Review explores potential of medicinal cannabis for sickle cell disease complications | Research

The takeaway

A narrative review highlights the endocannabinoid system as a promising therapeutic target in sickle cell disease, particularly for chronic pain management and reducing opioid dependence.

People with sickle cell disease interested in cannabis-based pain management options, and hematology researchers.

Endocannabinoid system modulation proposed for pain, inflammation, and vascular complications of SCD

What the researchers found

The review compiles evidence that the endocannabinoid system is involved in pain modulation, inflammation, and vascular function, all of which are disrupted in sickle cell disease. Preliminary clinical trial results suggest potential benefits, though the evidence base remains limited.

Why it matters

Sickle cell disease causes severe chronic pain that often requires long-term opioid therapy, creating addiction risks and reduced quality of life. If cannabis-based treatments can reduce pain and opioid dependence in this population, it could significantly improve outcomes for the estimated 100,000 Americans with the disease.

The numbers in context

The review covers the endocannabinoid system's role across multiple organ systems relevant to SCD: pain pathways, inflammation, vascular function, and chronic complications including leg ulcers.

How the study worked

Researchers conducted a comprehensive literature search of PubMed covering studies through 2024, focusing on the endocannabinoid system's role in various organ functions and its potential relevance to sickle cell disease complications.

What this study cannot tell us

This is a narrative review without systematic methodology. Clinical trial data in sickle cell disease specifically is extremely limited. The review is largely speculative, drawing on endocannabinoid system research in other conditions to make the case for SCD applications.

How to read the evidence

Narrative review compiling indirect evidence from endocannabinoid system research with very limited SCD-specific clinical data.

When this study was published

Published in 2025, covering literature through 2024.

The bigger picture

Sickle cell disease disproportionately affects Black communities, who face additional barriers to both pain management and cannabis access. The intersection of racial health disparities, opioid crisis concerns, and evolving cannabis legislation makes this a particularly complex area of medicine.

Questions still open

What specific cannabinoid formulations and doses would be appropriate for SCD patients? Could cannabis reduce opioid requirements in SCD without introducing new risks? How would cannabis interact with other SCD medications like hydroxyurea?

Common questions

Is there clinical evidence for cannabis in sickle cell disease?

There are preliminary clinical trial results, but the evidence base is very limited. This review mostly draws on the known biology of the endocannabinoid system to argue for its potential in SCD.

What SCD complications might cannabis help with?

The review highlights chronic pain (and reducing opioid dependence), inflammation, leg ulcers, and vascular dysfunction as potential targets.

Read the original research

Modulation of the endocannabinoid system in chronic conditions: a potential therapeutic intervention yet to be explored in sickle cell disease.

Expert review of hematology, 18(3), 215-224

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

de Oliveira Souza, Lucas Bibiano; Sicoli, Juliana Paiva Gouvea; Olalla Saad, Sara Teresinha; Benites, Bruno Deltreggia. (2025). Modulation of the endocannabinoid system in chronic conditions: a potential therapeutic intervention yet to be explored in sickle cell disease.. Expert review of hematology, 18(3), 215-224. https://doi.org/10.1080/17474086.2025.2471864