Medical cannabis is more popular than ever, but while the herb has proven itself to be a miracle worker in some cases, its potential healing powers may be more subtle in others. In the case of cannabis for chronic kidney disease, the little research available hints that some parts of the plant may be more helpful than others.
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) refers to the slow and prolonged loss of kidney function over time. While the onset of CKD may be slow, the condition is a serious one. The kidneys are essential parts of the body’s detoxification system, filtering toxins and unnecessary waste from the blood.
When kidney function is impaired, that means that the body can no longer properly filter out excess debris. The result is a harmful buildup of waste inside the body, potentially leading to organ failure and damage to the heart, which circulates blood to all other organs.
Even in its early stages, kidney disease can still cause severe symptoms of pain, sleeplessness, nausea, vomiting, high blood pressure, and many other ailments. Finding ways to further ease symptoms and slow the progression of kidney disease is vital for long-term patient care.
Does Cannabis Help Chronic Kidney Disease?
Cannabis and the kidneys haven’t always seemed like a good match. While a 2017 study published in the Clinical Journal of the American Society of Nephrology found that consuming the herb was not associated with kidney trouble, when it comes to promoting kidney health, some cannabis compounds may be more valuable than others.
To be clear, there have been no human trials of cannabis or any chemicals that it creates as a treatment for chronic kidney disease. However, in an effort to explore how the plant might affect these vital organs, scientists have tested various cannabis chemicals in experimental models of kidney disease. The verdict thus far? CBD appears to be more helpful than THC.
Unlike any other known plant on the planet, cannabis possesses unique chemical properties that give the herb both therapeutic and recreational effects. Two of the most prevalent chemical compounds are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).
THC is the molecule responsible for the euphoric “high” that has made the herb famous. Yet, while the psychoactive is often touted as a panacea, early evidence suggests that this molecule may be more aggravating than helpful to those with kidney damage.
Unfortunately, however, arguably very little research has been conducted on cannabis for kidney disease. Based on the information available right now, it is only possible to make assumptions based on a limited number of early experiments. Many of these early experiments did not use THC properly, but may still provide information on what the phytochemical may do in diseased kidneys.
Exactly why THC may not be the best option for those with CKD is due to how the molecule functions in the human body. The psychoactive works its magic in the human body thanks to its ability to engage specific cell receptors, or landing sites, that are found on the surface of cells. When THC interacts with these cell receptors, it activates them and causes a cascade of chemical reactions within and between different cells.
While research is still in experimental phases, early science suggests that putting a halt this activation seems to reduce inflammation and protect kidney cells from further damage. Since THC activates these cell receptors instead of blocks them, it is logical to assume that THC may not be the best choice for patients with CKD.
CBD for Chronic Kidney Disease
Yet, while THC may not be the answer in CKD, experimental research suggests that another cannabis product may ease damage and reduce inflammation in diseased kidneys. CBD is perhaps the second most abundant medicinal compound produced by the cannabis plant.
Unlike THC, however, this natural medicine does not produce intoxicating effects. Instead, CBD is expected to have anxiety and stress-fighting properties without causing a change in cognition. As it turns out, this calming molecule is a product of interest in kidney-disease research.
Back in 2009, researchers at the Chinese Zhejiang University found that CBD seemed to reduce kidney inflammation caused by a common chemotherapy drug, cisplatin. While cisplatin is highly effective against certain types of cancer, kidney damage is one of the severe side effects of the drug. Since the medicine is known to contribute to kidney failure, it is given to rodents to create an experimental model of chronic kidney diease.
In rodents, CBD seemed to reduce stress on the kidneys, prevent the death of cells, and ease inflammation. As a natural anti-inflammatory and analgesic, some experts speculate that cannabis compounds like CBD may also be able to reduce pain, improve sleep, and ease nausea and vomiting associated with the disease. Yet, while the striking therapeutic potential of CBD may inspire patients to experiment, the molecule still hasn’t been put to the test in humans.
More amazingly, CBD is not the only chemical in the cannabis plant that can successfully ease inflammation and improve outcome in models of kidney disease. As it turns out, one of the molecules that gives some cannabis plants a sharp, spicy fragrance may also be a potent natural remedy.
In early experiments, the phytochemical beta-caryophene (BCP) reduced stress-related damage and prevented the death of kidney cells. This punchy fragrance is the same molecule that gives black pepper its powerful kick.
When it comes to the science of cannabis for chronic kidney disease, quality research is still few and far between. Yet, if the early evidence is any indication, the anti-inflammatory powers of CBD may one day prove beneficial to those with CKD.
Psychoactive THC, on the other hand, may not be the best option for patients hoping to give their kidneys as much rest and relaxation as possible. Of course, without quality trials, there is no way of knowing exactly what impact the medicinal herb has on damaged kidneys.