Medical Cannabis for Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome
Reading Time: 3 minutes

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is a group of genetic medical conditions and if you have this syndrome you are eligible for a medical marijuana card. EDS is not the only qualifying condition for a cannabis card, you can get a medical marijuana card if you have other related disorders like chronic pain, sleeplessness, depression, and anxiety.

In EDS, the patients experience a group of conditions that affect the skin, joints, and other connective tissues in the body. Numerous EDS sufferers have crippling joint pain and inflammation, as well as pain from brittle skin and other connective tissues.

But the question arises here how cannabis can help in treating EDS? In this article, you will find the answer.

Cannabis and EDS

Cannabis activates the endocannabinoid system, which helps with several problems including EDS. The endocannabinoid system is made up of fatty neurotransmitters that are produced by the body and that can affect how hormones, neurotransmitters, and other bodily processes are regulated. Through CB1 and CB2 receptors, cannabis, and its cannabinoids can stimulate the endocannabinoid system. Although researchers are still learning about endocannabinoids, we are aware that these receptors allow us to control a variety of processes, including pain, inflammation, the immune system, and more.

Delta 9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the cannabinoids that people are most interested in researching when it comes to treating Ehlers-Danlos because they have the potential to enhance quality of life.

Managing EDS Symptoms with Cannabis

The following are some of the EDS symptoms which are experienced by most of the patients:

Sleep

Not getting enough sleep or having difficulty sleeping is one of the symptoms that EDS patients experience. According to some research, cannabis can help improve sleep in EDS patients by activating endocannabinoids such as anandamide (AEA) and 2-arachidonoylglycerol (2-AG) which are responsible for regulating sleep.

Pain

Many patients with EDS experience pain. This pain can be treated with both CBD and THC. Although THC has psychoactive effects, you can start with CBD only. In patients experiencing pain, cannabis proves to be an alternative treatment to opioids or other painkillers. Before trying anything, it is always advised to consult with your doctor.

Headaches

EDS patients often experience headaches and migraines which can be severe in some cases. For treating headaches and migraines, cannabis flowers and other products that contain a combination of THC and CBD can be used.

Mood Disorders

Patients with EDS can also experience anxiety or other related mood disorders due to their pain and chronic health conditions. Several researches prove that cannabis has some anti-anxiety properties which can treat several anxiety-related conditions.

Seizures

EDS can cause seizures which can be long lasting. Medical cannabis can treat seizures by activating the neurons or nerve cells in the body. Patients who are not getting results from medication can try medical cannabis to control their seizures.

Best Ways to Use Cannabis for EDS

Cannabis comes in a variety of forms and every form has different effects. For EDS, the patients can try topical cannabis products which can help manage pain in the joints and muscles. Patients can get temporary relief from pain by applying CBD cream or heated cannabis oil to areas of discomfort.

To treat EDS, patients can also use a potent sublingual tincture. Tincture proves to be a great option in providing relief from the pain. You just have to place it under the tongue and then swallow it, the tincture will deliver instant results.

Best Strains of Marijuana to Use for EDS

Cannabis comes in a different variety of strains, each having different characteristics. But the most common strains are Indica and Sativa:

1. Indica

Indica can provide a feeling of relaxation to patients who are experiencing a lack of sleep due to EDS.

2. Sativa

Sativa is thought to be more energizing and might give some people a euphoric high. Sativa can be used to treat the pain that comes with EDS.

3. Hybrid

To get the benefits of both, you can try a hybrid. Hybrid is the crossbreed of both sativa and indica and provides you with the characteristics of each.

If you are not sure about which strain to take, you can consult our healthcare provider who can help you in picking up the strain according to your requirements.

Conclusion

Cannabis has a great impact on the quality of life in EDS patients. It proves to be a great alternative in treating the group of conditions. If you are an EDS patient then you should try medical cannabis but before trying anything, proper knowledge is required and for that, you can consult our doctor.

Terms & Conditions