I recently evaluated a 54 year old women for medical marijuana (cannabis) who suffered from Behcets Syndrome. Specifically she complained of painful arthritis in her knees and ankles.  She had been taking prednisone and NSAID’s for many years and wanted to try an alternative more natural treatment.   Her rheumatologist recommended she try cannabis for her persistent joint pain.

Behcet’s syndrome is very rare in the United States.  It mostly affects men and women who live in the middle east and asia.  It is a disease that causes inflammation of the blood vessels.   It is characterized by painful ulcers in the oral mucosa (mouth, gums and tongue) and genital region.   They look like your typical “canker sore”.  Patients also can suffer from visual changes as a result of inflammation of the blood vessels in the eye.   Two thirds of patients suffer from arthritis in the knees and ankles (most commonly).  Less commonly patients can have lesions in the brain that affect patients balance and coordination.  Also some patients can form clots in their veins.

The reason why patients with Behcet’s syndrome can experience relief using cannabis is because the plant has over 60 cannabinoids which influence the immune cells and reduce inflammation.   It also binds to the nerves directly and reduces the amount of pain that patients experience.

My patient reported using cannabis on 3 occasions in the past month and on each occasion experienced a significant reduction in the pain in her knees.   Even though she felt “anxious” about coming in to see me she could not deny the benefits she experienced.  After speaking with her and going over both the risks and benefits of using cannabis she felt relieved that she will finally get regular relief.  I expect that she will do very well and cannabis will become a routine part of her treatment plan.

If you suffer from Behcet’s Syndrome or pain for any reason and would like a professional medical evaluation to see if cannabis can improve the quality of your life simply make an appointment to come in.  My staff will be able to answer many of your questions and schedule an appointment.  877-721-0047

Be blessed,

Dr. Sean Breen

Medical Cannabis of Southern California is the most respected clinic for providing patients with medical marijuana recommendations.  Our offices are located in Irvine and Long Beach California.