By Luke Sumpter


Medical cannabis research continues to ramp up. It was only a couple decades ago that most of the world viewed cannabis as a menacing drug. Not only has legalization allowed millions of people to access the plant for a growing list of conditions, but increasing acceptance means scientists are able to explore cannabis and its constituents in finer detail.

At present, researchers are in the early stages of examining the potential of cannabis for a challenging condition—sickle cell anemia. Resulting in swelling, pain, and frequent infections, can the symptoms be tamed by cannabis? Find out below.

What Is Sickle Cell Anemia?

Sickle cell anemia belongs to a larger group of disorders under the category of sickle cell disease. While some diseases have environmental causes, sickle cell anemia stems from a genetic mutation in the gene that codes for haemoglobin.

Chances are you remember the word “haemoglobin” from biology class. This iron-containing protein occurs in red blood cells and gives them their distinctive red appearance. These cells are vital for human survival, and tasked with carrying oxygen to the rest of the body and cycling carbon dioxide back to the lungs.

Haemoglobin molecules serve as the binding sites on red blood cells that allow them to carry oxygen. In cases of sickle cell anemia, a genetic fault causes a defect in haemoglobin, which in turn causes red blood cells to their change shape into that of a crescent or “sickle”. This unusual shape can produce a host of complications and symptoms.

  • How Sickle Cell Anemia Occurs

Sickle cell anemia occurs when two parents with sickle cell trait (SCT) pass down the genetic mutation to their children. Sickle cell trait differs from sickle cell anemia in that people with the condition have a mixture of normal and faulty haemoglobin, which prevents their cells from changing into a “sickle” shape. However, when two parents with this trait have children, there’s a 25% chance that their offspring will develop sickle cell anemia.

Most people begin to show the first signs of the disease at around 4 months of age. As well as causing red blood cells to change shape, the condition also causes them to harden. Both of these factors can cause clogging in blood vessels, which also means they get trapped in the spleen where they are disposed of. From here, red blood cell production eventually drops, causing the symptoms of anemia.

What Is Sickle Cell Anemia?

Symptoms of Sickle Cell Anemia

Sickle cell anemia causes a range of symptoms, including:

Anemia A hallmark of the condition, anemia is caused by a reduced number of red blood cells, leading to a lack of oxygen. This can give rise to low body temperature, tiredness, and weakness.
Pain Periods of pain, known as “pain crises”, are a central symptom of the condition. The unusual shape of the cells causes them to clog blood vessels that run through the chest, joints, and abdomen. This can cause severe chronic pain requiring hospital stays.
Stress and low mood The pain, tiredness, and weakness can take a toll on a patient’s mental health over time. This often manifests as low mood and high levels of stress.
Swelling Clogged blood vessels and impaired blood flow also result in swelling of the hands and feet.

As well as causing these unpleasant symptoms, sickle cell anemia can lead to a host of serious complications, including:

Organ damage Stroke
Pulmonary hypertension Leg ulcers
Pregnancy complications Blindness

Cannabis and Sickle Cell Anemia Symptoms

The symptoms of sickle cell anemia can have a big impact on the quality of patients' lives. Thankfully, several treatments are available to help keep symptoms under control. These include drugs such as L-glutamine and hydroxyurea to reduce the intensity of pain crises.

Researchers are also exploring other options to curb the severity of symptoms, including cannabis. The herb has a history of use in clinical settings, and doctors in parts of the United States and elsewhere currently prescribe it for numerous conditions.

Cannabis primarily targets a regulatory system in the body called the endocannabinoid system (ECS). This network comprises receptor sites located throughout the body, as well as signalling molecules and enzymes.

Upon ingestion, cannabinoids from cannabis interface with this system, and in doing so have a large impact on biological balance in the body—a state known as homeostasis. But cannabis contains more than just cannabinoids. The flowers also produce terpenes and flavonoids, which researchers are also exploring. Some of these compounds even appear to synergise with cannabinoids to produce more effective outcomes.

So, what does all this have to do with cannabis for sickle cell anemia? Below, we examine the relationship between cannabis and common sickle cell symptoms.

Cannabis and Sickle Cell Anemia Symptoms
  • Cannabis and Mood

Millions of people use cannabis to experience euphoria. The cannabis high, triggered by the psychotropic cannabinoid THC, causes brain cells to start pumping out more dopamine. This happy hormone helps to elevate the mood in the short term, and therefore might help sickle cell anemia patients temporarily overcome low mood.

However, long-term use of THC may actually blunt the rewarding effects of cannabis[1] and cause patients to feel demotivated. Plus, not everyone responds to THC in the same way. While the molecule increases mood in some, it gives rise to anxiety and panic in others.

However, not all molecules in cannabis are highly psychotropic. The cannabinoid CBD imparts a clear-headed, even blissful effect—without a high. Boasting unique mechanisms of action, CBD binds to serotonin receptors[2] and increases levels of the “bliss molecule”[3] anandamide, possibly helping to increase mood in a more subtle, but potentially more meaningful, manner.

  • Cannabis and Pain

Ongoing studies are exploring the effects of cannabis on pain. ECS components occupy pain pathways in the body, and many anecdotal reports speak on the soothing relief offered by certain cannabis constituents.

In fact, a study published in the journal Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research surveyed 58 adult sickle cell disease patients, 42% of which had used cannabis in the past two years. Many of this population endorsed the herb for purposes[4] related to pain, mood, and sleep. Many also reported that using cannabis enabled them to reduce their intake of pain medication.

One of the most significant pieces of preclinical research comes from a study[5] entitled "Pain-related behaviors and neurochemical alterations in mice expressing sickle hemoglobin: modulation by cannabinoids". Using a mouse model of sickle cell disease, researchers sought to determine if cannabinoids could attenuate pain-related behaviours. Ultimately, their findings set the stage for more in-depth research into cannabis' potential pain-relieving effects in humans with sickle cell disease.

Cannabis and Pain
  • Cannabis and the Immune System

Sickle cell anemia can leave patients exposed to an increased risk of infections due to damage caused to the spleen. Research shows that the ECS plays an important role in immunity[6], and receptors occur on a variety of immune cells. Future clinical trials are needed to uncover how cannabis components might improve immunity in sickle cell anemia patients specifically.

  • THC vs CBD for Sickle Cell Anemia

Not enough research exists to endorse THC over CBD, or vice versa, for sickle cell anemia. And indeed, a combination of the two may be more beneficial. Because, though the distinct effects of each molecule could offer benefits to mood or physical discomfort, a combination of THC and CBD may provide more comprehensive and balanced effects.

This is supported by the creation of cannabinoid pharmaceuticals like Sativex—an oromucosal spray approved by certain medical bodies to treat spasticity caused my multiple sclerosis—which contains a 1:1 ratio of THC and CBD.

How To Take Cannabis for Sickle Cell Anemia

There are a variety of ways to consume cannabis. No studies have compared each method in humans with sickle cell anemia, but if you’re curious, we aim to locate some distinctions below.

  • Vaping Cannabis

Vaping uses relatively low heat to evaporate cannabinoids and terpenes, therefore avoiding combustion. This route offers a rapid onset of effects, as components quickly diffuse through the alveoli of the lungs into the bloodstream, and most people find the vaping experience rather enjoyable.

Currently, research is exploring the role of vaping cannabis[7] for pain and mood in sickle cell anemia patients, so we will soon be able to pinpoint if inhaling vapor is beneficial over other consumption methods.

  • Smoking Cannabis

Many recreational cannabis users prefer to smoke, despite the increased negative health consequences. Combustion exposes the lungs to high levels of carcinogens and toxins. While this in itself might prove damaging to one’s health, some sickle cell anemia patients have reported benefits[8] of using cannabis in this way.

  • Other Cannabis Consumption Methods

There have yet to be any studies on consumption methods other than smoking or vaping in sickle cell anemia patients. As such, we can only wonder how oral, sublingual, and transdermal intake (edibles, concentrates, skin patches and gels, etc.) might increase, decrease, or have no effect on cannabis’ impact on sickle cell anemia.

How To Take Cannabis for Sickle Cell Anemia

Cannabis: A Natural Approach to Sickle Disease Symptoms?

Overall, the research on cannabis and sickle cell anemia remains preliminary. That said, as avenues for comprehensive clinical research continue to open up, studies will analyze the effects of cannabis and its myriad constituents against the symptoms of sickle cell anemia with greater acuity. Hopefully, patients will soon be able to obtain clinically significant information on how to use cannabis to help their symptoms, or at the very least, not make them any worse.

External Resources:
  1. The effects of Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol on the dopamine system https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  2. Agonistic properties of cannabidiol at 5-HT1a receptors - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  3. Cannabidiol enhances anandamide signaling and alleviates psychotic symptoms of schizophrenia https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  4. Marijuana Use in Adults Living with Sickle Cell Disease https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  5. Pain-related behaviors and neurochemical alterations in mice expressing sickle hemoglobin: modulation by cannabinoids - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
  6. Endocannabinoid system acts as a regulator of immune homeostasis in the gut | PNAS https://www.pnas.org
  7. Effect of Inhaled Cannabis for Pain in Adults With Sickle Cell Disease: A Randomized Clinical Trial | Hematology | JAMA Network Open | JAMA Network https://jamanetwork.com
  8. Cannabis use in sickle cell disease: a questionnaire study - PubMed https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
Disclaimer:
This content is for educational purposes only. The information provided is derived from research gathered from external sources.

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Privacy Policy - Royal Queen Seeds

To ensure a safe online environment and guarantee adequate data protection, we strictly comply with all legal requirements. In this privacy statement, we provide information about how and for what purpose data is collected, safety measures, storage periods and contact details.


COMPANY NAME: SNORKEL SPAIN, SL (hereinafter ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS)

C/ Vilar d'Abdelà, 5 (nave 1) CP: 08170 de Montornès del Vallès

+34 937 379 846

support@royalqueenseeds.com


The present Privacy Policy sets out the terms on which we will treat personal data at ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS; this includes any personal data collected through our website https://www.royalqueenseeds.com/ as well as any other data we process in the course of our business activities.

ROYAL QUEEN SEEDS collects the following personal data for the purposes listed below:

SECTION 1 – PERSONAL INFORMATION WE COLLECT

1.1 Account purchases

Account purchases can only be made if you are in possession of a personal account. When you create an account or purchase something from our shop, as part of the buying and selling process we collect the following personal information that you provide to us:

This information is required for delivery. In addition, when you browse our shop, we automatically receive the Internet Protocol (IP) address of your computer. Based on this information, we can optimise your online experience and at the same time protect our online environment.

Purpose of data collection

We collect and store account-related data for the following purposes:

(a) to carry out obligations arising from any contracts between you and us, and to provide you with information, products and services that you may request from us;

(b) to set up, manage and communicate with you about your account and your orders;

(c) to conduct market research and analysis;

(d) to confirm your age and identity, and to detect and prevent fraud.

1.2 Newsletters

With your explicit permission, we may send you newsletters about our shop, new products and other updates. We send newsletters based on your explicit consent. In the event that you purchase a product, and in accordance with current regulations, we may send you commercial communications in accordance with the legitimate interest of our company, always about products or services similar to those you have purchased or contracted. In any case, you may exercise your right of opposition through the channels announced in this Privacy Policy. The following information is collected in relation to the newsletter:

We do not need to know the sex of the person in order to send the newsletter (data minimisation: by law we must ask for data that is strictly necessary to provide the service, and in this case knowing the sex is not necessary to send the newsletter).

Purpose of data collection

The data collected is used to:

(a) personalise our emails, including your name and gender;

(b) provide gender-specific content.

You can withdraw your consent at any time by using the link provided in the newsletter or the contact information provided in section 2.

1.3 Customer service and contact form

In order to provide appropriate support, our customer service employees have access to information related to the account. Consequently, their support will be highly effective and friendly. The data provided in our contact form is used by our CRM provider, SuperOffice. We will only use your details to respond to your message.

SECTION 2 – LEGITIMATE INTEREST

If you have purchased any of our products, please note that we may process your personal data for promotional purposes, based on Royal Queen Seeds' legitimate interest only to offer you products or services from our company and about products or services similar to those you have purchased. You may exercise your right to opt out of future messages by the means set out in this Privacy Policy or through any notification you receive.

2.1 How do you withdraw consent?

If you change your mind, you can withdraw your consent for us to contact you for the purpose of collecting, using, or disclosing your data at any time by reaching out to us at: support@royalqueenseeds.com.

SECTION 3 – DISCLOSURE

We may disclose your personal information if we are required to do so by law or if you breach our Terms of Service.

SECTION 4 – HOW LONG DO WE KEEP YOUR DATA?

At Royal Queen Seeds, we will not retain your data for longer than is necessary for the purposes described in this Policy. Different retention periods apply for different types of data; however, the longest period we will normally hold any personal data is 10 years.

4.1 Account information

Data relating to the account remains relevant for as long as the consumer is in possession of an account. Therefore, the data remains documented for as long as the account exists. When our customers delete an account, the associated data will be deleted within a reasonable period of time. Requests regarding the inspection or correction of stored personal data or the deletion of an account can be sent to support@royalqueenseeds.com.

4.2 Newsletters

In the event that you give us your consent to inform you about our products or services, we will keep your data until you express your wish not to receive any further communications from us. However, we regularly (every month) carry out a relevance check. Registered customers (and their personal information) will be deleted whenever customers do not reply to our request. In addition, our newsletter mailing has an opt-out feature. Consumers can withdraw their consent by using this opt-out feature.

SECTION 5 – COOKIES

Cookies are small information files that notify your computer of previous interactions with our website. These cookies are stored on your hard drive, not on our website. Essentially, when you use our website, your computer displays its cookies to us, informing our site that you have visited before. This allows our website to function more quickly and remember aspects related to your previous visits (such as your username), making your experience more convenient. At Royal Queen Seeds, we use two types of cookies: functional and analytical.

5.1 Functional Cookies

Functional cookies are used to enhance your online experience. Among other things, these cookies track what is added to your shopping cart. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

5.2 Analytical Cookies

Analytical cookies are used for research and market analysis. The data collected with these analytical cookies is anonymous, making it unusable for third parties. The use of these cookies does not require prior authorization.

SECTION 5 – THIRD-PARTY SERVICES

Third-party services are required to conduct transactions and provide our services. In general, the third-party providers we use will only collect, use and disclose your information to the extent necessary to enable them to perform the services they provide to us.

However, certain third-party service providers, such as payment gateways and other payment transaction processors, have their own privacy policies regarding the information we must provide to them for your transactions.

We encourage you to read the privacy policies of these providers so that you can understand how these providers will handle your personal information.

In particular, certain suppliers may be located or have facilities located in a different jurisdiction than yours or ours. Therefore, if you choose to proceed with a transaction involving the services of a third party, your information may be subject to the laws of the jurisdiction in which that service provider or its facilities are located.

Once you leave our website or are redirected to a third-party website or application, you are no longer governed by this Privacy Policy or the Terms of Service of our website.

Web analytics service (anonymous data)

On this website we have integrated an element of a web analytics service (with anonymisation functionality). Web analytics can be defined as the gathering, processing and analysis of data about the behaviour of visitors to websites. An analytics service collects, among other things, data about which website a person came from (the so-called referrer), which sub-pages they visited or how often and for how long they visited a sub-page. Web analytics is mainly used for website optimisation and for a cost–benefit analysis of internet advertising.

Courier service

To complete deliveries we use a courier service. This courier service carries out the delivery between our company and the consumer's home. To complete these logistics, the company requires access to the consumer's name and address information.

Mailing service

Royal Queen Seeds uses a third-party mail service provider to send its newsletter. This provider has access to limited account information related to opt-in consent (e.g. email address).

Marketing services

Royal Queen Seeds has the support of a company that specialises in marketing and communication activities. Their access to personal information is very limited and mostly anonymous.

Payment services

At Royal Queen Seeds we use external payment services to handle our transactions (e.g. credit card payments).

SECTION 6 – SECURITY

To protect your personal information, we take reasonable precautions and follow industry standard best practices to ensure that it is not inappropriately lost, misused, accessed, disclosed, altered or destroyed.

If you provide us with your credit card information, the information is encrypted using secure socket layer technology (SSL) and stored using AES-256 encryption. Although no method of transmission over the internet or electronic storage is 100% secure, we follow all PCI-DSS requirements and implement additional industry standards that are commonly accepted. Information related to the account is protected with a hashing method. This method transforms the information into a generated hash. As a result, confidential information is protected and invisible, even to us. In addition, our databases are exceptionally protected against unauthorised access. For example, access to the database is only possible and permitted via approved IP addresses (e.g. from Royal Queen Seeds headquarters). Other attempts and addresses are rejected at all times.

Furthermore, data is anonymised as much as possible, so it cannot be directly linked to a specific consumer. With this data, however, we may be able to carry out market research and analysis. In addition, the third parties concerned (e.g. mailing service) are examined prior to our collaboration, comply with the GDPR from the EU and receive a processing agreement. Within Royal Queen Seeds, employees are assigned different access permissions. Specific permission provides access only to information that is strictly required to perform a task. Digital security measures are subject to change and must meet high requirements to ensure the safety of online customers. That is why, at Royal Queen Seeds, we appoint a security officer. Regular verification and improvement of security measures (where necessary) are part of the role.

SECTION 7 – CHANGES TO THIS PRIVACY POLICY

We reserve the right to modify this Privacy Policy at any time, so please check back regularly. Changes and clarifications will be effective immediately upon being published on the Website. If we make substantial changes to this policy, we will notify you here that it has been updated so you will know what information we collect, how we use it and under what circumstances, if any, we use and/or disclose it.

SECTION 8 – YOU HAVE THE RIGHT TO: