Graft Versus Host Disease With Organ Transplants and CBD

Graft Versus Host is a serious consequence of organ transplantation. Unless the donor, is an exact genetic match to the recipient, i.e. identical twin, the genetic material is different and the transplanted organ can reject the “patient” resulting is very serious consequences that all too often, include death.

Any safe measures that can be taken to avoid this rejection would be welcome. There are anti-rejection drugs available, but they have inherent toxicity.

A recent article in PubMed shows that Cannabidiol, apparently as a single molecule cannabinoid medicine at 400 mg daily, shows great promise in reducing Graft Vs. Host. In fact, CBD showed a substantial improvement over standard therapy.

It is suggested that CBD be taken along with the more traditional anti-rejection drugs. The dose of CBD used in this study, was 400 mg daily. I am 99% certain this is a single molecule medicine, but check here to see the manufacturer.

As we know from GW Pharmaceuticals dosing of their anti-seizure drug Epidiolex, the dosing of single molecule CBD is 4-5 times higher than with whole plant CBD. I have taken care of nearly 400 seizure patients. Most have been children and the vast majority do very well. The average dose of Whole Plant CBD for my patients is just about 90 mg daily while the average child on Epidiolex ends up on over 400 mg.

Why the huge dosing variation between Whole Plant and Single Molecule CBD? There are nearly 1000 unique cannabinoid, terpenoid, flavonoid, wax and many other compounds. The plant has evolved over 28 million years with many, many hundreds of molecules that are all there for a reason.

Is it not a bit arrogant to believe that the other 900 plus molecules are not important? How could that be? Here is an Israeli study showing that single molecule cannabis molecules become much less effective as compared to whole plant. How could it possibly be any different?

So, I believe with the quoted articles as well as my years of experience, it makes a lot of sense that whole plant CBD will be even more effective than this single molecule Pharmaceutical CBD product.

Perhaps fewer than 100 mg of whole plant CBD daily, starting one week prior to transplant and continuing for at least one month after transplant.

Personally, although not studied, I would for sure maintain a more modest CBD dose after the first month of therapy post transplant.

This is very exciting news for anyone needing an allogeneic organ transplant.

Anyone up for a study?

Author

Allan Frankel, MD Dr Allan Frankel is one of the few physicians in the US who truly understands Cannabis as a medicine. All treatments suggested have been well studied. Every patient seen by Dr Frankel is given a personally created Treatment Plan created with the patient's specific issues defined. Plant medicine requires "tuning" of the dosing. Dr Frankel works with his patients thru a messaging portal. The use of this portal, allows quick and simple follow up contact with Dr Frankel. Patients are not charged for these messages, as this is how Dr Frankel has learned what he has learned. Follow up appointments in person or by phone/video are also available when needed