Editor’s note: This commentary is provided by the Medical Marijuana Education and Research Initiative (MMERI) of Florida A&M University.
Sickle cell disease is a rare genetic disorder affecting about 100,000 Americans, predominantly of African descent, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC).
The disease causes red blood cells to become sickle-shaped, blocking blood flow and depriving the body of oxygen, which leads to chronic pain, fatigue, and serious complications like stroke, kidney disease, and lung problems.
Dr. Lanetta Bronté-Hall, president and CEO of the Foundation for Sickle Cell Disease Research, explains that although treatable, patients often suffer from chronic anemia and severe pain that requires care from multiple specialists.
Traditional pain management relies heavily on opioids, but progress in developing new treatments has been slow.
Dr. Anthony Hall, a South Florida neurosurgeon and among the first five doctors certified as a medical marijuana qualified physician in Florida, sees medical cannabis as a safer alternative to opioids, effective at reducing inflammation and pain with fewer risks such as respiratory depression.
While sickle cell is not officially listed as a qualifying condition for Florida’s medical marijuana program, it may qualify under the state’s “terminal condition” clause, since untreated sickle cell disease can be fatal.
Lifestyle changes, including diet and stress management, are also important, says Dr. Alfreda Blackshear, a medical consultant for the Sickle Cell Foundation.
Dr. Hall cautions against using illicit cannabis due to contamination risks and stresses the importance of regular medical care. He believes that with proper treatment and management, patients can live well into their 60s and 70s.
Visit https://bit.ly/MMERIJuly2025 to watch MMERI’s Conversations on Cannabis Virtual Forum featuring medical doctors Alfreda Blackshear, Lanetta Bronté-Hall and Anthony Hall discussing “Medical Cannabis in Sickel Cell Care.”
