You have probably heard about medical marijuana being used to help with conditions like chronic pain and PTSD. But did you know it could also be used to help with autoimmune diseases? 

Some patients buy marijuana online at https://getloud.co/catalogue/category/concentrates/ to relieve some of these symptoms and improve the quality of their lives. Explore marijuana for autoimmune diseases and disorders and how it could benefit your health.

Key Takeaways:

• Marijuana interacts with the body's system, potentially aiding in autoimmune treatment.

• THC and CBD in marijuana have anti-inflammatory properties that can help manage autoimmune symptoms.

• Different marijuana products offer various consumption methods for individuals with autoimmune diseases.

Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune diseases happen when the immune system is too active, attacking and harming the body's own tissues. The immune system makes antibodies to defend against harmful things like viruses and cancer cells. 

However, with autoimmune disorders, the immune system can't tell the difference between invaders and healthy cells. Over 100 autoimmune diseases affect more than 24 million people in the U.S. What causes them is not fully understood. Treatment aims to lessen immune system activity.

Types of Autoimmune Diseases

Autoimmune Disease	Description
Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)	Attacks joints, causing inflammation, pain, and possible damage.
Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (lupus)	Antibodies attack tissues, leading to joint, lung, blood cell, nerve, and kidney issues.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)	Attacks intestinal lining, causing diarrhea, bleeding, pain, and weight loss.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS)	Attacks nerve cells, causing weakness, coordination issues, and muscle spasms.
Type 1 Diabetes	Attacks insulin-producing cells, requiring insulin shots.
Guillain-Barre Syndrome (GBS)	Attacks nerves controlling muscle movement, leading to weakness.
Chronic Inflammatory Demyelinating Polyneuropathy (CIDP)	Attacks nerves, causing long-lasting symptoms.
Psoriasis	Immune cells collect in the skin, causing rapid skin cell reproduction.
Graves' Disease	Antibodies cause overproduction of thyroid hormone, leading to hyperthyroidism symptoms.
Hashimoto's Thyroiditis	Antibodies attack the thyroid gland, causing hypothyroidism symptoms.
Myasthenia Gravis	Antibodies affect nerve-muscle communication, causing weakness.
Scleroderma	Chronic connective tissue disease causing skin inflammation and excess collagen production.
Vasculitis	Immune system damages blood vessels, leading to varied symptoms.

Marijuana May Treat Autoimmune Diseases

A group of researchers from the University of South Carolina has discovered a new way in which THC can weaken the body's immune system.  

Marijuana is already used successfully to relieve nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, combat weight loss in AIDS patients, and alleviate chronic pain that doesn't respond to opioids.

This study reveals another potential use of marijuana to suppress the immune response to treat autoimmune diseases. Building on recent discoveries about how environmental factors can affect gene function through epigenetic pathways, the researchers investigated whether THC, found in marijuana, could influence DNA expression without directly changing DNA itself.

Results

The results show that THC can alter key molecules in the epigenome, called histones, leading to reduced inflammation. This suggests that while smoking marijuana could suppress beneficial inflammation in the body, it could also be useful in treating autoimmune diseases like arthritis, lupus, colitis, and multiple sclerosis, where chronic inflammation is a major factor.

Benefits of Marijuana as an Autoimmune Treatment 

• Marijuana's cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system.

• Cannabinoids like THC and CBD have shown anti-inflammatory properties.

• They may help suppress overactive immune responses in autoimmune diseases.

• Cannabinoids can reduce inflammation and alleviate symptoms.

Dosage Considerations

When using marijuana to manage autoimmune diseases, start with low doses and increase slowly over time. This lets you identify the minimum effective dose that relieves symptoms without significant side effects.

Many experts recommend beginning with 1-5 mg of THC and waiting at least two hours to evaluate the effects before increasing the dose if needed. Gradually increasing the dose over several days or weeks gives your body time to adjust.

The ideal dosage is different for every person depending on factors like body size, metabolism, experience with cannabis, and the severity of symptoms. Consult with a knowledgeable doctor for guidance on dosage and choosing suitable products and methods of consumption.

Marijuana and Its Product Types

Marijuana, derived from cannabis flowers and leaves, is dried and smoked like cigarettes or consumed in various forms. People use it to change their mental state or feel relaxed, known as getting high. This can be done by smoking, vaping, or eating foods infused with marijuana.

 

The main cannabinoids in marijuana are THC and CBD. THC is psychoactive, affecting perception and causing euphoria. It acts on the endocannabinoid system, making you feel high.

 

CBD works differently, likely affecting the serotonin system, which regulates mood and sleep. It may calm you without altering your perception or physical reactions as much as THC.

 

Cannabis Concentrates

Concentrates are one of the product types of cannabis. They are rapidly growing in popularity, with dispensaries adding new high-potency extracts this year. This growth allows brands to innovate and boost sales while educating consumers about these products. 

 

Cannabis concentrates are dense collections of the plant’s trichomes, containing high levels of cannabinoids, terpenes, and flavonoids. These products commonly have 60% or more THC and come in different consistencies, appearances, terpenes, and effects. Manufacturers use two main extraction methods: solvent-based and solventless.

Types of Weed Concentrates to Explore Online

 

Type	How They Look and Feel	Potency (THC)	Terpene Content	How They’re Made	Usage
Wax	Sticky, dense, golden	60% - 80% (up to 90%)	~5.9%	Butane extraction, gooey resin	Dab rigs, vaporizers
Shatter	Thin, glassy, amber	80% - 90%	Lower than live resin	Butane extraction, more heat, precise filtration	Dab rigs, vaporizers
Budder/Badder	Whipped, buttery, sometimes saucy	80% - 90%	~5.9%	Butane or CO2 extraction, stirred to crystallize cannabinoids	Dab rigs, vaporizers, joints mixed with flower
Sugar/Crumble	Crumbly, pale yellow to deep amber	Up to 90%	~10%	Lower heat, longer vacuum oven process	Sprinkled on joints, vaporized on rig or dab setup
Sauce	Dense, oily, marmalade-like	~60%	13% - 40%	Flash-frozen buds, THCA crystals form during extraction	Dabbing, vaporizing, sauce cartridges
Live Resin	Sticky, taffy-like, varies from saucy to buttery	65% - 95%	13% - 40%	Flash-frozen cannabis, solvent extraction	Vaping with dab pen, standard dab rig
Hash	Compressed, crumbly, dark brown or greenish	20% - 60%	Varies	Trichomes collected and pressed from cannabis plants	Smoked in pipes, joints, vaporizers, or mixed with flower

 

The Future of Marijuana and Autoimmune Diseases

As we look ahead, there's the potential for even more targeted and effective cannabis-based treatments to emerge through further research and innovation. For those interested in exploring these possibilities, consider purchasing at GetLoud Cannabis for a wide selection of quality cannabis products.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can marijuana interact with other supplements or herbs I'm taking for my autoimmune disorder?

Yes, marijuana can potentially interact with other supplements or herbs you may be taking for your autoimmune disorder. Consult with a healthcare professional before combining marijuana with any other medications, supplements, or herbs to ensure there are no adverse interactions. Certain combinations may affect the effectiveness or safety of both substances, so seek professional guidance to avoid potential risks.

What's the best cannabis concentrate for autoimmune disorders?

Determining the "best" cannabis concentrate for autoimmune disorders can vary depending on individual preferences and medical needs. However, many patients find relief from autoimmune symptoms with concentrates high in CBD and low in THC. 

 

CBD has anti-inflammatory properties that may help alleviate symptoms associated with autoimmune conditions without producing the psychoactive effects commonly associated with THC. Therefore, CBD-rich concentrates such as CBD oil and CBD wax may be beneficial for managing autoimmune disorders.  

How should I store my marijuana products once they are delivered?

1. Store your marijuana products in a cool and dark environment away from direct sunlight, heat sources, and humidity. Excessive heat, light, and moisture can degrade the cannabinoids and terpenes in the products, reducing their effectiveness.

2. Transfer them into airtight containers to prevent exposure to air and moisture. Mason jars, glass containers with tight lids, or vacuum-sealed bags are excellent options for securely storing marijuana products.

3. Label your containers with the strain name, date of purchase, and any other relevant information to keep track of your products. Organize them in a designated area to avoid misplacing or forgetting about them.

4. Store them in a secure location out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or exposure.

5. Some marijuana products may come with specific storage instructions provided by the manufacturer. Always follow these guidelines for optimal storage conditions.