Eubanks LM, Rogers CJ, Beuscher AE 4th, et al. A molecular link between the active component of marijuana and Alzheimer's disease pathology. Mol Pharm. 2006;3(6):773-777. doi:10.1021/mp060066m
- Iuvone T, Esposito G, Esposito R, Santamaria R, Di Rosa M, Izzo AA. Neuroprotective effect of cannabidiol, a non-psychoactive component from Cannabis sativa, on beta-amyloid-induced toxicity in PC12 cells. J Neurochem. 2004;89(1):134-141. doi:10.1111/j.1471-4159.2003.02327.x
- Scuderi C, Steardo L, Esposito G. Cannabidiol promotes amyloid precursor protein ubiquitination and reduction of beta amyloid expression in SHSY5YAPP+ cells through PPARγ involvement. Phytother Res. 2014;28(7):1007-1013. doi:10.1002/ptr.5095
- Laws Iii JS, Shrestha S, Smid SD. Cannabis terpenes display variable protective and anti-aggregatory actions against neurotoxic β amyloid in vitro: highlighting the protective bioactivity of α-bisabolol in motorneuronal-like NSC-34 cells. Neurotoxicology. 2022;90:81-87. doi:10.1016/j.neuro.2022.03.001
The information in this article and any included images or charts are for educational purposes only. This information is neither a substitute for, nor does it replace, professional legal advice or medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have any concerns or questions about laws, regulations, or your health, you should always consult with an attorney, physician or other licensed professional.
