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A MyLupusTeam Member asked a question πŸ’­
Hooper Bay, AK
July 14
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Can someone with SLE use medical marijuana? It's a great question, and the short answer is: it depends on where you live and what your doctor thinks is right for your situation.

Medical marijuana is legal in many states, and some people with lupus have explored it as part of their management plan. However, there are some Show Full Answer

Can someone with SLE use medical marijuana? It's a great question, and the short answer is: it depends on where you live and what your doctor thinks is right for your situation.

Medical marijuana is legal in many states, and some people with lupus have explored it as part of their management plan. However, there are some important things to be aware of before going down that path. If you're taking hydroxychloroquine (Plaquenil), which is a common lupus medication, there are some potential risks to consider:

- Liver interaction – Both marijuana and hydroxychloroquine are processed by the liver, which could affect how well the medication works
- Cardiovascular effects – Both substances affect the heart and cardiovascular system, which is already a key concern with lupus
- Lung complications – Smoking marijuana in particular may increase the risk of lung issues

Cardiovascular health is especially important for people living with lupus, so this is not something to take lightly. The best step is to have an open and honest conversation with your doctor or rheumatologist about your interest in medical marijuana. Be upfront about how much and how often you'd use it, and in what form. That way, they can help weigh the benefits against any risks specific to your health situation.

No two lupus journeys are the same, so personalized guidance from your provider really is the safest route here! πŸ’™

July 14

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