Medical Cannabis For Lupus: Can It Help Manage Symptoms and Summer Flare-Ups?

If you live in Florida—or migrate here when the sun calls—you already know the heat can be brutal. But if you’re one of the many people living with lupus, summer might feel more like a minefield than a season of sunshine. Increased sun exposure and intense heat can trigger painful lupus flares, sending your immune system into overdrive and making even everyday tasks feel exhausting.

So here’s the question many are asking: Can medical cannabis for lupus help you manage symptoms of lupus, especially during those intense summer months? Let’s explore what we know so far.

What Exactly Is Lupus?

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease, which means your immune system—the very thing designed to protect you—starts attacking your healthy tissue and organs. It doesn’t just focus on one part of the body, either. It can strike your joints, skin, kidneys, heart, lungs, blood cells, and brain.

Diagnosing lupus can be tricky because it likes to play copycat. Its symptoms often mimic other diseases, which means you might go through a frustrating game of “what’s really going on?” before getting answers. One of its most recognizable signs is the “butterfly rash”—a red rash that spreads across your cheeks and nose. But not everyone gets it.

Lupus is even more confusing because there isn’t just one kind. There are four distinct types:

• Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE): The most common, and the one most people mean when they say “lupus.”
• Cutaneous Lupus: Affects your skin.
• Drug-Induced Lupus: Caused by certain prescription meds.
• Neonatal Lupus: A rare form that affects babies born to women with lupus.

Each type behaves differently, but one thing they all share is inflammation, and that’s where medical cannabis may potentially offer benefits.

What Triggers Lupus Flare-Ups?

The root cause of systemic lupus erythematosus SLE is still a bit of a mystery, but we know it’s a mix of genetics and environmental factors. Some people are genetically predisposed, and then something—maybe a virus, a medication, or even sunlight—flips the switch.

That last one—sunlight—is worth emphasizing, especially in Florida. UV exposure can worsen skin rashes and even provoke an internal immune response. That’s why summer isn’t just a time for SPF; it’s a time to be extra vigilant for lupus patients.

Other known triggers include infections, which can spark new symptoms or worsen existing ones, making it harder to manage daily life. Certain medications, such as anti-seizure drugs, blood pressure medications, or specific antibiotics, have also been linked to triggering lupus symptoms. And let’s not forget the powerful impact of hormones and stress, both of which can significantly influence the frequency and severity of lupus flares.

Women are more likely to develop systemic lupus erythematosus, especially between the ages of 15 and 45, and it’s more common among African American, Hispanic, and Asian communities.

What Does a Lupus Flare-Up Feel Like?

No two patients with lupus experiences are identical. For some, symptoms sneak up gradually. For others, they hit like a freight train. Flare-ups might last a few days or linger for weeks. Then, just as suddenly, they disappear—only to return when you least expect them.

Here are the most common symptoms of lupus to watch for:

• Extreme fatigue (the kind that sleep doesn’t fix)
• Pain and joint swelling
• Skin rashes that worsen in the sun
• Fever and chest pain
• Hair loss and cognitive issues
• Cold-sensitive fingers and toes that change color (Raynaud’s)
• Dry eyes and shortness of breath

Now imagine experiencing all that in sweltering summer heat. It’s no wonder many people with lupus look for alternative ways to manage their symptoms relief, and that’s where medical cannabis is needed. Medical marijuana improves sleep, comfort, and relieves lupus symptoms.

How Can Medical Cannabis Help with Lupus?

You’ve probably heard that the cannabis plant is a great anti-inflammatory, and when it comes to lupus, that’s a big deal. Inflammation is central to the disease, so anything that may help reduce inflammation could potentially provide relief.

But cannabis for lupus might not stop at reducing swelling. Preliminary research and anecdotal evidence suggest it could influence how the body’s immune system responds. Lupus flares happen when the immune system becomes overactive. 

Some studies in lab and animal models suggest compounds in cannabis, particularly cannabinoids like THC and CBD, may affect certain immune cells, such as myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which are thought to calm immune activity. One study published in Frontiers in Immunology found that CBD increased MDSCs and reduced autoimmune inflammation in mice.

In fact, some cannabis research suggests it may influence levels of interleukin-10 and interleukin-2, proteins involved in the inflammatory response. One preclinical study showed that cannabinoids can increase anti-inflammatory cytokines like IL-10 and reduce pro-inflammatory ones like IL-2 in immune cells. These findings are still early-stage, and while interesting, they haven’t yet been validated in large human clinical trials specific to lupus.

Because federal law continues to restrict research, there are still few studies focusing solely on cannabis and systemic lupus erythematosus. That said, many patients report reduced pain scores, improved physical function, better sleep quality, and enhanced quality of life when incorporating medical cannabis into their broader treatment plan.

Other Natural Remedies You Might Try

While medical marijuana is a promising option for some, it works best when combined with other strategies. Complementary therapy options—like vitamin D, turmeric, and mind-body techniques—can enhance symptom relief, especially during flare-ups.

Supplements like vitamin D and calcium are essential when steroids are part of lupus treatment, as they help prevent bone loss. Omega-3s may aid in pain and inflammation management. Herbs like turmeric and ginger offer anti-inflammatory properties. Stress reduction through guided imagery, meditation, or hypnotherapy may reduce the overall immune response.

What About Traditional Treatments?

Traditional meds are still vital in managing autoimmune diseases like lupus. Depending on the case, doctors may prescribe:

• Pain relievers or NSAIDs for joint pain
• Steroids for severe inflammation
• Immunosuppressants to manage damage to internal organs
• Antimalarials for long-term management
• DHEA for mood, energy, and bone density

Some new options include synthetically created cannabinoid molecule formulations or synthetic cannabinoids, but these aren’t yet standard in lupus care and should be used with caution.

Testing, like a complete blood count and other blood tests, often helps guide treatment decisions.

How to Get a Medical Marijuana Card in Florida

If you’re considering cannabis use for a qualifying medical condition like lupus, Florida offers a path forward. While lupus may not be listed explicitly, many doctors consider it under the “other comparable conditions” clause. Once diagnosed with a qualifying illness, a physician can enter you into the Medical Marijuana Use Registry to begin the process.

Organizations like the Lupus Foundation of America don’t officially endorse cannabis but recognize that more research is needed and support exploring treatment alternatives. Though not an organizational statement, it’s fair to say medical cannabis shows promise in helping people with autoimmune diseases, including those with rheumatoid arthritis, psoriatic arthritis, systemic sclerosis, or multiple sclerosis.

As always, consult a knowledgeable provider like DocMJ, especially if you’re already taking prescribed opioids or other medications that could interact with cannabis or raise concerns about drug use.

Find Relief with DocMJ: Your Trusted Partner in Medical Cannabis Care

Ready to explore whether medical cannabis can help treat lupus and manage your health conditions? Schedule a consultation with DocMJ today. Our patients have found new ways to improve their daily lives with our support.

Dr. Ross Glider

Dr. Glider is a board certified Internal Medicine Specialist.  He received his Florida Medical Marijuana Physicians Certification in 2017 and was one of the first recommending physicians with DocMJ. In addition to medical marijuana recommendations, Dr. Glider continues to practice Internal and Geriatric Medicine in private practice. Additionally, he serves as Medical Director for a home health company, supervising and educating staff, as well as supervising an advanced Registered Nurse Practitioners for a transitional care program.

Dr. Glider graduated from the College of Osteopathic Medicine & Surgery in Des Moines, IA and completed his residency at Saddlebrook General Hospital in Saddlebrook, NJ. He has received several honors and awards throughout his professional career, including a City of Des Moines Merit Award and a Chamber of Commerce Award (Port St. Lucie, FL).  Dr. Glider is an experienced and caring physician who is loved and respected by his peers and his patients.