Cannabinoids for Symptom Management in Patients with Kidney Failure

What is it about?

The cannabis plant (or marijuana) contains many natural molecules, called cannabinoids. The two most important cannabinoids are CBD and THC. These molecules have a variety of effects on the human body, including lowering inflammation, interacting with the immune system, relieving pain, and suppressing nausea. They are now used for a range of symptoms and diseases. In this review, we explore the potential role of cannabinoid-containing medicines for the relief of symptoms in people with kidney failure. We find that there are many reasons to think that cannabinoids might be useful to treat itchiness, restless legs, pain, nausea and anorexia, all of which are common in those with kidney failure. But, there are no good studies testing these medicines in people with kidney failure and we cannot be sure that they are safe in this group of people. We cannot yet recommend cannabinoids for people with kidney failure, but we do encourage researchers to do the studies that are needed to find out if they can be of use.

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Photo by Kimzy Nanney on Unsplash

Photo by Kimzy Nanney on Unsplash

Why is it important?

Cannabinoids, in the form of cannabis oil and other cannabis products are becoming more and more widely available. There are many claims made about the usefulness of cannabis products for treating a variety of symptoms. Our review is an important reference point for anyone with kidney failure interested in trying cannabis products. It is also a useful guide for doctors wishing to ensure that they give their patients the most up to date advice.

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