Cannabidiol Reduces Symptoms and Improves Quality of Life in Cystic Fibrosis: A Case Report

Kassia Martins Fernandes Pereira1*, Eliana Rodrigues2 and Carolina Ferreira Nocetti3

1Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 04021-001, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

2Center for Ethnobotanical and Ethnopharmacological Studies, Department of Environmental Sciences, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, São Paulo, SP, Brazil

3InterDoc - Terapia Canabinoide. Av. Paulista, 1048 - 18º Andar - Bela Vista, São Paulo - SP, 01310-100, Brazil 

Citation: Pereira KMF, Rodrigues E, Nocetti CF. Cannabidiol Reduces Symptoms and Improves Quality of Life in Cystic Fibrosis: A Case Report. Curr Res Altern Complement Integra Med 2025; 2(2): 108-111.

Received: 20 April, 2025; Accepted: 03 June, 2025; Published: 05 June, 2025

*Corresponding author: Kassia Martins Fernandes Pereira, Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery, Escola Paulista de Medicina, Universidade Federal de São Paulo, 04021-001, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Email: [email protected]

Copyright: © 2025 Pereira KMF, et al., This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original author and source are credited. 

A B S T R A C T

In this case report, we demonstrate the use of cannabidiol (CBD) with low doses of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) for symptom management in a pediatric patient with cystic fibrosis (CF) to improve the overall quality of life of the patient and their family. The parents of a two-year-old male patient diagnosed with cystic fibrosis due to the DF508 mutation in the CFTR gene sought a multidisciplinary team due to wheezing, hypersecretion, respiratory distress, and dyspepsia since birth. The patient used a CBD-rich full-spectrum oil (58.67% CBD: 4.09% THC), administered twice daily, with dose titration based on therapeutic effects and tolerance. Overall, the patient experienced a significant reduction in symptoms, after five weeks of CBD use. There was also an improvement in social interactions, concentration and emotional stability. A combination of high CBD and low dose THC oil has been shown to be an effective treatment option for managing CF symptoms, leading to an improved quality of life for both the patient and caregivers.

Keywords: Cannabidiol, Cystic Fibrosis, Pediatric, Quality of Life, Cannabis-Derived Treatment 

1.  Introduction

Cystic fibrosis (CF) is an autosomal recessive genetic disease characterized by dysfunction of the cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) gene, which encodes a chloride transmembrane conductance regulator protein that regulates and participates in the transport of electrolytes across cell membranes. There is chronic multisystem involvement that can be characterized by progressive lung disease, exocrine pancreatic dysfunction, liver disease, intestinal motility problems, male infertility (obstructive azoospermia), and high concentrations of electrolytes in sweat¹.

Patients with CF have viscous mucus in the airways, persistent

bacterial infections, and excessive inflammation², which contribute to chronic symptoms such as coughing and respiratory discomfort. These symptoms significantly impact sleep quality and daily functioning. Given the inflammatory and symptomatic burden of CF, therapies targeting systemic inflammation without causing immunosuppression are increasingly researched. 

Due to the peculiarities of the disease, multidisciplinary care is required, which allows for more comprehensive and effective treatments, leading to an increase in the life expectancy of patients. In an attempt to halt the progression of the pathophysiological process in CF, the search for an anti- inflammatory strategy without compromising immunosuppression has been the subject of research. Although an effective and safe drug for 

this purpose has not yet been identified, there are promises regarding cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator- based approaches³. Products derived from Cannabis sativa L., known for their strong anti-inflammatory potential, may serve as an effective form of therapy for this condition, especially in the search for a better quality of life for CF patients. Here, we present a single case report of cannabinoid treatment for cystic fibrosis (CF).

Cannabis-derived products, especially those containing cannabidiol (CBD), are being investigated as potential therapies for cystic fibrosis due to their anti-inflammatory effects. Evidence suggests that these products could provide significant anti-inflammatory benefits without the immunosuppressive side effects that are often associated with conventional treatments. As a result, they present a promising alternative or complementary option for managing symptoms like wheezing, cough, and digestive issues, which are frequent in individuals with cystic fibrosis. Additionally, by alleviating these symptoms and potentially improving emotional well-being, cannabis-derived products might enhance the quality of life for patients and their families. Studies, including those looking into medical Cannabis use in cystic fibrosis patients and the impact of cannabidiol on airway inflammation, highlight the therapeutic potential of these substances. These insights emphasize the necessity for further research to confirm their effectiveness and safety in clinical practice. 

2.  Case Presentation

2.1.  Pediatric patient

A 2-year-old boy from São Paulo, the third child of four pregnancies, born by cesarean section at 37 weeks, (APGAR score) = 8/9, borderline cystic fibrosis test, requiring oxygen support in the intensive care unit (ICU) for 12 hours. He was discharged after 24 hours in the maternity ward. The parents reported that the patient had projectile vomiting from the second day of life, was breastfed, and had diarrhea 6-7 times a day. Formula feeding was introduced at 3-4 months of age. The patient had no respiratory problems until 5 months of age, when hissing began. The parents noticed a delay in motor development. His weight was borderline until 10 months of age, at which time he entered the malnutrition curve with wheezing and required daily salbutamol sulfate. 

2.2    The diagnosis 

The parents sought advice and diagnosis from various doctors, and a screening test for the DF508 mutation in the CFTR gene was performed, which revealed the presence of a homozygous mutation. The result of this test, together with the  result of less than 0.2 ug/g for pancreatic elastase, led the doctors following him to confirm the diagnosis of cystic fibrosis (ICD 10 - E84).

2.3  The treatment

After the confirmation of CF, dietary supplements and physiotherapy sessions were started twice a day, every day. At that time, the patient was followed by a health care team every 3 months. The parents reported that although the patient had been more stable for the past 3 months, he still had audible wheezing. They sought additional help because the patient also had abdominal distension, severe postprandial cough in the morning and at night, and snoring, which significantly affected his sleep and quality of life in general. The main complaints reported by the parents were: wheezing, hypersecretion, difficulty in breathing, digestive problems since birth. 

The care was provided by a multidisciplinary health care team of App ViV - Assistente de Bem Viver, with the patient’s parents via telemedicine. Measures such as general well-being and effects observed on the main complaints were evaluated weekly for five weeks - coughing, wheezing, breathing, abdominal distension; sleep; mood (anxiety and agitation); appetite; disposition - vitality; appetite; body weight; bowel activity (consistency and frequency of bowel movements 

recent infections; medications (addition or withdrawal) and possible side effects.

2.4  The evolution of treatment

The patient began CBD treatment with a full-spectrum product derived from Cannabis sativa L. extract oil, rich in cannabidiol (CBD) at a CBD:THC concentration of 58.67%:4.09%. The dose was titrated according to weekly responses reported by the patient’s parents. The patient underwent periodic monitoring tests, such as assessment of liver function through measurements of TGO and TGP enzymes and abdominal ultrasound to monitor possible adverse effects and patient safety

recent infections; medications (addition or withdrawal) and possible side effects.

2.5   The evolution of treatment

Table 1: A comparison of characteristics before and after initiating CBD treatment for the patient in the case presented.

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