In sickle cell anemia, the shape of the red blood cells is permanently changed, resulting in them becoming rigid and forming a sickle or crescent shape due to the genetic defect.
This leads to blockages in blood vessels and severe pain. This also increases risks of organ damage and infections. It is true that sickle cell anemia cannot be cured, but you can take advantage of treatments that can help you to manage the symptoms more easily and improve the quality of your life. One treatment that has been promising in managing pain and other symptoms associated with sickle cell anemia is medical cannabis. Cannabis contains many compounds including terpenes and cannabinoids that have therapeutic effects. In addition to pain relief, medical cannabis has been found to reduce nausea and increase appetite, which can benefit patients who experience the side effects of chemotherapy and other treatments. Also, CBD has been found to have anti-depressant and anti-anxiety effects that can help manage the psychological and emotional impact of dealing with a chronic illness every day. Sickle cell anemia patients who have used medical cannabis have reported vast improvements in their mood, pain, and overall quality of life compared to those who never used medical cannabis for treatment. It is important to note that medical cannabis isn’t appropriate or will work for everyone and you should only use it under the guidance of a medical cannabis healthcare professional. More research is needed in order to fully understand its potential risks and effectiveness.