Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia is an extremely painful and debilitating hereditary medical condition in which a patient’s red blood cells can spontaneously take a spiked, jagged shape which can in turn cause them to clump up in small blood vessels called capillaries, blocking blood flow to organs and tissues throughout the body.  These red blood cells also burst easily, leading to anemia, poor oxygen delivery and increased waste in the bloodstream. These episodes are termed sickle cell crises.  Over time, the disease can lead to necrosis of bone, especially around the hips, causing further chronic pain and debilitation.

Medical marijuana can help patients born with this condition to decrease their pain levels and promote blood flow during a crisis.  It also acts as an anti-inflammatory agent and some patients claim stress relief with its use.  It is best used in conjunction with other more conventional therapies for sickle cell anemia.