Study Finds that Cannabis May Help in Dealing with CKD Pain Management

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This article is a summary of the study entitled A Review of Cannabis in Chronic Kidney Disease Symptom Management published in the National Center for Biotechnology Information.

Cannabis, or marijuana, is a psychoactive drug that is derived from the Cannabis plant. It has been used for a variety of medical purposes, including the treatment of chronic pain, nausea and vomiting, anorexia, pruritus, and insomnia. However, the long-term effects of cannabis use, particularly in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD), are not well understood. In a review published in 2018, researchers examined the existing evidence on the use of non-synthetic cannabinoids (i.e., those that are not manufactured to mimic the effects of delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol or THC) in the management of symptoms in CKD.

The researchers conducted a search of the MEDLINE and EMBASE databases for studies on cannabis and CKD symptoms published from inception to March 1, 2018. They also conducted a manual review of bibliographies. Studies that examined synthetic cannabinoids, such as dronabinol, levonantradol, nabilone, and ajulemic acid, were excluded. The researchers focused on studies with a higher level of evidence, and they graded the quality of the studies based on the Oxford Centre for Evidence-based Medicine Levels of Evidence.

Based on the available evidence, the researchers found that

"Non-synthetic cannabinoids may be effective in reducing chronic neuropathic pain in patients with CKD. "

However, they noted that there is currently insufficient evidence to recommend non-synthetic cannabinoids for other medical indications in CKD. They also noted that any potential benefits of cannabis may be offset by potential harms, including cognitive impairment, increased risk of mortality after a heart attack, orthostatic hypotension (a drop in blood pressure upon standing), respiratory irritation, and malignancies (with smoked cannabis).

The researchers concluded that, until further studies are conducted, the use of non-synthetic cannabinoids for symptom management in patients with CKD should be limited to the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain. They also noted that clinicians should be aware of the potential health risks associated with non-synthetic cannabinoid preparations, particularly smoked cannabis, and carefully consider these risks when deciding whether to use cannabis in the treatment of CKD symptoms.

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What is Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)?

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Reference

A Review of Cannabis in Chronic Kidney Disease Symptom Management

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About the Author

Rich Foreman brings over 30 years of technology leadership to his role of CEO and Co-Founder of KidneySoft.  As founding CTO, Rich led the team that developed the CordicoShield / CordicoFire Wellness App. Cordico was honored with the Sacramento Innovation Award in 2021. After achieving a 7 digit ARR, Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020. Rich has a BS in Industrial Engineering from the University of Washington, an MPA from Troy State University and was an officer in the U.S. Navy. Rich co-authored his book, "Tap into the Mobile Economy." Rich's blog was listed in Top 20 Marketing Mobile Blogs of 2014. He has been featured on KCRA3, NEWS10, 1170 Tech AM PowerDrive, Business Radio Money 105.5, SiliconIndia, the Sacramento Business Journal, and the Sacramento Bee. Rich is also the Founding Director of the Sacramento Chapter of Startup Grind and served a term as Utility Commissioner for the City of Folsom. Rich is a regular contributor to TechWire.net and StartupSac. Rich was the Co-founder of Apptology which was named Small Business of the Year in 2014 by the Sacramento Asian Pacific Chamber. He was also the Founding Chief Technology Officer at Cordico. Cordico was acquired by Lexipol in 2020.  Rich also served 4 years as a Naval Officer in the Civil Engineer Corps.

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Patient Education Disclaimer

This material is for informational purposes only. It does not replace the advice or counsel of a doctor or health care professional. KidneyLuv makes every effort to provide information that is accurate and timely, but makes no guarantee in this regard. You should consult with, and rely only on the advice of, your physician or health care professional.

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