Many children don’t even have a chance at a normal life thanks to sickle cell anemia. Before they have even hit puberty, they find themselves addicted to opioids that are slowly destroying their body from long-term use while the disease itself takes hold. But, this disease is excruciatingly painful; what are they to do?

Studies involving sickle cell anemia and cannabis aren’t as plentiful as one would like, but there is hope for the future of people diagnosed with this disease. Studies have suggested that cannabidiol can help the afflicted through easing their pain and inflammation.

What Is Sickle Cell Anemia?

A healthy red blood cell is in the shape of a disc and has the right amount of flexibility for traveling through your bloodstream. A person with sickle cell has blood cells in the form of a crescent or sickle. This misshapen blood cell can cause blockage in arteries which can lead to anemia, strokes, pain, inflammation, and other symptoms.

Pain

Sickle cell is painful. Painful enough to have children sitting in hospitals on a morphine drip just to get through the night. While opioids are a valid option for chronic or severe pain, they weren’t made to be taken for long periods of time. They also are extremely easy to get addicted to, making this method of treatment extremely undesirable.

Studies suggest that CBD can be used for pain when it comes to sickle cell specifically. In a study where they had mice that had human sickle hemoglobin, the cannabidiol helped ease the pain. This is exciting news because CBD oil also doesn’t wreak havoc on your body from long-term use, it isn’t addictive, there is no overdose level, and you can’t build a tolerance, unlike commonly prescribed painkillers.

Inflammation

Early signs of sickle cell anemia are inflammation of the hands or feet. This can cause severe pain, which can be helped with CBD but reducing the inflammation is another way cannabidiol can help. Because CBD interacts with the CB2 receptor, it enhances the 2-AG endocannabinoid which helps mediate the immune response reducing inflammation.

How To Use CBD For Pain and Inflammation

All different methods of CBD oil can be beneficial when it comes to pain and inflammation caused by sickle cell anemia. Topicals are one of the most popular options for inflammation because it can help with the swelling upon contact. Using other methods like suppositories, e-cigarettes, tinctures, and pills can help with the invasive pain that makes day to day life difficult. Stop by our shop today to see what kind of products we have so you can find the solution that fits your needs best.