The Many Ways Cannabis Might Treat Thyroid Disease

Medical Marijuana is a very old medicinal herb used for not hundreds but thousands of years to treat a great variety of ailments. Historically, Marijuana was used to treat insomnia, mental issues, pain, inflammation, intestinal conditions and cramping. Now, as modern medicines chimes in, the active ingredients of Marijuana, called Cannabinoids, have been shown to have anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory and anxiety reducing properties.











Let's look at an example Thyroid disease case. A woman in her late 40's has developed a swelling, a lump on her neck In error, prescribes hormone replacement therapy without result. What might Medical Marijuana do for this poor woman?

There are many issues to look at in Thyroid disease. The condition could be cancerous, there could be an excess or deficiency in iodine, there could be an infection and fluid build up, a benign tumor, cancer, infection or hormonal disorder. The absolutely amazing thing about the Cannabinoids in Marijuana is that they have been shown - in clinical settings - to help every one of the listed conditions. However, too much of the research evidence relies on animal trials

Disclaimer: The information provided here is for informational purposes and is not intended to prescribe a treatment for any disease or condition. While we're excited about the wealth of outstanding research that concludes or suggests that Medical Marijuana might effectively treat Thyroid diseases and its symptoms; before acting on any information herein, readers are advised to consult with a trusted medical professional before taking action.

With that said, it is very important to note that consensus research findings at this point indicate that Medical Marijuana is an adjunct therapy rather than a primary treatment.

Thyroid Issues - The basics
The thyroid is a gland located in the middle of your neck. The Thyroid produces hormones that regulate metabolic rate. If your thyroid is underactive, you'll feel tired. An overactive Thyroid will cause you to race around and then burn out.

Marijuana can definitely modify receptors that control metabolism. Certain strains are known to be uplifting and some sedating. New strains high in the Cannabinoid CBD, without a stoner or psychoactive component tend to balance the metabolism.


Thyroid issues range from somewhat "harmless" goiter to life threatening cancer. Most thyroid issues involve an abnormal production of thyroid hormones. Many Thyroid conditions can be successfully managed, however, side effects are often underestimated. Thyroid medications are often somewhat toxic.

Synthroid LEVOTHYROXINE SODIUM Levothyroxine is used to treat an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism). It replaces or provides more thyroid hormone, which is normally produced by the thyroid gland. Side effects include fast or irregular heartbeat;fever, hot flashes, sweating; sleep problems (insomnia); changes in your menstrual periods; or
vomiting, diarrhea, appetite changes, weight changes and HAIR LOSS












The Multiple Causes Thyroid Issues

Hyperthyroidism: an overproduction of thyroid hormones

Graves' disease features irritability, muscle weakness, sleeping problems, a fast heartbeat, poor tolerance of heat, diarrhea, and weight loss.

Marijuana is commonly recommended by California Medical Physicians to treat all of these conditions listed above. See our Disease and Conditions section to learn how MMJ can treat your specific condition and symptoms.


Toxic adenomas: Nodules in the thyroid gland and begin to secrete thyroid hormones, upsetting the body's chemical balance.

Marijuana's Cannabinoids has been shown to induce suicide in rogue cell (tumors).
Subacute thyroiditis: Inflammation of the thyroid that causes the gland to "leak" excess hormones.

Cannabinoids have been shown, time and again to reduce inflammation. The cannabinoid, CBG has been shown to take out Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
Pituitary gland malfunctions or cancerous growths in the thyroid gland.

Medical Marijuana has anti-cancer activity.
Hypothyroidism:an underproduction of thyroid hormones, leads to lower energy levels. In extreme cases this disorder can induce coma and even result in death. Causes include:

Hashimoto's thyroiditis : An autoimmune disorder where, the body attacks thyroid tissue and cells eventually die when thyroid hormones ceases.

Medical Marijuana components, especially CBD and THC have been shown to modulate downward inflammation throughout the entire body.
Exposure to excessive amounts of iodide: Cold and Flu medicines, heart drug amiodarone, dyes given for X-rays may expose you to too much iodine. Lithium is implicated as a cause of hypothyroidism. Untreated for long periods of time, hypothyroidism can bring on a myxedema coma, a rare but potentially fatal condition that requires immediate hormone treatment.

Look into healthy and unhealthy forms of Iodine. Ask your doctor if you can get rid of unhealthy forms is you have thyroid issues.
Pituitary disorders can cause the thyroid to act erratically because of an interruption in the secretion of thyroid stimulating hormone. Pituitary disorders are often caused by tumors.

Medical Marijuana has shown anti-tumor properties.
Cancer: Relax a bit, consider that only 5% of thyroid nodules result in Cancer. Still, you should take action and consider lifestyle changes that might help your thyroid, Cancer or not.

The US Cancer Institute found that, yes, Marijuana can KILL Cancer.

Nodules and Swelling

A Single thyroid nodule is benign 95% of the time, but it needs to be checked to see if it's cancerous. In any case, you want to take preventative measures to reduce the size and growth of nodules.

Multiple thyroid nodules are common and rarely cancerous. Multinodular situations don't usually require surgery unless you have problems swallowing or breathing or it's too ugly for your taste.

Diffuse goitre is usually caused by autoimmune thyroid conditions like Hashimoto’s thyroiditis and Graves’ disease.

Retrosternal goitre Multinodular thyroid can grow from behind the breastbone.impinging and constricting the windpipe (trachea) and the large veins in the neck and esophagus. If the growth and/or inflammation cannot be reduced, surgery is the final option.















Colloid and Hyperplastic nodules
These are benign lumps don't usually require surgery.

Thyroid adenoma
This benign lump can resemble cancer in scans and biopsy and needs confirmation by microscopic examination.

Thyroid cyst
This swelling contains fluid that may be removed with a needle. Some cysts may require surgery, but healthy living and other therapies may cause cysts to shrink to a non-threatening size.

Thyroid cancer
Thyroid cancer is rare and responds well to traditional therapy. In this procedure, most or all of the thyroid and the nodules are removed. Post-op, patients are put on thyroid replacement therapy.