My wife had a kidney transplant 2 and 1/2 years ago.
We will of course ask our nephrologist about it, but what are you hearing about use of medical marijuana in conjunction with the host of post-transplant drugs (mycophenolate/mycophenolic; tacrolimis/ prednisone; carvedilol)?
Is there any sort of consensus that says it is OK, or does it vary by nephrologist/transplant center?
I had my transplant in May 2020. I have a lot of arthritis pain and nothing worked. My son told me about CBD oil how it helped him. I asked my provider and he said ok. I then called my nephrologist and she said ok to take any of the cbd's.
It seems like a risk to take cannabis especially orally or through inhale while being on an immunosuppressive protocol. There are likely no clinical trial data to ensure the safety of such combined use. Are there alternatives to cannabis that may be considered for her?
Her issue is insomnia. We have heard good things about medical marijuana for this problem. We will dive deeper into it with her doctor and see what alternatives she might have. She has always been inclined to take as few drugs as possible. For example, she would rather try a disciplined diet to control cholesterol rather than taking a statin. We do know that exercise seems to help!
There are also therapists specialized in sleep that I think would be extremely helpful. Has sleep apnea been checked and ruled out?
No but that is a good suggestion. Thanks
I am about a year past transplant. I asked my Team about medical marijanua. They had no issue from a medical interactive POV with immunosuppressatst. But they were negative on 2 grounds : (a) being too stoned to remember to take meds on time or at all and (b) getting the munchies and not keeping to the strict diet they have me on - spiking blood sugar or eating too many carbs.
Those are valid concerns!
Hi there, I consume cannabis and have never had an issue. I'm 6 years post transplant, and had my 1st child last year. My nephrologist has never mentioned anything to me, as my labs are always right in range. I take tacro,, cellcept, prednisone. Honestly if people would just "consume responsibly" you shouldn't have a problem like being too stoned to take meds, or eating everything because of munchies. Lol
How do you consume it?Through vaping or edibles?
I consume by edibles, and flower. I have used the tinctures also, and those are really good to add to food or drinks. Also try canna butter, (you can make homemade) and cook with it! 🙂
Will try for sure...🙂
Hi Becca - my nephrologist approved CBD gummies. I didn’t ask about marijuana though. Not really knowing the difference I took some delta 8 once. That was a mistake…as the affect was so strong, I thought I needed to go to the hospital. I have not had a cbd gummy since…lol. Best of luck to you.
Thanks
The other post was "Sleep Help Needed"
I sheepishly asked my social worker during my post-transplant interview with him if he would be willing to ask my transplant team an anonymous question about the safety of cannabis (it wasn't legal at the time). He said they said it would cause no medical interactions but strongly recommended not smoking because of the risk of Aspergillus infection (and the obvious damage to ones lungs from smoking). A cannabis neophyte, I soon learned the hard way that edibles can take several hours to kick in. Doh!
YEARLY Transplant Re-Evals Prior to Transplant
Post Transplant
Protocols and a question?
Transplant and BKV Realities
Air travel and relocation 
