Lupus is an auto-immune disease where no two patients have the same set of symptoms. With this condition, the immune system attacks its healthy tissues and organs and can cause damaging inflammation throughout the body.
The word lupus, Latin for ‘wolf,’ was first associated with a medical condition in the 13th century when a physician compared the shape of abnormal sores to a wolf’s bite. By 1904, doctors had discovered a systemic form of lupus affecting different organs and systems of the body. There are four kinds of lupus, but Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is the most common. Other forms are Cutaneous lupus, Drug-induced lupus, and Neonatal lupus.
Since the 1900s, there have been significant scientific developments regarding lupus, but the disease is difficult to diagnose. In 2021, the FDA estimated that over 200,000 people have systemic lupus in the US.
In 2011, the first targeted therapy for adults was approved by the FDA to treat SLE, and in 2020 the same therapy was approved for SLE involving kidney issues, one of its worst forms. A second therapy for systemic lupus in adults was approved in 2021. The same year, the first commercial blood test for lupus became available, allowing doctors to provide more customized treatment.
Despite these advances, there is still more to learn about lupus and many have sought alternative treatments. This article will discuss common questions about lupus and the potential benefits of medical marijuana for lupus.
What Causes Lupus?
Lupus has no cure; it is a lifelong, non-contagious disease often characterized by symptoms that appear in varying intensities called flare-ups and remission. Lupus is most often diagnosed between the ages of 15-44 and is ten times more common amongst females, although it can occur in anyone.
Lupus’s cause is unknown, but scientists and researchers have determined a few risk factors that may increase the possibility of development:
- Racial or ethnic background: Those of African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latino, Native American, or Pacific Islander descent are most at risk.
- Hormones: Lupus may be more prevalent in women due to hormones like Estrogen.
- Environment: Excessive sunlight, medications, past infections, or a history of smoking may be a risk factor.
- Genetics: Family members of those with lupus are at higher risk for development.
- Medications: Drug-induced lupus is the only type caused by the use of certain antibiotics, blood pressure, and anti-seizure medications, and usually disappears when use of the medication is stopped.
Lupus Signs & Symptoms
Lupus has been known to affect the following organs:
- Skin
- Kidneys (up to 50% of patients)
- Blood
- Joints
- Heart & Lungs
- Brain & Central Nervous System (rarer than others)
If you have Lupus, you may be experiencing one or more of the following symptoms:
- Joint Pain or Inflammation
- Muscle Pain
- Fever
- Rashes (most often a butterfly-shaped rash on the face)
- Chest pain with deep breathing
- Raynaud’s Syndrome
- Hair loss
- Photosensitivity
- Hands, feet, or eye swelling
- Fatigue
- Sores in mouth
These symptoms are common among men and women with lupus, but they can change over time and may disappear and come back. If you believe you may have lupus, make sure to talk to your doctor.
How Cannabis Can Help Alleviate the Disease
Treatment for lupus involves a team of doctors, a customized plan, and keeping up a healthy lifestyle. Prescription medications are also available for symptoms (though some can have serious side effects).
This has left many patients wondering if cannabis has a place in lupus treatment.
Currently no medical treatments involving marijuana and lupus are approved, but further research is underway. And early studies have suggested some potential for cannabis to help alleviate common lupus symptoms.
A 2009 study asserts that the endocannabinoid system and cannabinoids like CBD may have potential benefits for autoimmune activity, rheumatoid arthritis, and liver injury, but more research is needed. Preliminary research has shown that medical cannabis may be an effective component in the treatment of inflammation and autoimmune diseases, but more expansive studies are required to determine any negative effects and medication interactions.
Chronic pain is the most reported symptom among people with lupus, and arthritis and joint pain occur among 95% of patients. In 2018, a Yale rheumatologist began a clinical trial to explore the use of synthetic CBD to lower pain and inflammation in lupus patients. The trial is still ongoing and involves a drug given orally over 84 days that attaches to CB2 receptors. A 2020 study also shows promise for a 1:1 cannabis-derived sublingual spray, but concludes that more research is needed on pain relating to rheumatic diseases like lupus.
Research has also shown that major anxiety and depression affect 37% and 25% of systemic lupus patients, respectively. Whether this is due to the disease or only a correlation is yet to be proven, but pain and depression are demonstrated to be strongly related. Current research shows that marijuana could be a viable option for treating depression, and is ongoing. Some higher CBD, lower THC products likely have benefits against anxiety, but this depends on dosage and method of consumption; oral and topical products like tinctures, oils, balms, and teas are often used.
Although medical marijuana for lupus has not been definitively proven effective, some of the common symptoms of lupus are qualifying conditions for a medical marijuana card in states like California (for any appropriate condition per a physician), Illinois (for pain and arthritis), and other states that list chronic pain as a qualifying condition.
Because smoking is a risk factor for developing lupus and can limit the positive effects of treatment, it can be inferred that smoking medical marijuana for lupus is not a viable option for treating its debilitating effects. It is also unknown whether marijuana use may make symptoms worse or interact with any of the drugs already used in treatment. This is why it is vital to consult with your doctor before beginning any type of lupus treatment using cannabis or its derivatives.
Legality and Doctor’s Recommendation
To determine if your state considers Lupus to be a qualifying condition for medical marijuana, check out our Laws & Regulations section for the medical cannabis rules inyour state.
If you find that your state recognizes Lupus as a qualifying medical condition, you can seek a doctor’s recommendation to get a medical marijuana card in your state.
How Nugg Can Help
NuggMD is the nation's leading medical marijuana technology platform, serving patients in 20 states and growing. We’ve connected over 1,000,000 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 & Lupus
Is CBD beneficial for lupus patients?
No medical treatments involving cannabis or its derivatives are currently approved to treat lupus, but further research is being conducted and is supported by the Lupus Foundation of America.
Do people use cannabis for lupus flare-ups?
Studies show that cannabis may have potential for fighting chronic pain, depression, and anxiety (common symptoms of lupus), but these studies are limited in size and not specifically conducted with lupus patients, so more research is needed to give a definitive answer.
Can cannabinoids help autoimmune disorders?
Cannabinoids have been studied for possible benefits for autoimmune disorders and show potential against the resulting inflammation, but more research is needed to determine effectiveness against rheumatic disorders like lupus.
Is it harmful to use medical marijuana for lupus?
Scientists cannot definitively say either way, but it can be inferred that smoking medical marijuana for lupus symptoms is not a viable option. Smoking is a risk factor for the development of lupus, so any doctor recommending cannabis for the treatment of related symptoms is likely to recommend edibles or other non-smoking methods of consumption.
While medical marijuana has shown some potential for fighting the effects of lupus, it may also come with risks of adverse effects or drug interactions. Always speak with your doctor before beginning any type of cannabis lupus treatment.
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.
