Press Release
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RAMAT GAN – June 27, 2022 – Sheba Medical Center, Israel’s largest medical center and a Newsweek top-10 ranked world’s best hospital for the last four years, announced today the publication of a study reviewing the therapeutic benefits of medicinal cannabis consumption for the treatment of chronic pain and inflammation in patients with autoimmune and rheumatic diseases.
Cannabinoids and phytocannabinoids are compounds extracted from the cannabis plant that are known in the scientific community to exert various physiological effects on humans. These effects vary depending on the type of phytocannabinoid; the two main compounds being CBD and THC. This study examined the literature on the effects of both compounds separately and together.
“Proper clinical studies in the field of cannabis clinical research and the use of medicinal cannabis for the alleviation of rheumatic and autoimmune symptoms should be promoted,” said Prof. Amital, MD. “Given this overview of the relevant literature, cannabis therapy should be considered more strongly in rheumatological conditions where inflammation and chronic pain coexist.”
The study, Cannabis and Autoimmune Diseases, was led by primary investigator Prof. Howard Amital, MD MHA, head of Department of Medicine B’ and the Zabludowitcz Center for Autoimmune Diseases at Sheba Medical Center, and published in the Israel Medical Association Journal.
The review investigated the impact of CBD and THC on many autoimmune and rheumatic diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and osteoarthritis, systemic sclerosis and fibromyalgia. Several studies included in this meta-analysis showed a decrease in levels of inflammatory cytokines in rheumatoid arthritis with the administration of cannabinoids leading to decreased inflammation as well as a significant analgesic (pain relief) effect. Additionally, the positive impact of cannabis on anxiety, depression, chronic pain and sleep disturbance for fibromyalgia patients were also observed.
The study concludes with a cautionary statement that while there is much evidence of cannabis and cannabinoid benefits in helping patients with autoimmune conditions, every individual patient’s situation must be carefully examined to determine their personal risk level in relation to odds for addiction and interactions with pre-existing drugs.
About Sheba medical Center
The largest and most comprehensive medical center in the Middle East, Sheba Medical Center, Tel Hashomer is generating global impact through its medical care, research and healthcare transformation. Sheba’s City of Health boasts an acute-care hospital, rehabilitation hospital, research and innovation hubs, medical simulation center and center for disaster response on one comprehensive campus in the center of Israel. A university teaching hospital affiliated with the Sackler School of Medicine at Tel-Aviv University, Sheba is shaping the future of healthcare, educating the next generation of care providers. Sheba serves as a true hospital without borders, welcoming patients and healthcare professionals from all over the world and consistently providing the highest-level medical care to all in need. Sheba has been ranked a top-ten hospital in the world by Newsweek four years in a row (2019, 2020, 2021, 2022).
For more information, visit: eng.sheba.co.il
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Steve Walz
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