Cannabis, more commonly recognized as marijuana, is undergoing a significant overhaul on its once infamous reputation. Today, the fortuitous adoption by medical fraternities worldwide has given rise to the term “medical marijuana”. The plant once tabooed for questionable recreational uses is blooming into a potential panacea for a fat range of medical conditions. This article outlines several key health benefits associated with the judicious use of cannabis.
Ranked amongst the most notable benefits of cannabis is its potential for pain relief. The presence of cannabinoids – active chemicals mirrored in the ones our bodies naturally produce involved in appetite, memory, movement, and pain – has a significant effect on reducing chronic pain. An array of conditions such as migraines, endometriosis, fibromyalgia, and arthritis can be relieved significantly with proper usage of medical marijuana.
Moreover, cannabis is assumed to be an effective supplement for anxiety treatment. Low doses are believed to help reduce anxiety, although higher doses might increase it. More research is needed, but some preliminary studies suggest that it can help manage anxiety disorders thanks to its calming effect.
Remarkably, even epilepsy – a neurological disorder marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance – finds a form of management through cannabis use. Epidiolex – a medication made from CBD, a type of cannabinoid in marijuana – is an FDA approved drug used primarily for treating two severe forms of epilepsy.
Further, medical marijuana can prove to be a boon for individuals grappling with sleep disorders, such as insomnia. Some strains are particularly known for their ability to induce sleep by reducing the time it takes to fall asleep.
Another innovative use of medical marijuana is for appetite stimulation in patients undergoing chemotherapy for cancer treatment or people with conditions like HIV/Aids that induce a loss of appetite. Here, cannabis acts as a potent catalyst that triggers hunger, aiding in health restoration.
Moreover, patients undergoing cancer treatment often experience severe nausea due to chemotherapy. Cannabis has shown positive results in quelling this uncomfortable side effect, thereby enhancing the patient’s general sense of wellness.
Speaking of cancer, emerging research shows that medical marijuana might even play an active role in cancer treatment itself. While this is still under investigation, some laboratory studies have suggested that cannabis can slow growth or kill certain types of cancer cells.
Another medical area that sees the potential application of medical marijuana is in the treatment of multiple sclerosis. Some studies have exhibited a reduction in muscle spasticity and pain in patients with this condition.
Finally, it’s important not to overlook the role cannabis can play in treating glaucoma, a disorder that damages the optic nerve due to increased pressure in the eye. Early studies suggested that cannabis might reduce this pressure, offering a possible therapeutic option.
In conclusion, the health applications of cannabis are vast and varied, making medical marijuana a promising field of study for future healthcare advancements. However, it is crucial to mention that these benefits come with a caveat – they work best when used under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Thus, while cannabis has tricky legal status depending on the region, its potential benefits cannot be ignored.
