medicinal uses of cannabis

What Is Cannabis?

Cannabis, also known as marijuana is a medical drug from the Cannabis sativa plant containing a large number of different chemical compounds, the most well-known marijuana-based of which is THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). THC is a psychoactive constituent solely responsible for psychological and mental conditions, thus it is often regarded as a mind-altering ingredient. Under the effect of THC a person’s memory, thinking, coordination and sensory acceptance are affected.  CBD, as compared to THC, is generally known for its therapeutic effects given that it is a non-psychoactive component.  The National Center for Biotechnology Information states that CBD, in fact, impedes the high THC effects thereby producing the right balance between both components.

What Does Medical Properties Cannabis Possess?

It should be noted that it is the very marijuana compounds possessing strong healing properties, thus being extremely helpful for those suffering, although, cannabis medical benefits do often tend to be underestimated.

For instance, according to the 2016 study on mice, run by Andreas Zimmer, a professor of molecular psychiatry at the University of Bonn in Germany, marijuana major compound THC taken in small doses may even help to improve memory. A lot more research is yet needed to confirm its effectiveness in helping people.

In accordance with the study in Endocrine, Metabolic, and Immune Disorders – Drug Targets announces that the ECS (endocannabinoid system), responsible for keeping our health in balance, has a significant impact on many aspects of homeostasis, namely immune system, emotional memory, temperature regulation etc. and even hunger or feeding. What’s of the utmost importance is that the ECS is directly influenced by cannabinoids that unite in order to support its functioning.

Overall, THC and CBD together are more effective than individually serving a powerful pain-killer and being truly efficient at therapeutic levels.

So, there are a plenty of cannabis medications out there to help you fight your disease, but then again, it requires a prior doctor’s prescription.

What Is Medical Cannabis Used to Treat?

Well, the medical marijuana use subject is quite a controversial one among those both in academic and regular worlds, as some of cannabis medical uses are generally approved — some of them need a more profound research. But anyway there are lots of cases this pain-reliever can be applied to. Let’s have a look at them!

The most common reason for people turning to this treatment method is certainly the pain. Cannabis is often used as a primary analgesic being highly effective at reducing both the neuropathic pain and chronic pain. There is compelling evidence based on the impressive number of researches conducted on a regular basis. For instance, according to the 2014 University of Utah study, cannabinoids, the chemical marijuana compounds, proved to be effective in a variety of experimental neuropathic pain patterns. Another 2014 University College Cork research suggested that "analgesia is one of the principal therapeutic targets of the cannabinoid system".

The medical cannabis is also often prescribed for patients suffering from insomnia. A 2013 study published in the American Journal on Addictions suggestions that cannabis, when taken orally in the evening, promotes sleeping latency reduction and improvement of the ability to fall asleep.

Another potential marijuana medical use is the migraine headache treatment. The THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) proves to mitigate the migraine-related symptoms. Thus, this alternative serves much better option providing with little to no addicting property as compared to the commercial pharmaceuticals or opioid analgesics.

The doctors tend to prescribe medical cannabis for people living with multiple sclerosis as well. The MS symptoms like painful muscle spasms, slurred speech, coordination issues, and poor sleep quality are not easy to tolerate. Medical marijuana is an excellent research-based alternative to alleviate you MS-related pains. Sativex, a cannabis-based medication, is approved in 12 countries, is commonly used with positive feedback.

The medical marijuana use is able to help you manage your anxiety disorders. CBD, the major non-psychoactive marijuana constituent, possessing therapeutic effects can relieve or even eliminate symptoms completely. Taking into account the fact that THC actually increases anxiety levels an appropriate dose of both components should be kept.

The 2011 University of Guelph study announced that CBD owns anti-nausea effects that can subsequently be quite helpful after chemotherapy for cancer to cope with nausea and vomiting. Besides, inhaled marijuana can potentially induce appetite, thus it is frequently prescribed for people having difficulties with eating.

So, quite a handful of diseases listed above are among a substantial number of others subjected to marijuana treatment.

To sum it up, the medical marijuana is used to treat and alleviate the symptoms of the following health conditions and diseases:

  • Cancer
  • Multiple sclerosis
  • Glaucoma
  • Chronic pain
  • Alzheimer’s
  • Epileptic seizures
  • Arthritis
  • Migraine headache
  • Inflammatory bowel diseases
  • PTSD(posttraumatic stress disorder)
  • Appetite loss
  • Anxiety disorders
  • Diabetes
  • Arthritis
  • Insomnia
  • Nausea and vomiting caused by cancer Chemotherapy

The Bottom Line

There is a growing interest in medicinal marijuana use area nowadays. The dozen of researches aimed at studying medical cannabis health benefits are being conducted on a daily basis. Some of them have already proved the numerous healing marijuana properties, yet many more are to be explored ahead. Well, then again, it is up to you to decide whether the medical cannabis is worth being regarded as a medicine itself. However, its positive impact on your health set up above mustn’t be ignored.

Medicinal Uses of Cannabis