The thyroid is a butterfly-shaped gland, at the base of your neck, which is responsible for coordinating many of the body’s activities. This gland manufactures hormones that regulate the body’s metabolism. There are several different disorders that can arise when there are problems with your thyroid. The most common disorders include Graves’ disease, goiter, Hashimoto’s disease, and thyroid nodules. Addressing these disorders and maintaining thyroid health is very important. Does cannabis have a role to play in maintaining thyroid health? Let’s explore.
This butterfly-shaped gland is part of an intricate network called the endocrine system. Thyroid conditions can be broken up into two groups: (1) hyperthyroidism which is too much hormone production and (2) hypothyroidism which is not enough hormone production.
1. Hyperthyroidism
These conditions are caused by an overactive gland. Graves’ disease is the most common condition of an overactive gland. Nodules on the thyroid can also cause the gland to become overactive. Goiter is another condition that occurs in an overactive gland.
Common Symptoms of an Overactive Thyroid:
- Weight loss
- Restlessness
- Nervousness
- Racing heart rates
- Irritability
- Increased sweating
- Shaking
- Trouble with sleep
- Brittle hair and nails
- Muscle weakness
2. Hypothyroidism
These conditions are caused by the glands’ inability to produce enough of its’ hormones. Most cases of these conditions are mild. Hashimoto’s disease, also called chronic autoimmune lymphocytic thyroiditis, damages the gland causing it to underproduce.
Common Symptoms of Underperforming Thyroid:
- Fatigue
- Dry skin
- Increased sensitivity to the cold
- Memory problems
- Constipation
- Depression
- Weight Gain
- Slowed heart rates
- Coma
Both hyper- and hypothyroidism patients can experience anxiety, depression, pain, inflammation of the gland as well as nausea and vomiting.
Cannabis and Thyroid Conditions:
The cannabinoids found in cannabis can be used as an effective treatment of symptoms related to thyroid conditions. Since you can have a variety of symptoms stemming from the endocrine system, you need a medical solution that will target as many of those symptoms as possible with minimal side effect and that is exactly where cannabis can be very effective,
Cannabis can be used to treat or/and minimize a variety of symptoms related to thyroid conditions such as:
| Symptom | Why Cannabis | Recommended Strains |
| Pain | One of the best-known benefits of consuming cannabis is how effective it can be for pain management and reduction. | ACDC, Blueberry Headband, Master Kush, The White, Blackberry Kush |
| Inflammation of the thyroid | Cannabis consumption will effectively reduce the inflammation in the thyroid through the endocannabinoid system in your body and its’ close relationship to the endocrine system. | CBD Mango Haze, Grand Doggy Purps, CBD Blue Shark, ACDC |
| Weight loss | If you want to pick up the weight you have lost from your condition, consuming cannabis will stimulate the appetite so you can eat more and regularly. Just remember to make smart food choices. | Royal Cookies, Pineapple Kush, Purple Queen, Sour Diesel, Amnesia Haze |
| Weight gain | If you want to lose some of the weight you have gained, consuming cannabis that is high in THCV will help suppress the appetite. | Tangie, Girl Scout Cookies, Durban Poison, Jack the Ripper, Willie Nelson |
| Hormone imbalance | Research shows that the cannabinoids in cannabis help to maintain and balance the body’s homeostasis and that cannabis plays a significant impact on the endocrine system. | Cannatonic, Blue Dream, Pineapple Kush, Harlequin, Dutch Treat, Jillybean |
| Anxiety | Cannabis and reduced anxiety are the best of friends. Consuming cannabis has proven to reduce stress and anxiety, despite the strain you consume. However, strains specifically for anxiety may be better if you are not a regular cannabis consumer. | ACDC, Granddaddy Purple, Jack Herer, Canna-Tsu, Jillybean, Purple Urkle |
| Depression | The research on cannabis and depression is still a bit contradictory. However, we do know that cannabis can alleviate the symptoms of depression, even if it does eliminate the depression entirely. | Cinex, Jack Herer, Harlequin, Cannatonic, Blackberry Kush, Granddaddy Purple |
| Nausea and Vomiting | Cannabis is very effective in minimizing nausea and reducing the need to vomit. | Blue Diesel, Lavender Kush, Grapefruit, Sour Strawberry, Blueberry Jack, Tangie Cookies |
| Fatigue | Strains, categorized as Sativa, are energizing and can help push through moments of fatigue. Strains, categorized as Indica, can help patients get better sleep to prevent fatigue. | For energy: Durban Poison, Jillybean, Ghost Train Haze, Cocolope For better sleep: Tahoe OG Kush, Purple Kush, Northern Lights |
As you can see, Cannabis does have an important role to play in maintaining thyroid health. Cannabis may not be able to cure you of the disease but it will minimize symptoms, adverse effects and even reduce the need for pharmaceutical medication.
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