Can Cannabis Cure Genital Herpes?

Cannabis may be the relief people who are living with genital herpes have been searching for.

Thanks to the ample research and case studies, there should be no more debate about whether or not cannabis is beneficial for cancer patients.

There is another ailment, however, that cannabis can help, but the research surrounding the effects of cannabis for this condition is not as extensive as the research of the effects of cannabis on cancer.

This condition is genital herpes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about one out of six people, between the ages of 14 to 49, in the U.S. have genital herpes.

It’s a very common disease, and also one of the most difficult to live with. Shame and isolation often accompany the physical pain caused by genital herpes.

Jamin Peckham, a male in his late 20s, contracted genital herpes from an ex-girlfriend who claimed she didn’t know she had it. Peckham hasn’t been in a relationship since his diagnosis.

Every time he wants to approach a girl, his fears get the best of him, and he backs out. He’s fearful of the ‘disclosure talk’ or afraid he’ll give herpes to the girl.

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Unfortunately, there’s a stigma associated with genital herpes that makes it hard for these patients to develop romantic relationships. Some people view those with genital herpes as immoral, assuming only people who sleep around get it.

Along with psychological symptoms, the physical symptoms include small red bumps, blisters or open sores in the genital area. These sores often itch and can be extremely painful. Cannabis, however, has been shown to help ease both the psychological and physical symptoms.

A recent study revealed that topical application of THC could ease the patient’s pain and urge to itch the sores. THC can also reduce the time it takes the blisters to heal and reduce the frequency of flare-ups.

And certain cannabinoids can also stop the reproduction of, or kill, bacteria, and viruses, thus slowing the reproduction of genital herpes.

Many patients also prefer to treat their symptoms with cannabis because there are no drug-related side effects associated with the use of THC as compared to prescription medication. And CBD provides patients relief from the anxiety and depression that can result from battling genital herpes.

Yes, the research surrounding the use of cannabis to treat herpes is sparse, especially compared to the research surrounding the use of cannabis to treat cancer, but there’s enough evidence to justify the need for more research to be done.

Unfortunately too many people are suffering both physically and emotionally from genital herpes. Hopefully, research continues to shed light on the effects cannabis has on genital herpes so more and more patients can finally find the relief they’ve been searching for.