Renal Conditions and Medical Cannabis

Renal conditions can be challenging to manage due to the complexity of symptoms, limitations in treatment options and comorbidities.¹

Preliminary and emerging research has demonstrated medical cannabis' therapeutic potential for treating some symptoms of renal conditions, particularly neuropathic pain and uremia-induced pruritis.²

Though it is theorised that medical cannabis treatment may present risks to those with renal conditions – particularly concerning drug-drug-interactions.³

As medical cannabis use continues to grow, healthcare professionals should stay informed about medical cannabis treatment applications in renal conditions, and equipped to provide the best evidence-based guidance.⁴

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Estimated Duration: 1 hour

Access Duration: 12 months from date of purchase

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this module, you’ll be able to:

• Describe the physiology and key functions of the kidneys
• Describe the pathophysiology of chronic kidney disease (CKD), acute kidney injury (AKI), autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) and renal cancer and recommended conventional treatment options
• Describe medical cannabis' therapeutic potential for treating symptoms of renal conditions
• Identify risks, risk management strategies and general considerations of medical cannabis treatment for individuals with renal conditions

References

1. Webster AC, Nagler EV, Morton RL, Masson P. Chronic kidney disease. The Lancet. 2017;389(10075):1238-1252. doi:https://doi.org/10.1016/s0140-6736(16)32064-5
2. Ho C, Martinusen D, Lo C. A Review of Cannabis in Chronic Kidney Disease Symptom Management. Canadian Journal of Kidney Health and Disease. 2019;6:205435811982839. doi:https://doi.org/10.1177/2054358119828391
3. Lappin J. Drug Interactions with Cannabis. Society of Cannabis Clinicians. Published July 10, 2024. Accessed February 27, 2025. https://www.cannabisclinicians.org/2024/07/10/drug-interactions-with-cannabis/
4. Rein JL. The Nephrologistʼs Guide to Cannabis and Cannabinoids. Current Opinion in Nephrology and Hypertension. 2020;29(2):248-257. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/mnh.0000000000000590
   

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