Medical Marijuana For Sickle Cell Anemia In Tennessee
Does Sickle Cell Anemia Qualify for Medical Marijuana in Tennessee?
Affecting more than 100,000 Americans, sickle cell anemia is part of a group of conditions called sickle cell diseases.
Patients with sickle cell anemia have a reduced red blood cell count, leading to decreased oxygen and reduced or blocked blood flow. There is no cure for sickle cell anemia, and treatment plans often include pain management and preventing complications such as stroke, organ damage, or blindness.
Tennessee has approved sickle cell anemia as a qualifying condition for medical marijuana.
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What is Sickle Cell Anemia?
Sickle cell anemia is a blood disease where red blood cells mutate into an unnatural shape that makes it difficult for the cells to properly carry oxygen throughout the body.
Without enough oxygen, a host of complications can arise such as blood clots and blockages in the veins, strokes, pulmonary hypertension, leg ulcers and more. Due to lack of oxygen, the hands and feet can swell significantly, and internal organs can face inflammation and become damaged, which can lead to a high risk of infections.
People who have sickle cell anemia often suffer from vision problems, as well as delayed puberty and slowed growth. Chronic pain is the most frequent complication, called “sickle pain” due to the circulatory system being heavily inflamed. This causes a stabbing, sharp pain that many sufferers have to live with indefinitely.
What Are the Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia?
Symptoms of sickle cell anemia can include:
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Anemia
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Delayed Growth/Puberty
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Frequent Infections
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Periodic Pain
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Swelling of Hands & Feet
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Vision Problems
Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia typically show up early in life, around 5 months old and can vary in severity or progression. Sickle cell disease is genetic, and it will be present at birth. Because of this an early diagnosis is usually possible and treatment options can begin immediately.
Can Medical Marijuana Help Sickle Cell Anemia?
Chronic pain and inflammation are two of the most common symptoms reported by sickle cell disease patients, and studies have shown that cannabis could be a very effective pain medication for people diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.
Cannabis as an anti-inflammatory is continuously being studied and is showing a lot of promise in many medical studies.
One main area of interest for patients with sickle cell anemia is with how medical marijuana can be used as an alternative for opioids, powerful painkillers with devastating effects on the body if misused or abused.
Medical marijuana is being studied as an alternative to opioids in many fields, and particularly with sickle cell disease patients as they can experience severe chronic pain and are often prescribed opioids.
Because of its pain management abilities and its potential as an alternative to opioids,
Tennessee has compassionately allowed the use of medical marijuana if a person is diagnosed with sickle cell anemia.
Become a Tennessee Cannabis Patient
Qualifying Tennessee patients will soon be able to meet with one of our certified physicians and get approved for medical cannabis treatment.
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Reserve your appointment today and get $25 off when we start processing applications!
We’re dedicated to helping patients every step of the way, feel free to give us a call at 844-249-8714, and we can answer your questions about getting medical cannabis in Tennessee.