{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/health-conditions/6","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2251-markdown","title":"Cannabis May Help People With Schizophrenia","slug":"cannabis-may-help-people-with-schizophrenia","content":"Schizophrenia is a complicated psychiatric disorder that effects 1.1% of the world’s population. 3.5 million people in the United States have active schizophrenia, but many people may have the disease without even knowing it because symptoms normally do not develop until somewhere between the ages sixteen and twenty-five. The most common symptoms of schizophrenia are delusions, hallucinations, and chaotic behavior and speech. Schizophrenia can be extremely detrimental to the lives of people and it is believed that one third to one half of homeless individuals suffer from schizophrenia. \r\n\r\n### Lack of Effective Treatments\r\n\r\nThere is a lack of effective treatment options for people with schizophrenia and all of the options available require a constant administration of medication. Current treatments include a cocktail of antipsychotic medications, which are determined based on what symptoms are most prominent in the individual patient. There are many medications available to help with hallucinations and delusions, but there are not many to help with the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. Cannabis, however, may be able to help relieve some cognitive problems that can come from schizophrenia. \r\n\r\n### CBD May Help\r\n\r\nA recent rat modeled [study published in the the journal Nature](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/28230072) found that CBD derived from cannabis may help with cognitive impairment related to schizophrenia. The research was conducted at the Illawarra Health and Medical Research Institute (IHMRI) in New South Wales, Australia. In the study, rats were infected prenatally with polycytidilic acid. The acid helps replicate similar symptoms to psychiatric disorders like schizophrenia and produces a generation of mice with symptoms. Once born, the mice were treated using chronic CBD treatment and were tested on social interaction and cognitive function. \r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\nThe symptomatic mice were given 10 mg of CBD for three weeks and many factors were measured, including body weight and food and water intake. There were a plethora of tests conducted on the mice during and following their treatment with CBD. The tests were conducted to look at the effectiveness of the CBD at helping counteract some of the cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia and included T-maze tests, novel object recognition tests, and social interaction tests. \r\n\r\nThe study's lead author, Ashleigh Osborne, [said of the studies results](http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317768.php), “We found that CBD was able to restore recognition and working memory, as well as social behavior to normal levels. These findings are interesting because they suggest that CBD may be able to treat some of the symptoms of schizophrenia that are seemingly resistant to existing medications. In addition, CBD treatment did not alter body weight or food intake, which are common side effects of antipsychotic drug treatment.” The effects that CBD had on the mice could indicate a major breakthrough in the world of schizophrenia treatment because it appears to achieve something that no other medications have been able to, including rebuilding cognitive potential and improving social interaction. \r\n\r\n### THC May Worsen Symptoms\r\n\r\nCannabis as a whole, however, may not be good for schizophrenia sufferers because THC is believed to potentially worsen the symptom of schizophrenia. Though THC can be very helpful for some medical conditions, it could be detrimental to sufferers of schizophrenia, whereas CBD may be extremely beneficial. The researchers also conducted a review of studies on the therapeutic value of CBD before conducting this recent rat modeled study, \"From this review, we found that CBD will not improve learning and memory in healthy brains, but may improve aspects of learning and memory in illnesses associated with cognitive impairment, including Alzheimer's disease, as well as neurological and neuro-inflammatory disorders,” [said Dr. Katrina Green](http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/317768.php), one of the lead researchers on the recent study. \r\n\r\nThe review highlighted that cannabis does not have the same effects on people who have conditions and those who do not. Some of this reaction could potentially be tied to the idea of endocannabinoid deficiency, which hypothesizes that a lack of internally produced endocannabinoids could be linked to certain conditions, meaning that a better state of homeostasis can be achieved when the body is supplemented by cannabinoids from cannabis. People without a deficiency, however, could instead experience no positive attributes from the cannabinoids because their bodies are naturally in equilibrium. \r\n\r\nMore research is necessary into why the cannabinoids seem to be effective at targeting cognitive problems related to schizophrenia, because currently there is no definitive answer.  The researchers of the study hope to be able to conduct more studies and eventually a clinical trial to see if there would be similar effects on humans with schizophrenia as seen modeled in rats in this study. This study provides yet another look into how cannabis could potentially help a group of people who find it difficult to receive adequate medication for their condition. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/8ca8739589fe493ba2c588fd3913b8d9/14b42/74e8b1d9dfcfa45f38e3818b6bacdb9e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8ca8739589fe493ba2c588fd3913b8d9/f836f/74e8b1d9dfcfa45f38e3818b6bacdb9e.jpg 200w,\n/static/8ca8739589fe493ba2c588fd3913b8d9/2244e/74e8b1d9dfcfa45f38e3818b6bacdb9e.jpg 400w,\n/static/8ca8739589fe493ba2c588fd3913b8d9/14b42/74e8b1d9dfcfa45f38e3818b6bacdb9e.jpg 800w,\n/static/8ca8739589fe493ba2c588fd3913b8d9/47498/74e8b1d9dfcfa45f38e3818b6bacdb9e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/8ca8739589fe493ba2c588fd3913b8d9/54ac5/74e8b1d9dfcfa45f38e3818b6bacdb9e.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/8ca8739589fe493ba2c588fd3913b8d9/58556/74e8b1d9dfcfa45f38e3818b6bacdb9e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8ca8739589fe493ba2c588fd3913b8d9/61e93/74e8b1d9dfcfa45f38e3818b6bacdb9e.webp 200w,\n/static/8ca8739589fe493ba2c588fd3913b8d9/1f5c5/74e8b1d9dfcfa45f38e3818b6bacdb9e.webp 400w,\n/static/8ca8739589fe493ba2c588fd3913b8d9/58556/74e8b1d9dfcfa45f38e3818b6bacdb9e.webp 800w,\n/static/8ca8739589fe493ba2c588fd3913b8d9/99238/74e8b1d9dfcfa45f38e3818b6bacdb9e.webp 1200w,\n/static/8ca8739589fe493ba2c588fd3913b8d9/5e0b8/74e8b1d9dfcfa45f38e3818b6bacdb9e.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2334-markdown","title":"CBD from Cannabis May Reduce Acne","slug":"cbd-from-cannabis-may-reduce-acne","content":"[Acne](https://www.hellomd.com/answers/576038c801e3ae000b000011/will-this-help-with-my-acne) is one of the most common skin conditions in the world. Almost everyone will experience acne at some point in their life, whether it comes during their teens or adulthood. Acne can be uncomfortable, and at times even painful. Possibly hardest of all, acne can cause problems including poor self esteem, and in serious cases, depression and anxiety. 50 million Americans are suffering from acne at any given time and dealing with the stress of trying to cover up their blemishes and trying to find a solution.\r\n\r\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\r\n\r\n### THC and Acne\r\n\r\nCannabis and acne are a controversial combination because some researchers claim that cannabis may even cause or worsen acne. [THC can increase testosterone levels](http://herb.co/2016/06/10/skin-deep-4-acne-problems/), which leads to increased acne, but the increase in testosterone experienced by cannabis consumption is only 3-5%, which is a nominal amount which should not lead to an increase in acne. Food consumption associated with cannabis could also be leading to a negative connection between cannabis and acne. Since many people, especially recreational consumers, can experience the “munchies” while consuming cannabis, they may reach for snacks high in salt, sugar, or fat that may lead to an increase in acne.\r\n\r\nIncreased oil production has also been tied to cannabis because THC functions much like anandamide, an internally produced endocannabinoid that is involved in oil production in the skin. So, high levels of THC can supplement anandamide, leading to an increase in oil and acne production. CBD, however, is able to regulate oil production in the skin by countering anandamide. A [2010 Hungarian study by Dr. Tamas Biro](http://www.beyondthc.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/08/CBD-for-Acne.pdf) found that when CBD was applied to skin cells it decreased anandamide and oil production by inhibiting lipid synthesis. If you suffer from acne, decreasing oil production in the skin could help to reduce the amount of pimples produced and help relieve already formed ones. \r\n\r\n### CBD May Reduce Acne \r\n\r\nSince [CBD](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-thc-vs-cbd) is the cannabinoid that assists with acne, results can be achieved through hemp or cannabis based products, though cannabis based products are far more potent. Topicals are the best choice for targeting acne with cannabis and they can be in the forms of special salves or simple oils. Applying CBD to the skin can help endocannabinoid receptors, and system as a whole, in the skin achieve proper balance. Cannabis and hemp oil also have linoleic acid, which works to regulate the production of oil on your face that can lead to breakouts. \r\n\r\nRELATED:[SUMMER SKINCARE WITH CANNABIS](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5-ways-to-use-cannabis-for-summer-skincare)\r\n\r\nApplying a small amount of a CBD cannabis topical can not only help to reduce oil production, but it can also reduce inflammation. CBD helps regulate immune responses, which can lead to a decrease in inflammation that can help reduce the visual appearance and prominence of blemishes. \r\n\r\nThere is a lot of potential for CBD to become a part of your everyday skin care routine in the form of moisturizer or spot treatments to help ease your acne symptoms. If you cannot find a topical that suits your desires, you can simply mix coconut oil with cannabis oil for a simple, natural face cream that moisturizes and balances your skin’s oil production to help reduce acne breakouts. Cannabis oil alone can also be used on the skin as a spot treatment to target particular blemishes. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.  ","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/0a772f53f37c2fd632d827a2f1d1b5c2/14b42/e3cf1c80eb96894837cc2066b52c91dc.jpg","srcSet":"/static/0a772f53f37c2fd632d827a2f1d1b5c2/f836f/e3cf1c80eb96894837cc2066b52c91dc.jpg 200w,\n/static/0a772f53f37c2fd632d827a2f1d1b5c2/2244e/e3cf1c80eb96894837cc2066b52c91dc.jpg 400w,\n/static/0a772f53f37c2fd632d827a2f1d1b5c2/14b42/e3cf1c80eb96894837cc2066b52c91dc.jpg 800w,\n/static/0a772f53f37c2fd632d827a2f1d1b5c2/47498/e3cf1c80eb96894837cc2066b52c91dc.jpg 1200w,\n/static/0a772f53f37c2fd632d827a2f1d1b5c2/54ac5/e3cf1c80eb96894837cc2066b52c91dc.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/0a772f53f37c2fd632d827a2f1d1b5c2/58556/e3cf1c80eb96894837cc2066b52c91dc.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0a772f53f37c2fd632d827a2f1d1b5c2/61e93/e3cf1c80eb96894837cc2066b52c91dc.webp 200w,\n/static/0a772f53f37c2fd632d827a2f1d1b5c2/1f5c5/e3cf1c80eb96894837cc2066b52c91dc.webp 400w,\n/static/0a772f53f37c2fd632d827a2f1d1b5c2/58556/e3cf1c80eb96894837cc2066b52c91dc.webp 800w,\n/static/0a772f53f37c2fd632d827a2f1d1b5c2/99238/e3cf1c80eb96894837cc2066b52c91dc.webp 1200w,\n/static/0a772f53f37c2fd632d827a2f1d1b5c2/5e0b8/e3cf1c80eb96894837cc2066b52c91dc.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2302-markdown","title":"Marijuana, Insomnia & Migraines: Liz's Success Story","slug":"marijuana-insomnia-and-migraines-lizs-success-story","content":"### Cannabis Success Stories\n\nAfter serving thousands of patients at HelloMD we have seen a pattern emerge: cannabis helps real people with real conditions. People from all walks of life are turning to cannabis in lieu of opioids, other medications or alternative therapies because they are feeling the results and relief, with little to no side effects. \n\nWe have started a series of cannabis case studies to outline the positive impact cannabis is having within people's lives. In this week's cannabis success story we speak with Liz who has long suffered from insomnia and migraines. Cannabis has allowed her to not only sleep better but to manage her migraines effectively.\n\n### Liz's Experience with Cannabis\n[![](https://hellomd-production.s3.amazonaws.com/articles/586990111eefb000085918c5/embedded_images/586990141eefb000085918c6/Screen_Shot_2017-01-01_at_2.50.27_PM.png)](\nhttps://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/hellomd-news/patient-success/Patient+Case+Study__Liz_Insomnia_final.pdf)\n[Download the PDF](https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/hellomd-news/patient-success/Patient+Case+Study__Liz_Insomnia_final.pdf)\n\n### Chronic Pain History\n\nI have always had insomnia, even as a kid. Why I have never been able to sleep is a mystery to me and my doctors. Once I became an adult I also started to experience migraines. Once they started it was not unusual for me to experience anywhere from  fifteen to twenty a month. They are excruciating and have caused constant pain for me.\n\n### Previous Treatments\n\nPrior to trying cannabis I used Ambien nightly to help me sleep as well as other prescription sleeping pills. For my migraines I tried every drug available including injections. Nothing was working, my migraines were still as bad and I still was not sleeping well. I really tried everything, I exhausted every option before I tried cannabis for the first time.\n\nRELATED: [MARIJUANA & MIGRAINES: SALLY'S SUCCESS STORY](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5834944a14533400080243bc/marijuana-and-migraines-sallys-success-story)\n\n### Cannabis Experience\n\nI began using cannabis 4 years ago, after becoming depressed that nothing else was working. I had heard it might help me so I researched it. First, I started by smoking an indica  flower as a preventative treatment, to see if it might work. At the time, my neurologist was having me keep a sleep journal. After a couple of months of smoking it became clear that I was sleeping much better. The only change I had made was smoking cannabis. \n\nOverall, the severity of my migraines decreased drastically and I was sleeping! Now I take a very active approach and make sure that I smoke regularly as a preventative measure. I typically smoke in the evening just before bedtime, this works for me.\n\n### The Cannabis Tool Kit\n\n### Flower\n\nI make sure to smoke an indica every night before I go to bed. I am not really picky about which one, they all seem to make me drowsy and I typically smoke a pipe. My goal is to make sure I always have some THC in my system, which is the preventative measure for me. When I have a migraine, I find that strains higher in CBD, like [Cannatonic](https://hellomd.com/strains/5a7ce5dcd520d60009f4f4bd) or [Harlequin](https://hellomd.com/strains/5a9d9ad8fdb6dd00088d0cf1), will help me manage the pain.\n\n### Liz Says...\n\n\"I have had life long insomnia. With cannabis I fall asleep faster, and I’m able to drop off peacefully rather than tossing and turning and waiting forever to get that drowsy feeling.\"\n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)  \n_______________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,/9j/2wBDABALDA4MChAODQ4SERATGCgaGBYWGDEjJR0oOjM9PDkzODdASFxOQERXRTc4UG1RV19iZ2hnPk1xeXBkeFxlZ2P/2wBDARESEhgVGC8aGi9jQjhCY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2NjY2P/wgARCAAPABQDASIAAhEBAxEB/8QAFwAAAwEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAMEBf/EABUBAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEC/9oADAMBAAIQAxAAAAGJd64M8uE//8QAGhAAAwADAQAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAESAgMUIf/aAAgBAQABBQKWZrKakehs5vORH//EABYRAAMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABEf/aAAgBAwEBPwGoqP/EABYRAQEBAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAARAf/aAAgBAgEBPwGrj//EABsQAAEEAwAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAREjKhITFx/9oACAEBAAY/At0NXHBCVEqJH//EABwQAAICAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAABESExQVGx8P/aAAgBAQABPyFawsWbArTz0UMUOZWPBH//2gAMAwEAAgADAAAAEJwf/8QAGBEAAgMAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAERIWH/2gAIAQMBAT8QUds2P//EABURAQEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEQ/9oACAECAQE/EAkf/8QAHxABAAIBAwUAAAAAAAAAAAAAAQARIUFRYXGhwdHw/9oACAEBAAE/ECFgqbnEC7OZD3vzBsFRzDgDOujvL2DXl7mZx+9Z/9k=","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/8e794ef05547e9de66de2c6f81c20f2b/14b42/d607b0c0a36f5b875b79770e8145a82e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8e794ef05547e9de66de2c6f81c20f2b/f836f/d607b0c0a36f5b875b79770e8145a82e.jpg 200w,\n/static/8e794ef05547e9de66de2c6f81c20f2b/2244e/d607b0c0a36f5b875b79770e8145a82e.jpg 400w,\n/static/8e794ef05547e9de66de2c6f81c20f2b/14b42/d607b0c0a36f5b875b79770e8145a82e.jpg 800w,\n/static/8e794ef05547e9de66de2c6f81c20f2b/47498/d607b0c0a36f5b875b79770e8145a82e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/8e794ef05547e9de66de2c6f81c20f2b/54ac5/d607b0c0a36f5b875b79770e8145a82e.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/8e794ef05547e9de66de2c6f81c20f2b/58556/d607b0c0a36f5b875b79770e8145a82e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8e794ef05547e9de66de2c6f81c20f2b/61e93/d607b0c0a36f5b875b79770e8145a82e.webp 200w,\n/static/8e794ef05547e9de66de2c6f81c20f2b/1f5c5/d607b0c0a36f5b875b79770e8145a82e.webp 400w,\n/static/8e794ef05547e9de66de2c6f81c20f2b/58556/d607b0c0a36f5b875b79770e8145a82e.webp 800w,\n/static/8e794ef05547e9de66de2c6f81c20f2b/99238/d607b0c0a36f5b875b79770e8145a82e.webp 1200w,\n/static/8e794ef05547e9de66de2c6f81c20f2b/5e0b8/d607b0c0a36f5b875b79770e8145a82e.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2288-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana For Rosacea","slug":"medical-marijuana-for-rosacea","content":"### What is Rosacea?\n\nRosacea is a condition that causes redness in the face that can progress into puss-filled bumps and visible red blood vessels. [Rosacea effects](https://www.compassionatecertificationcenters.com/cannabis-for-rosacea/) roughly 16 million Americans and often gets worse over time. It most commonly occurs in people with paler skin, though it does effect people of all skin tones. \n\nRosacea is often diagnosed between the ages of 30 and 50, but it is commonly misdiagnosed as adult acne at first. Rosacea can lead to other problems, primarily social anxieties due to appearance. 90% of people with Rosacea surveyed said that it lowered their confidence and self esteem, while 41% said it led to them avoiding public contact or social engagements. \n\nRosacea is also associated with irritated eyes, dry skin, and burning or itching of the skin. The cause of Rosacea is not exactly known, but it is believed to be a combination of genetics and environment. Many factors, however, are known to make Rosacea worse, including sun exposure, extreme weather, stress, alcohol, and caffeine.\n\n### Current Treatments\n\nRosacea is most commonly treated through the use of oral or topical antibiotics. One of the most common antibiotics used it metronidazole, in either a cream or gel form. Oral antibiotic use can cause a variety of stomach conditions like nausea, while topical antibiotics are linked to skin problems like hives, skin inflammation, and itchiness. Steroid creams are often used as well, though they are known to make it worse after long term use. Laser and intense pulsed light are sometimes also used for their ability to shrink blood vessels, decreasing the appearance of Rosacea on the skin. Rosacea, however, has no known cure, only treatments that can help control the condition. \n\nRELATED: [THE 3 MOST COMMON SKIN CONDITIONS: CAN CANNABIS HELP?](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5759dd51fc385c0009000066/the-3-most-common-skin-conditions-can-cannabis-help)\n\n### Can Cannabis Help?\n\nCannabis has been found to help patients with Rosacea find relief from both their physical and mental symptoms. The high level of antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties in cannabis have been found to be helpful at reducing the physical redness and facial inflammation caused by Rosacea. Marijuana can also help with stress and anxiety reduction that can help reduce the mental side effects that can be associated with Rosacea as well as preventing flare ups due to increased stress. \n\nA [2013 study](https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/m/pubmed/23889474/?i=2&from=marijuana%20skin) from the University of Bonn in Germany found that THC has been found to help decrease allergy related inflammation symptoms. The study found that cannabis has “important implications for the future development of strategies to harness cannabinoids for the treatment of inflammatory skin diseases.” Though the the application of cannabis on Rosacea has not been studied specifically, there is anecdotal evidence that medical marijuana could greatly help people who suffer from Rosacea. \n\nA California based cannabis topical company, Sweet ReLeaf, has had some anecdotal success with patients who suffer from rosacea. According to the Founder of Sweet ReLeaf, \"we have patients who reported that Sweet Releaf does help their roseacea but they have also chosen the unscented version of the product after trying the original. I'm told this is because the unscented version does not have essential oils (for fragrance) which can tend to be too much for folks with sensitive skin.\" Topicals are often a very common choice for those who wish to try cannabis for their skin condition as smoking may further irritate the skin.\n\n_______________________________________________________________________\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/f02dc42ca7f68555662abb17ae2219d1/ee604/ff2edcc719059d698ed0e389f8a18074.png","srcSet":"/static/f02dc42ca7f68555662abb17ae2219d1/69585/ff2edcc719059d698ed0e389f8a18074.png 200w,\n/static/f02dc42ca7f68555662abb17ae2219d1/497c6/ff2edcc719059d698ed0e389f8a18074.png 400w,\n/static/f02dc42ca7f68555662abb17ae2219d1/ee604/ff2edcc719059d698ed0e389f8a18074.png 800w,\n/static/f02dc42ca7f68555662abb17ae2219d1/2cf95/ff2edcc719059d698ed0e389f8a18074.png 831w","srcWebp":"/static/f02dc42ca7f68555662abb17ae2219d1/58556/ff2edcc719059d698ed0e389f8a18074.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f02dc42ca7f68555662abb17ae2219d1/61e93/ff2edcc719059d698ed0e389f8a18074.webp 200w,\n/static/f02dc42ca7f68555662abb17ae2219d1/1f5c5/ff2edcc719059d698ed0e389f8a18074.webp 400w,\n/static/f02dc42ca7f68555662abb17ae2219d1/58556/ff2edcc719059d698ed0e389f8a18074.webp 800w,\n/static/f02dc42ca7f68555662abb17ae2219d1/e8cc8/ff2edcc719059d698ed0e389f8a18074.webp 831w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2089-markdown","title":"Can Cannabis Cure the Common Cold?","slug":"can-cannabis-cure-the-common-cold","content":"Both the common cold and the flu affect everyone at some points in their lives. For most people, these infections are mainly a bad nuisance, though they can problematic for young children, the elderly and other at-risk groups, such as people with compromised immune systems.\n\nThe flu and common cold are caused by viruses and thus there’s no cure—the best way to treat these infections is to get plenty of rest. There are a number of over-the-counter medicines and natural remedies that you can also take to help you fight cold and flu symptoms, making you more comfortable. \n\nAlong this thread, many people are now turning to marijuana for cold and flu relief. The plant’s anti-inflammatory properties can help you cope with symptoms like sore throat, sinus pain and body aches. Some researchers also think that cannabis’s ability to modulate the immune system could reduce the number of flu-related deaths.  \n\nFOLLOW US ON [FACEBOOK](https://www.facebook.com/pg/hellomdcompany/posts/) & [INSTAGRAM](https://www.instagram.com/hellomd_com/?hl=en)\n### How Can Cannabis Help Fight the Flu or Common Cold?\n\nBoth cannabidiol (CBD) and THC, molecules found within the cannabis plant, can help ease many symptoms of the flu and common cold. \n\nCBD has natural antibacterial properties which can help fight against secondary bacterial infections that may develop from the cold and flu. CBD is also an anti-inflammatory, properties may help open up the sinus passages and increase ease of breathing.\n\nTHC can reduce pain and help sufferers to sleep, which allows their body to rest and heal from the cold. In general, cannabis can also be extremely helpful at reducing headaches and migraines, both which of are common symptoms that people experience with their colds. \n\n### Marijuana May Provide Cold & Flu Relief Via Immune System Modulation\n\nDr. Robert J. Melamede, the chairman of the Biology department at the University of Colorado at Boulder, thinks that [marijuana’s dampening effect on the immune system could reduce the number of deaths from the swine flu]( http://abcnews.go.com/Health/SwineFluNews/company-tables-medical-marijuana-swine-flu/story?id=8214468). \n\nWhen you get the cold or flu, your immune system responds by attacking the virus—this is what causes some of those annoying symptoms like a runny nose and sore throat. Problem is, sometimes your immune system can go overboard, and in serious cases this can lead to organ failure or even death. \n\nSimilar to how cannabis can be helpful at fighting autoimmune diseases, cannabis’s ability to suppress the immune system response could keep your system from overworking itself—it might also help reduce some of those pesky symptoms that make having the cold or flu so miserable.  \n\nRELATED: [LEARN HOW TO MAKE A CANNABIS INFUSED TEA TO FIGHT A COLD](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56b946413c7953000800007d/diy-recipe-marijuana-infused-tea)\n\n### Using Marijuana to Boost Your Immune System During Cold & Flu Season\n\n_Chalkboard Magazine_ recently featured hemp-derived CBD oil on its website as a great component in an immunity boosting superfood tea, due to the molecule’s antioxidant properties. \n\nCBD that’s sourced from hemp can sometimes be found in places where medical cannabis is still illegal. It’s now being seen as a supplement that can help fight the common cold and other illnesses that tend to crop up during the colder months. \n\nThe omega-3 fatty acids in hemp and cannabis oil can work to reduce the inflammation in the body to not only help you get over the cold, but to work to strengthen the immune system against contracting other viruses. \n\nCannabis can be combined with other super foods like turmeric to boost its anti-inflammatory properties. It can be consumed in the form of a tea to help soothe your symptoms and support your immune system. Cannabis can be brewed into tea directly with other cold-busters like ginger, lemon and honey. You can also mix your favorite herbal tea with cannabis infused honey for a soothing treat. \n\nWhile cannabis may not be able to cure the flu or common cold, it can provide you with much relief. \n\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/14b42/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.jpg","srcSet":"/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/f836f/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.jpg 200w,\n/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/2244e/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.jpg 400w,\n/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/14b42/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.jpg 800w,\n/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/47498/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.jpg 1200w,\n/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/54ac5/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/58556/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/61e93/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.webp 200w,\n/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/1f5c5/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.webp 400w,\n/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/58556/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.webp 800w,\n/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/99238/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.webp 1200w,\n/static/42024edff20e052217702c2a19728c0d/5e0b8/610747b65c17ea299fa845437b1c536e.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2129-markdown","title":"America's Newest Addiction: Anxiety Medication","slug":"americas-newest-addiction-anxiety-medication","content":"### We Are Anxious People\r\n\r\nBenzodiazepines are anti-anxiety medications, like Xanax and Valium, that are prescribed to patients to help control various anxiety conditions. 5.2% of adults in the United States take benzodiazepines according to a [2015 JAMA Psychiatry study](http://archpsyc.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=2019955). \r\n\r\nThough there are adults of all ages who take benzodiazepines, rates of use increase with older age. 8.7% of people between the ages of 65 and 80 years old take benzodiazepines and it is believed the increase in use is linked to more stressful events that occur later in life. This is particularly problematic because benzodiazepine use is often linked to grogginess, which can cause an increase in falls and other accidents. \r\n\r\nThe use of benzodiazepines is also overall twice as prevalent in women than it is in men. A quarter of people taking benzodiazepines reported long term usage, which is not what the medications were designed for. \r\n\r\n### Long Term Risks & Stats\r\n\r\nThe risks of using these medications long term often outweighs the benefits and can lead to an increase in tolerance that requires an inflation in dose. Benzodiazepines are often used in association with opioids, which can lead to even more complications. Between the [years](http://fox13now.com/2016/09/06/rise-in-middle-aged-american-women-deaths-attributed-to-opioid-anti-anxiety-drug-overdoses/) of 1999 and 2004, the number of middle aged caucasian woman who died from overdoses went up by 400%. \r\n\r\nBenzodiazepines were responsible for 1/3 of the 54,000 deaths that were caused by overdoses. Caucasian women were far more likely to be prescribed a mix of opioids and benzodiazepines, which leads to an increase in these statistics. It is also believed that the high number of opioid and benzodiazepine prescriptions for women has lead to an increase in overall deaths of women. \r\n\r\nMany women who have committed suicide also have either benzodiazepines, opioids, or both, in their system during the time of death and it is believed that the inhibition they both cause leads to an increase in female death rates. Roughly 20% of people with anxiety disorders also have substance abuse disorders, meaning that the prescriptions of benzodiazepines have to be monitored closely, and they often are not.\r\n\r\n### Cannabis as an Alternative\r\n\r\nCannabis can be an effective alternative to benzodiazepines to help with anxiety. Cannabis has been used to treat anxiety and depression for more than 400 years. Though THC can cause some increase in anxiety because of its psychoactive properties, CBD can be extremely effective at reducing anxiety. THC can be balanced with CBD in particular cannabis strains which can work to decrease anxiety, though overall, high CBD and low THC strains are most effective at reducing anxiety. \r\n\r\nA [study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21307846) completed in 2011 provided a breakthrough into how CBD could help patients with Social Anxiety Disorder. 24 patients with SAD, who had never been treated, were either given a placebo or a dose of CBD before a public speaking test. Researchers monitored physiological measures to determine levels of anxiety during the public speaking test and found a significant decrease in anxiety levels among patients who received CBD. The physiological results were consistent with the self-surveys that subjects completed after the test regarding their levels of anxiety. \r\n\r\nAnother 2011 study that was published in the Journal of Psychopharmacology that monitored the cerebral blood flow of participants after a CBD treatment. The patients in the study all had Social Anxiety Disorder. The study was limited and only included 10 participants, but it showed that patients treated with CBD experienced a decreased level of social anxiety after receiving the treatment, compared to those who took a placebo. \r\n\r\nA Vanderbilt [study](https://www.medicaljane.com/2014/08/11/study-cannabinoid-therapies-may-help-treat-stress-induced-anxiety-disorders/) published in Transitional Psychiatry looked at the role of anandamide in anxiety. Anandamide is an endocannabinoid that occurs naturally in the body, and it works to treat stress induced anxiety. \r\n\r\nCannabinoids from cannabis work on the body's endocannabinoid system in a similar way to endocannabinoids like anandamide. CBD can decrease production of fatty acid amide hydrolase, which is an enzyme that degrades naturally occurring anandamide. CBD can work to preserve anandamide, helping the body to decrease anxiety by itself. \r\n\r\nAll of these studies show that CBD has great efficacy at treating anxiety when administered during clinical trials. All of these studies were completed on people and show how marijuana that features high levels of CBD can be self administered by patients could help reduce various anxiety conditions. CBD not only works to decrease anxiety, but also aids the body's natural processes for reducing anxiety. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about anxiety medications and cannabis? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/14b42/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/f836f/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.jpg 200w,\n/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/2244e/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.jpg 400w,\n/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/14b42/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.jpg 800w,\n/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/47498/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.jpg 1200w,\n/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/54ac5/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/58556/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/61e93/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.webp 200w,\n/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/1f5c5/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.webp 400w,\n/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/58556/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.webp 800w,\n/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/99238/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.webp 1200w,\n/static/8c6f14e299d1f6d1b89b076622ccfa16/5e0b8/a3460082b21a5f2bb04eae7981348c38.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2144-markdown","title":"Marijuana Relieves Both Asthma & Anxiety","slug":"marijuana-relieves-both-asthma-and-anxiety","content":"### What Is Asthma?\r\n\r\nAsthma is a series of bronchospasms and increased mucous production in the lung airways. Asthma can be triggered by many different stimuli, ranging from organic materials to physical activity to respiratory infections. When Asthma is triggered, it leads to difficulty breathing, and patients often carry an inhaler to ease their symptoms. Asthma often causes anxiety as suffers struggle to breathe and the increased anxiety worsens the asthma symptoms. This creates a problematic cycle, which can be made worse by some inhalers because of the stimulants they contain. \r\n\r\n### How Can Cannabis Help?\r\n\r\nCannabidiol, or CBD, could be helpful in achieving what an inhaler can while also decreasing anxiety. A [2015 study](https://www.hindawi.com/journals/mi/2015/538670/) by Labratório de Fisiopathologia Experimental in Brazil found that CBD could be helpful in reducing mucous production associated with asthma. The study was conducted on rats who were injected with chicken ovalbumin, which produces a response in the rats similar to asthma. Half of the rats injected with the ovalbumin were then injected with CBD and one group of rats was injected with neither. \r\n\r\nBlood samples were obtained from the rats to measure cytokines, which are small proteins released by cells that are involved in cell communication and behavior. The rats who had been injected with CBD experienced a reduction in the amount of two kinds of cytokines. This decrease in cytokines suggests that CBD could reduce the production of mucous that is associated with asthma. The study also noted the immunosuppressive and anti-inflammatory properties of CBD, which could also benefit patients with asthma. This study is a good first look at how CBD could help patients with asthma, but more clinical trials are needed. \r\n\r\n### Anecdotal Study Findings\r\n\r\nDr. Allan Frankel at Green Bridge Medical Center conducted an [anecdotal study](http://www.greenbridgemed.com/cbd-and-asthma/) using CBD rich tincture to monitor how it effected patients ability to breath. Dr. Frankel measured the forced expiatory volume at one second (when the patient was breathing as hard as they can), forced vital capacity (the amount of air a patient could blow out after taking a deep breath), and peak expiratory flow rate at any point during exhalation both before and after cannabis administration. \r\n\r\nDr. Frankel administered a 3 drop dose of tincture to asthma patients sublingually, which led to a doubling of forced expiratory capacity and peak expiratory flow rate. These increases were considered to be a great response to a inhaler for asthma, especially without an anxiety increase. CBD is known to reduce inflammation, which could explain why it could be especially helpful in relaxing the bronchiolar muscles during an asthmatic attack. \r\n\r\n### Could CBD Even Decrease Anxiety?\r\n\r\nCBD may have the ability to go beyond just helping with asthma symptoms and could even decrease anxiety in patients who are suffering from an asthmatic spasm. A [study published in Neuropsychopharmacology](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/21307846) from 2011 showed that CBD helped decrease anxiety in patients with social anxiety disorder. 24 patients with social anxiety disorder, who had never been treated, received 600mg of CBD or a placebo. There was also an added control group of 12 people without social anxiety disorder who took part in the test as well. \r\n\r\nPersonal evaluations and physiological measures, such as blood pressure, heart rate, and skin conductance, were monitored in each individual during a public speaking test. Patients who had taken CBD had greatly reduced anxiety and cognitive impairment compared to the group who had taken the placebo. This study could provide insight into how CBD could reduce the anxiety in patients with asthma. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about this article? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. \r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/7027e77e431fbe38e36bf727e05008ed/14b42/f32d157abce0ac53c8303916913e9fbf.jpg","srcSet":"/static/7027e77e431fbe38e36bf727e05008ed/f836f/f32d157abce0ac53c8303916913e9fbf.jpg 200w,\n/static/7027e77e431fbe38e36bf727e05008ed/2244e/f32d157abce0ac53c8303916913e9fbf.jpg 400w,\n/static/7027e77e431fbe38e36bf727e05008ed/14b42/f32d157abce0ac53c8303916913e9fbf.jpg 800w,\n/static/7027e77e431fbe38e36bf727e05008ed/47498/f32d157abce0ac53c8303916913e9fbf.jpg 1200w,\n/static/7027e77e431fbe38e36bf727e05008ed/54ac5/f32d157abce0ac53c8303916913e9fbf.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/7027e77e431fbe38e36bf727e05008ed/58556/f32d157abce0ac53c8303916913e9fbf.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/7027e77e431fbe38e36bf727e05008ed/61e93/f32d157abce0ac53c8303916913e9fbf.webp 200w,\n/static/7027e77e431fbe38e36bf727e05008ed/1f5c5/f32d157abce0ac53c8303916913e9fbf.webp 400w,\n/static/7027e77e431fbe38e36bf727e05008ed/58556/f32d157abce0ac53c8303916913e9fbf.webp 800w,\n/static/7027e77e431fbe38e36bf727e05008ed/99238/f32d157abce0ac53c8303916913e9fbf.webp 1200w,\n/static/7027e77e431fbe38e36bf727e05008ed/5e0b8/f32d157abce0ac53c8303916913e9fbf.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2191-markdown","title":"Marijuana Provides Relief for Celiac Disease","slug":"marijuana-provides-relief-for-celiac-disease","content":"### What Is Celiac Disease?\r\n\r\nCeliac Disease is an autoimmune disease that is triggered when sufferers eat gluten, which is a protein found in wheat, barley, and rye. When the body of someone with celiac disease detects gluten in their digestive tract it results in damage to the villi. When the villi, small finger like projections in the lining of the small intestine, become damaged the absorption of key nutrients is limited, which can lead to weight loss and other nutrient deficiency related problems. The symptoms of celiac disease include stomach pain, problems with digestion, migraines, weight loss, and many more. Though the symptoms can be mostly controlled by avoiding gluten, celiac patients can experience flare-ups  when there is cross-contamination of gluten into their food. \r\n\r\n### How Can Cannabis Help?\r\n\r\nA [2013 study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3631143/) by the National Institute of Health found that cannabis may help treat celiac disease by activating the endocannabinoid system in the body. The research was conducted by the University of Teramo in Italy and it looked at the expression of cannabinoid receptors in the body by observing their transcriptional and transitional levels in the duodenal mucosa, the lining of the portion of the small intestine that leads to the stomach. The researchers looked at these levels in untreated celiac patients, celiac patients who have not had gluten for twelve months, and a control group of patients without celiac disease. The study found that cannabis has a high therapeutic potential for targeting the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the stomach, showing that cannabis can have a direct effect on the overall well-being of the intestinal tract, rather than just help with general pain relief for celiac patients. \r\n\r\n### Cannabis Provides Symptom Relief\r\n\r\nThere are large amounts of anecdotal evidence to support the findings of the study conducted by the National Institute of Health. Cannabis has a long history of being used to treat gastrointestinal disorders because it can act as an antiemetic and an analgesic. Medical marijuana can help decrease nausea, promote appetite, and ease abdominal cramping, all which are common symptoms of celiac sufferers when they encounter gluten. The [Institute of Medicine reported](http://www.safeaccessnow.org/gastrointestinal_disorders_booklet# research) that for patients, “who suffer simultaneously from severe pain, nausea, and appetite loss, cannabinoid drugs might offer broad spectrum relief not found in any other single medication.” Cannabis can work on the endocannabinoid receptors found in the stomach lining to ease pain and reduce inflammation in patients with celiac disease. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about this article? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. A doctor or member of our community will answer.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.342281879194631,"src":"/static/744fb762260e9aa6bb9e5895ab75f149/14b42/e41ea32fdea23942c1b00968621d9ff1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/744fb762260e9aa6bb9e5895ab75f149/f836f/e41ea32fdea23942c1b00968621d9ff1.jpg 200w,\n/static/744fb762260e9aa6bb9e5895ab75f149/2244e/e41ea32fdea23942c1b00968621d9ff1.jpg 400w,\n/static/744fb762260e9aa6bb9e5895ab75f149/14b42/e41ea32fdea23942c1b00968621d9ff1.jpg 800w,\n/static/744fb762260e9aa6bb9e5895ab75f149/47498/e41ea32fdea23942c1b00968621d9ff1.jpg 1200w,\n/static/744fb762260e9aa6bb9e5895ab75f149/e373b/e41ea32fdea23942c1b00968621d9ff1.jpg 1282w","srcWebp":"/static/744fb762260e9aa6bb9e5895ab75f149/58556/e41ea32fdea23942c1b00968621d9ff1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/744fb762260e9aa6bb9e5895ab75f149/61e93/e41ea32fdea23942c1b00968621d9ff1.webp 200w,\n/static/744fb762260e9aa6bb9e5895ab75f149/1f5c5/e41ea32fdea23942c1b00968621d9ff1.webp 400w,\n/static/744fb762260e9aa6bb9e5895ab75f149/58556/e41ea32fdea23942c1b00968621d9ff1.webp 800w,\n/static/744fb762260e9aa6bb9e5895ab75f149/99238/e41ea32fdea23942c1b00968621d9ff1.webp 1200w,\n/static/744fb762260e9aa6bb9e5895ab75f149/8b598/e41ea32fdea23942c1b00968621d9ff1.webp 1282w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2082-markdown","title":"Cannabis Provides Hope for ALS Patients","slug":"cannabis-provides-hope-for-als-patients","content":"### What Is Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)?\r\n\r\nALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, is a neurodegenerative disease caused by the destruction of motor neurons. Motor neurons are cells in your nervous system that are responsible for transmitting signals to your muscles to control their movement. The most common symptoms of ALS are weakness, slurred speech, dysfunction and issues like difficulty walking or paralysis. Many patients maintain cognitive function, though some patients develop problems with mental processing or dementia. There’s no known cure for ALS and many patients die within five years of diagnosis. \r\n\r\n### Cannabis Can Ease Pain & Stimulate Appetite in ALS Patients\r\n\r\nA 2001 review of existing literature by the _American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care_ found that [marijuana is helpful in alleviating many symptoms associated with ALS](https://www.medicaljane.com/2014/11/12/amyotrophic-lateral-sclerosis-als-and-medical-marijuana/). Many patients with ALS experience persistent pain, and cannabis provides both analgesic and anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the decrease of pain. Marijuana is also a muscle relaxant, which helps with the spasticity caused by ALS.\r\n\r\nAs well, many patients who are diagnosed with ALS suffer from wasting at some point in their disease progression and are unable to maintain their body weight. Similar to how cannabis can aid cancer and AIDS patients, cannabis can act as an appetite stimulant. Cannabis also has neuroprotective qualities that help protect patients from neural oxidation, which causes free radicals that can damage cells in the body. The review also found that cannabis can be helpful for the ALS symptoms of dyspnea or difficulty breathing, drooling, depression and dysautonomia—a disorder of the autonomic nervous system.\r\n\r\n### Preliminary Studies Show Cannabis’s Ability to Prevent Cellular Damage\r\n\r\nA 2004 study found that [tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) may be helpful in reducing side effects in ALS patients](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15204022) who use cannabis. The study, which was conducted using mice, found that THC may be helpful in reducing damage caused by free radicals as well as excitotoxicity, which is caused by excessive neuron stimulation and can lead to internal damage. This study showed that cannabis may not only be effective at reducing the symptoms of ALS, but also at preventing damage caused by the disease. \r\n\r\nA 2005 study completed using transgenic mice, who could act as models for humans with ALS, found that the use of [cannabinol (CBN) could delay the onset of ALS-like symptoms](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16183560). CBN is a cannabinoid found in the marijuana plant, often in smaller amounts than those of THC and cannabidiol (CBD). It’s important to note that though CBN could delay the symptoms, it didn’t necessarily change the life expectancy of the mice used in the study. The evidence gathered from the study shows that stimulating or inhibiting the endocannabinoid system may change the processes of diseases like ALS.\r\n\r\nA 2010 study by the _American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care_ found that [cannabis could offer multiple elements that are crucial to helping the body fight against ALS](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20439484). Cannabis can act as an anti-inflammatory, an antioxidant and a factor to help maintain the healthy function of cells.\r\n\r\n### Clinical Trials Are Required to Further Study Cannabis & ALS\r\n\r\nResearchers came to the conclusion that, “With respect to the treatment of ALS, from both a disease modifying and symptom management viewpoint, clinical trials with cannabis are the next logical step. Based on the currently available scientific data, it is reasonable to think that cannabis might significantly slow the progression of ALS, potentially extending life expectancy and substantially reducing the overall burden of the disease.”\r\n\r\nAs more data are collected, cannabis’s multidimensionality is becoming an attractive quality when tackling a multifaceted disease such as ALS. We see large amounts of anecdotal evidence for how cannabis can help decrease the discomfort experienced by ALS patients, providing them with relief from their pain and other side effects. That said, cannabis has the potential to do more for these patients. More studies are needed to see if cannabis might possibly be an effective therapy in extending the lives of patients. Preliminary studies so far provide new hope for a disease that currently has no cure. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about this article? Go to HelloMD's [Answers feature](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) where you can read answers, and you can also connect with a health practitioner or well-informed member of our community who will respond to your queries.\r\n\r\nIf you're new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/cfd6fc5325894c72f10d87db4af6babe/14b42/5dd8f0c0bb143c75462c6f973db3b232.jpg","srcSet":"/static/cfd6fc5325894c72f10d87db4af6babe/f836f/5dd8f0c0bb143c75462c6f973db3b232.jpg 200w,\n/static/cfd6fc5325894c72f10d87db4af6babe/2244e/5dd8f0c0bb143c75462c6f973db3b232.jpg 400w,\n/static/cfd6fc5325894c72f10d87db4af6babe/14b42/5dd8f0c0bb143c75462c6f973db3b232.jpg 800w,\n/static/cfd6fc5325894c72f10d87db4af6babe/47498/5dd8f0c0bb143c75462c6f973db3b232.jpg 1200w,\n/static/cfd6fc5325894c72f10d87db4af6babe/54ac5/5dd8f0c0bb143c75462c6f973db3b232.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/cfd6fc5325894c72f10d87db4af6babe/58556/5dd8f0c0bb143c75462c6f973db3b232.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/cfd6fc5325894c72f10d87db4af6babe/61e93/5dd8f0c0bb143c75462c6f973db3b232.webp 200w,\n/static/cfd6fc5325894c72f10d87db4af6babe/1f5c5/5dd8f0c0bb143c75462c6f973db3b232.webp 400w,\n/static/cfd6fc5325894c72f10d87db4af6babe/58556/5dd8f0c0bb143c75462c6f973db3b232.webp 800w,\n/static/cfd6fc5325894c72f10d87db4af6babe/99238/5dd8f0c0bb143c75462c6f973db3b232.webp 1200w,\n/static/cfd6fc5325894c72f10d87db4af6babe/5e0b8/5dd8f0c0bb143c75462c6f973db3b232.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2165-markdown","title":"5 Ways to Use Cannabis for Summer Skincare","slug":"5-ways-to-use-cannabis-for-summer-skincare","content":"DiDi Davis is Founder of [Sweet ReLeaf](https://getsweetreleaf.com/), a topical cannabis manufacturer located in California. Sweet ReLeaf has created one of the most effective and enjoyable topicals on the market today which is creamy and smells wonderful. As Didi says \"We believe in the healing power of plants, specifically how the human endocannabinoid system communicates with the compounds found in Cannabis. We like to call it ‘Intelligent Medicine.’\" In her latest post, Didi talks about end-of-summer skincare with cannabis topicals.\n\n### End of Summer Approaches...\n\nWith the end of summer well over a month away, it’s a good time to think about skincare. As the temperatures rise and days stretch out, we face a new list of concerns specifically associated with the hottest season of the year. Here's our quick guide for navigating the summer heat and using cannabis topicals as your weapon of choice.\n\n### Sunburn\n\nWhether you are determined to get a few shades darker this season or simply enjoy midday hikes - you’re bound to get a little scorched under the blazing sun. It’s important to use an after-sun product like aloe vera gel to neutralize the heating effects of the sun’s rays. If you’ve had a bit too much sun, using a cannabis topical can help your skin recover quickly, so you can get back to enjoying the sunshine. Try this SweetHack: apply a little Sweet ReLeaf right out of the shower to maximize penetration.\n\n### Acne Spots\n\nSweating the heat? Perspiration often prompts an increase in blemishes. Whatever your go-to acne treatment is, its important to not only deal with the clogged pore but also the inflammation and infection it causes. Dab a little Sweet ReLeaf on before bed to help the swelling go down. THC has incredible anti-bacterial properties and can help bring down the intensity of a blemish so it’s not so obvious.\n\n### Eczema\n\nEczema affects over 30 million Americans. During the summer time, this condition can be especially pesky as skin becomes increasingly itchy and inflamed from sun exposure. Use a THC-infused topical and apply directly to problem areas. Some users of this method have even reported a complete reversal in persistent eczema breakouts. \n\n### Razor Burn\n\nYou’re probably shaving a little more often this season. According to WebMD, most methods of hair removal will irritate the skin and cause hair bumps, rashes, and skin that is extra sensitive to light and heat. To help irritation disappear and skin recover faster, apply a cannabis topical to the area. Be sure to wait at least 4 or 5 days after hair removal before applying a cannabis topical to ensure the area has sufficiently healed first. \n\n### Bug Bites\n\nSun seekers aren’t the only ones coming out in larger numbers during the summer. There’s also an increase in mosquitoes and other blood-thirsty insects ready to nibble up our bare shoulders and legs. If you want to try an alternative to the typical anti-itch cream, use a topical cannabis product high in THC. THC is a proven antihistamine that can decrease allergic reactions, stop the itch and soothe inflamed skin all in one go.\n\nDo you have questions about Sweet ReLeaf? Ask a question about the product in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) feature. A doctor or member of our community will answer.\n\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/f46791353abb8b0507bca7671a532a5a/14b42/e5812bcf20b41a7d5a5d9113d8722f0f.jpg","srcSet":"/static/f46791353abb8b0507bca7671a532a5a/f836f/e5812bcf20b41a7d5a5d9113d8722f0f.jpg 200w,\n/static/f46791353abb8b0507bca7671a532a5a/2244e/e5812bcf20b41a7d5a5d9113d8722f0f.jpg 400w,\n/static/f46791353abb8b0507bca7671a532a5a/14b42/e5812bcf20b41a7d5a5d9113d8722f0f.jpg 800w,\n/static/f46791353abb8b0507bca7671a532a5a/47498/e5812bcf20b41a7d5a5d9113d8722f0f.jpg 1200w,\n/static/f46791353abb8b0507bca7671a532a5a/54ac5/e5812bcf20b41a7d5a5d9113d8722f0f.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/f46791353abb8b0507bca7671a532a5a/58556/e5812bcf20b41a7d5a5d9113d8722f0f.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/f46791353abb8b0507bca7671a532a5a/61e93/e5812bcf20b41a7d5a5d9113d8722f0f.webp 200w,\n/static/f46791353abb8b0507bca7671a532a5a/1f5c5/e5812bcf20b41a7d5a5d9113d8722f0f.webp 400w,\n/static/f46791353abb8b0507bca7671a532a5a/58556/e5812bcf20b41a7d5a5d9113d8722f0f.webp 800w,\n/static/f46791353abb8b0507bca7671a532a5a/99238/e5812bcf20b41a7d5a5d9113d8722f0f.webp 1200w,\n/static/f46791353abb8b0507bca7671a532a5a/5e0b8/e5812bcf20b41a7d5a5d9113d8722f0f.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2109-markdown","title":"How Cannabis Helped Me Find Relief from Parkinson's Disease","slug":"how-cannabis-helped-me-find-relief-from-parkinsons-disease","content":"HelloMD had the pleasure of speaking with Jan Lavelle who was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease just over 6 years ago. Jan has chosen to follow a holistic route for her treatment of Parkinson’s, rather than more traditional western pharmaceutical methods. Through a combination of dietary change, exercise, natural supplements, and cannabis, Jan has found relief from her Parkinson’s related symptoms and hopes to slow the progression of the disease. She is also a passionate Wellness Consultant, helping others to learn about the potential benefits of cannabis for Parkinson's and other conditions.\r\n\r\n### What were your initial symptoms?\r\n\r\nI was diagnosed with Parkinson’s  when I was 45 years old. My mom, my sister, and I all have genetic Parkinson’s Disease. My mom was diagnosed at age 60. My sister is one year older than I and she was diagnosed at age 44. I had noticed that I was holding my arm funny. My right arm was straight out and not swinging while walking, so I called my sister and asked her if her arm did this funny thing where it just doesn't move. She said, “Oh you’re holding the invisible purse,” and this same stiff arm was one of her first symptoms as well. We then all went to the website 23 and Me (a genetic testing site) and ultimately found we all have the gene Lrrk2. Once we were all identified with the particular gene, we did a bunch of studies through UCSF, Stanford, and Sunnyvale Parkinson’s Institute. Genetic Parkinson’s hasn't become very evident until lately, so we are considered a unique case. \r\n\r\n### How did Parkinson’s affect your daily life?\r\n\r\nI am a pretty healthy person, so I wasn’t sure in the beginning if it would affect me at all. My mother and sister each are having their own individual journey, so I was pretty sure mine would be different as well. My sister started western meds and eventually had two brain surgeries, called deep brain stimulation (DBS). They put a pole in your head and a battery in your chest that allows for the stimulation of the production of dopamine. My sister had that done on both sides. My mother also had that surgery at 78 years old. Deep brain stimulation surgery really works for tremors and the movement symptoms because it stimulates the dopamine production. \r\n\r\nTremors are not my biggest issue though, my issue is really stiffness and rigidity in the way that I walk and drag my leg. I also can’t move my hand very well. I don’t have a resting tremor but when I try to use my hand it tremors. I just do everything with my left hand now because my right hand doesn’t signal to move properly, along with my right leg. In order to even get the deep brain stimulation surgery, you need to be on levodopa/carbidopa to make sure that dopamine actually helps the symptoms.  I have opted to not take western drugs for now, but I would also not be opposed if I felt it would improve my quality of life.  My neurologist told me, “the drugs do nothing to slow or stop the progression of the disease”.  However, they can apparently help with symptoms. \r\n\r\n### Was cannabis your first choice for treatment?\r\n\r\nCannabis wasn’t my first choice. I didn't know much about it six years ago. I read Grain Brain and learned how grain is bad for your brain function, so I made some dietary changes. I cut wheat out of my diet and I take antioxidants like green tea, blueberries and turmeric to keep my immune system strong.  I also exercise every day. I am a trained yoga practitioner and I’m also a trained Ayurveda practitioner. I knew a lot about health, nutrition, and exercise, so I worked to do everything naturally. \r\n\r\nI also tried a form of natural dopamine, which is made from mung beans called Mucuna Pruriens. Western pharmaceutical companies traditionally use Sinemet for Parkinson’s. Sinemet is made of Levodopa Carbidopa, which helps your body get the dopamine through the blood brain barrier.  Alternative medicine practitioners have developed a protocol with amino acids that gets the dopamine in you, and through the blood brain barrier without making you sick, but unfortunately it made me very sick. I tried it for a year and it did help with my symptoms a bit, but it made me nauseous all of the time so I stopped doing it. That’s when I started taking CBD tinctures. A friend told me about CBD tinctures and how they might help me, and I have been doing so ever since. \r\n\r\n### When did you first consider medicinal cannabis? \r\n\r\nIt was through the friend who recommended it. Then I immediately began doing research. We had a family friend of ours who was featured through United Patients Group. You can watch a video of his story, Stan Rutner, who was basically dying of cancer. As a last resort they gave him CBD oil and the results were amazing. My mom had sent me this video, so I called his daughter to talk to her about it. She was the person who got me the first information on what to take and how. I started meeting more and more people that gave me information on medicinal cannabis. The first tincture I used was a CBD tincture by Care by Design. \r\n\r\n### Do you use CBD and THCA?\r\n\r\nNow, I’m actually taking CBDA and THCA, they are both non-psychoactive. I micro dose both throughout the day. I take three doses a day about an hour before each meal. The product I take is made by a company called Alta Botanicals. I am working on a cannabis protocol with Alta Botanicals for Parkinson’s to get the [endocannabinoid system](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/what-is-the-endocannabinoid-system) stimulated and working again. \r\n\r\n### How are you trying to help other patients?\r\n\r\nAlta Botanicals and I are trying various methods on me to see what works best with Parkinson's. I am working hard to stick to a protocol, which is easy to do because the medicine is so simple to take. We’re are observing what is going on and ultimately, we would love to be able to cure this disease and help other people with this disease. That’s the goal, of course, to help people get better. \r\n\r\n### How has using cannabis changed your day to day life?\r\n\r\nCannabis gives me some relief from my symptoms. When you have Parkinson’s, you lose your sense of taste and smell, your body kind of freezes up. You don’t have the same senses that you normally would because you lose your dopamine, which can also cause apathy and depression. CBDA and the THCA have actually brought back my sense of taste and smell. My physical senses, like my touch and feel, have also come back. \r\n\r\nWith Parkinson’s you tend to lose your connection between body and mind because of the lack of dopamine, but now I am much more aware of my body mind connection than I was before. I am still limping quite a bit and I still have trouble with my right hand. It’s hard, it is definitely still hard. I think if I keep building cannabis up in my system it will get better.  There are definitely some days when I just want to say screw it and go on western meds and get rid of my symptoms, but the western meds don’t do anything to slow or stop the disease, they just mask the symptoms. With cannabis, we can actually do something to slow the disease because of the connection between Parkinson’s and the endocannabinoid system. There are also a lot of side effects to the western pharmaceuticals, which I want to try to avoid. \r\n\r\n### What would you want other people to know about cannabis?\r\n\r\nI went to a woman’s cannabis party hosted by [Octavia Wellness](http://octaviarosewellness.com/), where I was able to meet many people in the industry. That was my first experience where I felt like I had something to share and people really related to it and listened. I want people to know how acceptable it is to use cannabis and how I am carrying on with a regular job, a regular life, and I have an eleven-year old child. It’s not scary and there’s nothing taboo about it. I want people to know we can do this without being “high”. The benefits of CBD are profound, the information about the benefits of CBD are spreading by leaps and bounds every day. I am committed to supporting people to heal.\r\n\r\nIronically, that first Octavia Wellness party has opened a pathway for me to help other people.  I actually have teamed up with the founder, Carrie Tice and for the past year we have worked on creating a great platform to allow for people like me to be able to become trained in cannabis and become Wellness Consultants. Everyone has people in their personal network who are interested in learning about cannabis- and they may not feel comfortable going to dispensaries - we have solved this by making the process personal.  We are passionate about giving people safe and legal access to trusted information and products.  It's quite empowering!\r\n \r\n### Does the stigma attached to cannabis have merit?\r\n\r\nCannabis can be recreational and I have nothing against recreational cannabis. Sometimes having some THC at night helps me sleep. The benefits we get from the whole, healing plant, if we use it responsibly, are endless. Marijuana is a natural anti-inflammatory; it is a better anti-inflammatory than ibuprofen or anything like that. I’ve heard many lectures about the benefits of cannabis for PTSD, cancer, and many other conditions. I believe all illnesses are caused by some form of inflammation, and cannabis works to alleviate that. If we can get rid of the inflammation, have a healthy attitude, healthy diet, and exercise, we can avoid a lot of illnesses. Cannabis can’t do it alone, but neither can any pharmaceuticals. There are so many healing modalities and there should not be any stigma around cannabis because it is a beautiful, healing plant. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about cannabis and Parkinson's Disease? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. Our doctors and community will answer.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4388489208633093,"src":"/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/14b42/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.jpg","srcSet":"/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/f836f/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.jpg 200w,\n/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/2244e/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.jpg 400w,\n/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/14b42/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.jpg 800w,\n/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/6db77/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.jpg 1070w","srcWebp":"/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/58556/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/61e93/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.webp 200w,\n/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/1f5c5/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.webp 400w,\n/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/58556/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.webp 800w,\n/static/6821854d6c8835549c195615dc8bae32/3f179/f30b2462360e0641123fa311125e40b7.webp 1070w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2092-markdown","title":"Combatting Lupus with Cannabis","slug":"combatting-lupus-with-cannabis","content":"The Lupus Foundation of America supports further research into medical marijuana use for Lupus symptoms. Lupus is caused by a hyperactive immune system that leads to chronic pain, swelling, and tissue damage. Lupus can also effect certain organs, such as kidneys. Some Lupus patients can even experience kidney failure due to abnormal deposits within the kidneys. Lupus often also effect the joints, skin and brain. There are multiple different versions of Lupus that each effect different parts of the body more severely. \r\n\r\nIt was discovered that Lupus symptoms can be caused by the use of over 400 prescription drugs. Many of these cases could be quelled by stopping the use of the culprit drug, but in other cases Lupus can continue to effect the patient. Often, even if the Lupus was not caused by the use of a prescription drug, many people effected with the disease can get caught in a cycle of prescription drug use due to their symptoms. Many of the prescriptions used to alleviate the symptoms of Lupus can have adverse effects, requiring the use of even more prescriptions. \r\n\r\nLupus, as with many autoimmune disorders, poses the issue of long term opioid use in order to treat chronic pain. Since Lupus cannot be cured, rather just treated into remission, it is possible for patients to need to use opioid prescriptions to quell their pain for much longer periods of time than they were designed to be used. After long term use of opioids, the effectiveness can decrease, causing the need for stronger analgesic medications down the line. \r\n\r\nCannabis has been found to be an effective pain reliever without the addictive qualities of opioids. Cannabis can also work with opioids in a synergistic way to reduce pain in patients. A [study](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1038/clpt.2011.188/abstract) published in the journal of Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics found that when twenty-one patients took twice daily opioids, in association with vaporizing cannabis at specific times throughout the days they were observed, that the patients’ chronic pain had greatly decreased. The patients found greater relief compared to when they were only using opioids and the addition of cannabis did not change the way the opioids interacted with the patients body, as measured by plasma opioid levels. This study suggests that opioids could be used in lower doses in association with cannabis for effective pain relief. \r\n\r\nCannabis also has anti-inflammatory properties that could greatly help reduce the swelling and tissue damage experience with Lupus. A 2010 [study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2828614/) published in the Future of Medicinal Chemistry found that cannabis is crucial in immune function and could be extremely helpful in reducing inflammation. The study stated,“administration of endocannabinoids or use of inhibitors of enzymes that break down the endocannabinoids, led to immunosuppression and recovery from immune-mediated injury to organs such as the liver.” This study shows that cannabis could be effective in mitigating the harm that Lupus can cause to organs. Cannabis can also be helpful with skin conditions, and skin is often one of the most effected organs in patients with Lupus. Cannabis is able to help alleviate many of the symptoms associated with Lupus and may even provide a new potential pathway to treat Lupus sufferers. \r\n\r\nDo you have questions about cannabis and Lupus? Ask a question in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/) feature. Our doctors and community will answer.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4388489208633093,"src":"/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/14b42/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.jpg","srcSet":"/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/f836f/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.jpg 200w,\n/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/2244e/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.jpg 400w,\n/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/14b42/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.jpg 800w,\n/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/6db77/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.jpg 1070w","srcWebp":"/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/58556/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/61e93/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.webp 200w,\n/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/1f5c5/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.webp 400w,\n/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/58556/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.webp 800w,\n/static/bf645a184d2820911169d49d2f86dcd2/3f179/43c21dcdd2791a9a2b67f238e07b9864.webp 1070w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":60,"numPages":10,"currentPage":6,"id":5327,"name":"Health Conditions","slug":"health-conditions","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}