Sickle Cell Disease (SCD) is a group of disorders that affects hemoglobin, the molecule in red blood cells that delivers oxygen to cells throughout the body. People with this disorder have atypical hemoglobin molecules called hemoglobin S, which can distort red blood cells into a sickle, or crescent, shape.
When the hemoglobin S gene is inherited from only one parent and a normal hemoglobin gene is inherited from the other, a person will have sickle cell trait. People with sickle cell trait are generally healthy.
Pain can occur without warning when sickle cells block blood flow and decrease oxygen delivery. Most describe this pain as sharp, stabbing, intense, or throbbing. Severe pain can be even more uncomfortable than post-surgical pain or giving childbirth.
Pain often occurs in the: Lower back, Legs, Arms, Abdomen, Chest
How does CBD help with Sickle Cell Disease?
CBD has been shown to be effective in relieving pain and reducing inflammation due to its anti-inflammatory properties, common symptoms of Sickle Cell Disease(1).
Studies that have been completed suggest that CBD may be able to help patients manage the pain associated with SCD (2).
CBD’s anti-inflammatory properties could potentially be beneficial by limiting the blood vessel blockage related to sickle cell anemia (3).