Compare the Best CBD Oil for Anemia in 2022

How CBD May Help With Anemia

Individuals with anemia, also referred to as low hemoglobin, have insufficient healthy red blood cells to carry enough oxygen to the body’s tissues⁽¹⁾.  

Mild anemia may cause paleness, weakness, and tiredness. Meanwhile, severe anemia may trigger painful lower leg cramps during physical exertion, chest pain, and shortness of breath⁽²⁾. 

There is no scientific data directly suggesting that CBD may help with anemia. 

However, CBD’s therapeutic potential and activity in the ECS (endocannabinoid system) may explain how the non-psychoactive compound may manage the symptoms associated with anemia. 

The endocannabinoid system maintains bodily homeostasis or balance. The ECS comprises cannabinoid receptors (CB1 and CB2), endogenous ligands (endocannabinoids), and enzymes. 

Endogenous ligands are naturally occurring chemical substances that bind to the cannabinoid receptors to elicit a specific response. 

CBD (cannabidiol) and THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) are the main cannabinoids present in the resin of the cannabis plant. These phytocannabinoids (plant-based cannabinoids) may also interact with the ECS’s CB1 and CB2 receptors⁽³⁾. 

Unlike the psychoactive THC, CBD is believed to have a negligible affinity to CB1 and CB2. However, recent studies have shown that cannabidiol may be an allosteric modulator of the cannabinoid receptors, likely to potentiate the effects of THC⁽⁴⁾. 

Allosteric modulators refer to substances that bind to a receptor to alter that receptor’s response to a stimulus. 

For instance, CB1 receptors that are abundant within the central nervous system may influence the psychotropic effects of THC⁽⁵⁾. These receptors may also affect CBD-induced analgesia (loss of pain sensation) and anxiolysis (anxiety relief)⁽⁶⁾. 

Although CBD does not directly stimulate CB1 receptors involved in pain perception, the compound has purported anti-inflammatory properties, making CBD a potential therapeutic candidate for treating many types of pain⁽⁷⁾. 

In fact, researchers in several studies suggest that CBD may modulate chronic pain⁽⁸⁾. 

There are many forms of anemia. One of them is sickle cell anemia, an inherited blood disorder in which there are insufficient healthy red blood cells to transfer oxygen throughout the body⁽⁹⁾. 

Crises or episodes of pain are common symptoms of sickle cell anemia⁽¹⁰⁾. The sensation develops once the sickle-shaped red blood cells obstruct the blood flow through tiny blood vessels to one’s chest, joints, and abdomen. Pain may also occur in bones. 

CBD’s purported pain-relieving effects⁽¹¹⁾ may be promising in alleviating periodic episodes of pain due to sickle cell anemia. 

Still, these findings are inconclusive. Hence, further longitudinal research is recommended to validate these results and elucidate how CBD may help with anemia.  

Benefits of Using CBD for Anemia

 A study from the British Journal of Haematology examined cannabis use in SCD (sickle cell disease)⁽¹²⁾. 

The term cannabis refers to all products derived from the Cannabis sativa plant⁽¹³⁾. Besides THC and CBD, more than 100 other cannabinoids are found in cannabis plants.

Results showed that 36% of patients with sickle cell disease used cannabis in the previous 12 months to relieve SCD symptoms. The primary administration route was via inhalation (smoking)⁽¹⁴⁾. 

About 52% of the participants used cannabis to alleviate pain, while 39% used cannabis to induce relaxation or relieve depression and anxiety⁽¹⁵⁾. 

Although the study did not center on the use of CBD alone, researchers who want to explore the benefits of using CBD for anemia may find these results useful. 

Sickle cell anemia is a demonstration of a single-point mutation in hemoglobin. However, pain and inflammation are the disease’s insignia that may start in infancy and progress throughout life⁽¹⁶⁾. 

A study from the Blood journal showed that mast cell activation may contribute to pain and neurogenic inflammation in sickle mice⁽¹⁷⁾. 

Cannabidiol is believed to have analgesic and anti-inflammatory effects⁽¹⁸⁾. These therapeutic potentials may help with pain and inflammation associated with sickle cell anemia. 

Meanwhile, some individuals with sickle cell anemia take opioids to relieve pain⁽¹⁹⁾. 

However, a study from the Hematology Journal reported that people who use opioid medication for sickle cell pain showed more disruption of their daily lives, exhibiting pessimistic mood and reduced activity levels⁽²⁰⁾. 

Another study from the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine mentioned that using opioid therapy to help with sickle-cell disease may lead to substance dependence or addiction⁽²¹⁾.  

Despite the dearth of evidence, more and more people who experience pain all over the body are substituting CBD for opioids and other treatment options for pain⁽²²⁾. 

According to the WHO (World Health Organization), CBD is generally well tolerated by humans and animals. The compound also has a good safety profile⁽²³⁾. 

A 2020 clinical trial suggested that CBD may significantly reduce opioid use and improve chronic pain and sleep quality of patients who use opioids for pain management⁽²⁴⁾. 

Aside from pain and inflammation, CBD has also shown efficacy for headache-related conditions⁽²⁵⁾. 

Headache is a prevalent symptom of iron deficiency anemia⁽²⁶⁾. 

Iron deficiency anemia is another type of anemia. Aside from headache, inflammation of the tongue, chest pain, extreme fatigue, and pale skin are common signs of this condition.  

Excessive blood loss during menstruation and regular use of pain relievers without prescriptions may cause iron deficiency anemia⁽²⁷⁾. 

A study from BioMed Research International indicated that anemia is linked to higher cardiovascular risk, including higher blood pressure values in hypertensive patients⁽²⁸⁾. 

In a randomized crossover study, researchers hypothesized that CBD may help with hypertension⁽²⁹⁾. 

Although these studies seem promising, direct research examining the benefits of CBD for anemia is warranted.

How to Use CBD Oil for Anemia

The variety of ways a person can consume CBD is referred to as delivery methods. These routes of administration are categorized by the path by which CBD is taken into the body⁽³⁰⁾: 

• Inhalation
• Ingestion
• Sublingual (under the tongue) absorption
• Topical absorption
• Transdermal route (wherein active ingredients are delivered across the skin for systematic distribution) 

Inhaling CBD using vape pens is the quickest way to benefit from the compound⁽³¹⁾. 

The onset time of CBD via the inhalation route is within 2 to 15 minutes, and its effect may last from 2 to 4 hours⁽³²⁾. 

However, a study mentioned that physicians and dentists diagnosed some e-cigarette users with anemia and other adverse health effects⁽³³⁾. Therefore, vaping CBD may not be advisable for individuals with anemia. 

Meanwhile, the sublingual delivery method is another fast-acting solution⁽³⁴⁾. You may feel CBD’s effect within15 to 30 minutes via this route. The mucous membranes under your tongue absorb CBD. 

Still, the best way to determine which delivery method is suitable for you is to consult a doctor well versed in cannabis use. 

Dosage of CBD for Anemia 

The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has not approved CBD as a medical treatment for anemia. Hence, there is no standard CBD dosage for the condition.

Anemia of inflammation encompasses certain diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and acute or chronic inflammatory diseases⁽³⁵⁾. 

With a chronic condition, your body may not have enough hormones necessary for red blood cell production⁽³⁶⁾. Other causes of anemia include diets lacking in vitamin B12 and blood loss related to conditions like hemorrhoids, ulcers, and gastritis. 

CBD doses between 10mg and 100mg daily may help with pain, inflammation, and medical conditions like arthritis and autoimmune disorders⁽³⁷⁾. Autoimmune diseases refer to problems with the body’s immune system response. 

The doses previously mentioned may help individuals experiencing anemia symptoms. Still, consulting a healthcare professional with a background in medical cannabis is recommended to determine a more accurate dose. 

How Long Does CBD Take to Help With Anemia?

How long CBD takes to help with anemia depends on the route of administration and other factors like CBD’s potency and individual body weight. 

When you take CBD via the sublingual route, you usually feel the compound’s effect within 15 to 30 minutes⁽³⁸⁾. 

Meanwhile, the onset time of CBD via the inhalation route is within 2 to 15 minutes⁽³⁹⁾. However, inhaling substances using vape pens may damage the lungs⁽⁴⁰⁾. 

How Long Will CBD Help With Anemia?

How long CBD will last to help with anemia after it starts to take effect depends on its pharmacokinetics. 

Pharmacokinetics encompasses the time course of drug absorption, bioavailability, distribution, metabolism, and excretion. 

A systematic review from Frontiers in Pharmacology mentioned that the bioavailability of CBD after smoking is 31%⁽⁴¹⁾. Meanwhile, the bioavailability of CBD via the sublingual route is between 6% and 20%⁽⁴²⁾.   

Bioavailability refers to the portion of a particular substance that can be absorbed into the bloodstream. With high bioavailability, the body absorbs more of the appropriate compound without you having to take higher doses.

Side Effects and Risks of Using CBD for Anemia

CBD products are available in various formats and concentrations. Popular CBD products sold online include edibles like gummies, topicals like lotions, vapes, and tinctures. 

Several CBD items are marketed for medical use to help individuals manage their specific conditions and improve overall wellness.  

Generally, using CBD oil and other CBD-derived products appears to be safe. Possible adverse effects may include drug interactions between CBD and patients’ current medications⁽⁴³⁾.   

According to Mayo Clinic, CBD also carries risks and minor side effects, such as⁽⁴⁴⁾: 

• Dry mouth
• Diarrhea
• Reduced appetite
• Drowsiness
• Fatigue 

There are different causes of anemia, including impaired red blood cell production and blood loss⁽⁴⁵⁾. Symptoms are dependent upon the cause and severity of the condition. 

One of the most common signs of anemia is fatigue⁽⁴⁶⁾. CBD may also cause an overall feeling of tiredness⁽⁴⁷⁾. Therefore, individuals with anemia who want to try CBD to manage their symptoms are recommended to seek medical advice.

Another cause for concern is the inaccuracy of CBD extracts available online. 

Of tested CBD products sold online, about 26% contained less CBD than labeled, which may negate any potential clinical response⁽⁴⁸⁾.  

Legality of CBD

The United States Congress ratified the 2018 Farm Bill, decriminalizing the commercial use of industrial hemp and products obtained from hemp plants⁽⁴⁹⁾.

The Farm Bill indicates that Cannabis sativa L. and other derivatives of cannabis with less than 0.3% THC content on a dry weight basis are considered legal under federal law⁽⁵⁰⁾.

The Federal Comprehensive Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Act of 1970 established a drug schedule to classify substances into five categories based on their potential for drug abuse and possible medical use⁽⁵¹⁾.

Some states have passed laws allowing the use of recreational and medical marijuana. Still, these state laws do not change the fact that under federal law, marijuana is included in the Schedule I drug category⁽⁵²⁾. 

Substances listed as Schedule I drugs have a high abuse potential with no accepted medical use⁽⁵³⁾. Therefore, medications under this category may not be dispensed, prescribed, or administered under federal law.

Nevertheless, the U.S. Attorney General has the authority to switch, remove, or add medications to a particular Schedule. 

Rules and regulations regarding medical cannabis may be confusing. For this reason, consumers should be familiar with various state laws. 

For example, in October 2021, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill No. 45 into law⁽⁵⁴⁾. 

The bill allows the inclusion of hemp and cannabinoids, extracts, or hemp derivatives in dietary supplements, food and beverages, cosmetics, and processed pet food, containing less than 0.3% THC⁽⁵⁵⁾.

Meanwhile, in Texas, the local government passed laws in June of 2019, creating a state industrial hemp program⁽⁵⁶⁾. 

Under House Bill 1325, the Texas Department of State Health Services is in charge of issuing licenses for individuals who want to manufacture or sell consumable hemp-derived products in the Lone Star State. 

Colorado is another state that permits recreational and medical marijuana use. The local government legalized the use of marijuana by passing Amendment 64 to the Colorado Constitution in November 2012⁽⁵⁷⁾.    

Remember that even if a specific state law indicates that CBD is legal, the only FDA-approved CBD drug is Epidiolex, used to treat rare and severe forms of epilepsy.