Chronic kidney disease occurs when the kidneys slowly lose their ability to function. The kidneys are essential in maintaining overall wellness as they filter out waste and create urine. An individual with chronic kidney disease has higher levels of wastes and other chemicals in their body, which can present a wide variety of health concerns.
Chronic kidney disease should be taken seriously. It exists at various degrees and, without treatment, continues to progress.
Various treatment options are available for individuals with chronic kidney disease, depending on the stage of the condition.
For many people in the end stages of kidney failure, their condition isn’t uncurable. However, this doesn’t mean they can’t have a good quality of life. For individuals at this stage, dialysis can be a possible treatment. Dialysis can help the kidneys perform their healthy functions, restoring balance within the body and improving overall wellness. Individuals typically receive dialysis at a designated center and must go consistently.
What Causes Chronic Kidney Disease?
Many different factors put an individual at higher risk for developing chronic kidney disease. Possible risk factors include:
- Diabetes
- Elevated blood pressure
- Polycystic kidney disease
- Smoking
- Consistent kidney infections
- Obesity
- Old age
- Certain medications
Chronic Kidney Disease Signs & Symptoms
It’s entirely possible to have chronic kidney disease and not know it. Many people don’t experience symptoms in the beginning stages of the disease, making it hard to identify in some cases.
If you are experiencing chronic kidney disease, you may experience one or more of the following symptoms:
- High creatine levels
- Muscle cramping at night
- Swollen feet or ankles
- Lethargy
- Puffiness around the eyes in the morning
- Urinating more frequently than usual at night
- Dry skin
- Poor appetite
Chronic kidney disease can vary widely and look different in everyone. Many people don't take the signs seriously because they share many symptoms with other conditions. However, early intervention can be highly beneficial for those with chronic kidney disease, so it’s best to speak with your doctor if you’re concerned about any symptoms you’re having.
Complications that can arise as a result of chronic kidney disease include:
- Weak bones
- Nerve damage
- Anemia
- Elevated blood pressure
- Heart disease
Can Cannabis Help Alleviate Symptoms of Chronic Kidney Disease?
While there is a need for more research to understand how cannabis and chronic kidney disease can be related, we have limited evidence demonstrating promise for cannabis use, relieving some symptoms of chronic kidney disease.
Natural cannabinoids have so far only demonstrated efficacy for treating neuropathic pain, which can occur due to chronic kidney disease. It may also be helpful in treating uremic pruritus when applied topically.
A recently concluded study from 2023 found that cannabis use did not negatively impact individuals with no kidney issues. However, in individuals with chronic kidney disease, cannabis use was associated with a decline in eGFR, which measures how well your kidneys function.
However, previous research indicates that while patients with chronic kidney disease may find relief from cannabis, they should use caution and avoid smoking. CBD has not demonstrated any adverse effects on the kidneys, but potential contaminants due to the lack of regulations and testing standards are of concern for users with chronic kidney disease. Another study from 2023 found that cannabis use did not increase the chance of acute kidney injury in patients with chronic kidney disease.
If you have chronic kidney disease, speaking to your doctor about cannabis use is recommended before partaking.
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if your state considers chronic kidney disease 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 chronic kidney disease 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 United States. 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 & Chronic Kidney Disease
Are edibles bad for kidneys?
How you respond to edibles can vary depending on how far the chronic kidney disease has progressed. Consider speaking with your doctor about your options for chronic kidney disease.
Can I use cannabis if I’m on dialysis?
If you’re on dialysis and want to use cannabis, speak with your treatment team.
Does THC affect the kidneys?
THC does not notably affect the kidneys in healthy individuals, but high doses may affect those with chronic kidney disease.3 If you are concerned about your kidneys, speaking with a medical professional before consuming THC is best.
Is there a connection between smoking marijuana and kidney disease?
Research has not found a significant connection between smoking marijuana and kidney disease; however, smoking in general has been linked to worsened prognosis.3
What are some dialysis side effects?
Side effects of dialysis include muscle cramps, itchy skin, and infections.
Resources
- Ho C, Martinusen D, Lo C. A Review of Cannabis in Chronic Kidney Disease Symptom Management. Can J Kidney Health Dis. 2019;6:2054358119828391. Published 2019 Feb 22. doi:10.1177/2054358119828391
- Rein JL, Zeng H, Faulkner GB, et al. A Retrospective Cohort Study That Examined the Impact of Cannabis Consumption on Long-Term Kidney Outcomes. Cannabis and cannabinoid research. 2023;ahead of print. doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2022.0141
- Rein JL. The nephrologist's guide to cannabis and cannabinoids. Curr Opin Nephrol Hypertens. 2020;29(2):248-257. doi:10.1097/MNH.0000000000000590
- Potukuchi PK, Moradi H, Park F, et al. Cannabis Use and Risk of Acute Kidney Injury in Patients with Advanced Chronic Kidney Disease Transitioning to Dialysis. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research. 2023;8(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1089/can.2021.0044
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.
