Sarcoidosis is an inflammatory condition where lumps, called granulomas, develop in the body. Granulomas can form around organs, eventually stopping those organs from functioning correctly. Sarcoidosis of the lungs is common. Lumps may also form near the heart or other organs, and the condition can affect the nervous system, joints, skin, and eyes.
1 in 10,000
people in the UK suffer from sarcoidosis, according to specialists and research organisations
18,554
individuals with sarcoidosis were recorded between 2023 and 2024, and research suggests that the prevalence of the condition is on the rise
1 in 2
people who use medical cannabis do so to treat or manage chronic pain, such as that associated with sarcoidosis
72%
of people using medical cannabis are using it to manage multiple symptoms associated with chronic conditions like sarcoidosis
Symptoms
Anxiety
Chronic musculoskeletal pain
Depression
Disrupted sleep and sleep disorders
Persistent fatigue
Skin discomfort and pain
Small fibre neuropathy
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek tailored advice from a medical professional.
Treatment options:
If you have sarcoidosis, there are several treatment options available to help relieve symptoms during a flare-up and prevent further potential flares. These include:
Azathioprine
Gabapentin
Hydroxychloroquine
Infliximab
Methotrexate
Prednisolone
Pregabalin
Prescribed medical cannabis treatments
Whether you’re new to cannabis-based medicines, switching from another medical cannabis clinic, or self-medicating, we’ll put you back in control of your health.
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“Sarcoidosis is a rare disease that can affect almost any organ in the body, so the experience of living with it varies enormously from one patient to another.
Many patients will experience systemic symptoms like fatigue, weight loss or swollen lymph nodes, and patients with lung involvement may struggle with cough or shortness of breath.
That variability is exactly why patients need to be assessed on an individual basis, to ensure their treatment addresses their symptoms and fits into their way of life.”
Dr Michal Modestowicz
Consultant Neurologist
06. 09. 2023
If you are looking for a complementary pain management solution to add to your existing treatment plan, you are anything but alone. Right here in the UK, around 34% of the population (that's close to 15.5 million people) are affected by chronic pain. Chronic pain is an unwelcome passenger on the journey for many patients living with long-term medical conditions, and is a common symptom of countless diseases and illnesses.
06. 09. 2023
29. 09. 2023
With the introduction of medical cannabis here in the UK, patients are now able to access cannabis based medical products (CBMPs) in the treatment of pain. And while this is great news for many, the world of CBMPs can be daunting – especially when there are so many cannabinoids at play.
29. 09. 2023
21. 02. 2025
Next Friday, it’s Rare Disease Day, an event that takes place every year on the last day in February to act as a day of observance for rare conditions and the individuals they affect. This year, we’ve put together this blog to discuss which of the 83 conditions currently treated at Releaf are classed as rare, and, how frequently patients with these conditions are seen at our service.
21. 02. 2025
Alternative treatments for sarcoidosis may veer away from conventional pharmaceuticals. Many people are now exploring the potential benefits of medical cannabis for sarcoidosis. Medical cannabis has now been available in the UK for several years for people with eligible conditions. It contains phytochemicals, including THC and CBD, which can have therapeutic effects on symptoms associated with sarcoidosis. THC for sarcoidosis is a potential alternative to conventional pain relief medications which may have undesirable side effects such as nausea, stomach pain, or increased fatigue..
Therapeutic effects associated with using medical cannabis for sarcoidosis include:
Reduced inflammation
THC for sarcoidosis could be a simple way to manage the symptoms associated with the condition, and in some cases, the side effects that come with some of the prescribed medications.
Some people may use CBD for sarcoidosis, aiming for the homeostasis that full-spectrum CBD capsules and other formats may offer. Medical cannabis for sarcoidosis will generally take the form of:
Dried flower for use with vaporisers
Oils
Capsules
Pastilles
THC vapes
Chronic pain is one of the most common reasons people choose medical cannabis for sarcoidosis. The Releaf patient survey showed that 92.2% of respondents found medical cannabis effective for relieving chronic pain issues.
The endocannabinoid system is partially responsible for modulating both immune responses and inflammation, particularly how the human body perceives pain. The application of THC or CBD for sarcoidosis offers a way to positively impact the endocannabinoid system, promoting improved overall wellness.
Supporting your endocannabinoid system with medical cannabis can naturally relieve the inflammation associated with chronic conditions, leading to better symptom management. Patients may experience improved sleep patterns, more regulated moods, and less pain when taking medical cannabis for sarcoidosis.
Both chronic and acute sarcoidosis are thought to be associated with an overactive immune response. The body is, essentially, attacking itself in an autoimmune response. That’s why immunosuppressant drugs can help, by halting the progress of the immune system.
Supporting your overall immune system with alternative treatments for sarcoidosis, like medical cannabis, could help better regulate the body’s general immune response. Phytochemicals like THC can have a therapeutic effect on the immune system, which, when combined with the anti-inflammatory properties, can make it highly effective for sarcoidosis symptom management.
There is limited research on the specific action of medical cannabis on sarcoidosis, or detailed results on the success of CBD or THC for sarcoidosis. However, the research on managing specific sarcoidosis symptoms is clearer:
Research shows that supporting the endocannabinoid system with phytochemicals such as THC and CBD can have a positive impact on pain management, the immune system, and nervous conditions.[viii]
At least 78% of patients surveyed report medical cannabis to be “extremely” or “very” effective[ix] for managing symptoms such as chronic pain and sleep disorders.
Studies also show that phytocannabinoids, found in medical cannabis, are effective for sleep management, mood management, and reducing the impact of neuroinflammation.[x]
As further research emerges, expect a clearer picture of the specific positive impacts associated with medical cannabis for sarcoidosis.
If you want to use THC or CBD for sarcoidosis, consider checking your eligibility for medical cannabis. In the UK, you must be prescribed medical cannabis by a doctor. Releaf supports sarcoidosis patients by providing a clear pathway to check eligibility and suggest an appropriate treatment plan.
How it works:
Choose a timeslot for a 30-minute consultation with a UK-registered doctor
Pay the consultation fee
Get your prescription
Place an order
Receive your medical cannabis for sarcoidosis
A subscription service provides the option to adjust and cancel orders as required. You can also see a clinician four times a year to ensure your treatment plan is still appropriate for your current symptoms. As sarcoidosis symptoms can lessen or worsen with time, it's important to reassess your needs on a regular basis.
It’s easy to find out if you’re eligible for medical cannabis for sarcoidosis or other chronic conditions with Releaf. Releaf has a world-class clinical team with over 50 specialists, helping people get a better handle on symptoms like chronic pain and neuropathy. Discover more information about how medical cannabis aids effective symptom management for a range of conditions on our blog.
To find out if you could join the 240,000 people in the Releaf community enjoying reduced pain and inflammation and an improved quality of life, check your eligibility here.
