Cannabis is frequently used to treat chronic pain, multiple sclerosis, and various mental health issues. Despite its popularity, research indicates both advantages and risks in using cannabis for medicinal purposes.
The primary compounds in cannabis responsible for its medical benefits are cannabidiol (CBD) and delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These compounds are found in the Cannabis sativa plant. In places where cannabis is legal, healthcare providers may prescribe cannabis products such as dried flowers, oils, and tablets containing CBD and THC to address several health conditions, often referred to as “medicinal cannabis.” While these treatments are generally well-researched and tolerated, using cannabis outside of prescribed guidelines or obtaining it from illegal sources can pose significant risks. Also Check toronto weed delivery
Potential Medical Benefits of Cannabis
Research suggests that cannabis may aid in managing certain health conditions:
- Chronic Pain: A comprehensive review in 2017 involving over 10,000 studies found that cannabis and cannabinoid-based products effectively relieve chronic pain, particularly neuropathic pain.
- Substance Use Disorders: Some individuals use CBD oil to reduce dependency on prescription painkillers. A 2017 review indicates cannabis might assist those with alcohol or opioid dependencies in managing their addiction. A 2022 Canadian study also observed a link between medicinal cannabis use and decreased alcohol consumption. However, excessive or inappropriate use of cannabis can lead to cannabis use disorder.
- Mental Health Issues: A 2017 review presented evidence that cannabis might help alleviate symptoms of depression and PTSD. However, it is not recommended for conditions like bipolar disorder or psychosis. Although promising, research on cannabis for mental health treatments is in its early stages and requires further exploration.
- Cancer: Evidence suggests oral cannabinoids can effectively reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, with some studies indicating that smoked cannabis might also be beneficial.
- Multiple Sclerosis: Short-term use of oral cannabinoids may provide modest improvement in spasticity symptoms for people with multiple sclerosis.
- Epilepsy: In 2018, the FDA approved a CBD-based medication, Epidiolex, to treat rare epilepsy types like Lennox-Gastaut and Dravet syndromes. A 2017 study found CBD significantly reduced seizures in children with Dravet syndrome compared to a placebo. However, side effects like drowsiness and decreased appetite were noted.
Health Risks of Cannabis
Despite its potential benefits, cannabis use carries several risks:
- Mental Health: Cannabis use may increase the risk of short-term psychosis and long-term mental health issues like schizophrenia. There is also evidence linking regular cannabis use to suicidal thoughts and a slight increase in depression risk. Cannabis may worsen bipolar disorder symptoms.
- Cancer Risk: Long-term cannabis use has been associated with an increased risk of testicular cancer.
- Respiratory Issues: Smoking cannabis can damage the respiratory system, including lung scarring and bronchitis. However, non-inhaled products like CBD oils do not share these risks.
Conclusion
Cannabis has demonstrated potential in managing chronic pain, nausea, and some symptoms of multiple sclerosis. However, accurately assessing its safety is challenging due to the diverse forms and varying chemical compositions of different strains. For example, oral CBD oils are generally well-tolerated, whereas inhaled cannabis can cause lung damage. It is best to use cannabis and cannabinoid products only by the direction of healthcare professionals.
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