Amidst the ongoing debates regarding its legalization, there’s no denying the increasing attention that cannabis has been receiving within the medical community. Used as a form of alternative medicine, cannabis, more specifically medical marijuana, promises some potential benefits for certain health conditions centred around chronic pain relief, cancer treatment, epilepsy and multiple sclerosis.
At the heart of medical marijuana are two prime components – cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). These major cannabinoids possess varying effects on the body. CBD, a non-psychoactive compound, provides relief from inflammation, pain, anxiety, seizures and other conditions without the high that THC brings. THC, on the other hand, can be used for pain relief but is also responsible for the “high” feeling associated with recreational marijuana use.
Medical marijuana provides the prospect of alternative treatment to different kinds of conditions. Chronic pain, for instance, has responded well to cannabis treatment. A recent report from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine validates the effectiveness of cannabis in providing chronic pain relief.
Another application of cannabis in the medical field is for cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy. Various studies have shown that THC and other types of cannabinoids could help in alleviating nausea and vomiting – side effects common to chemotherapy. Yet, more substantial evidence is required before concrete conclusions can be made regarding its role in cancer treatment.
Whereas no cure exists for multiple sclerosis, a neurological condition, medical marijuana has shown promise for symptom relief. A remarkable study in the Canadian Medical Association Journal found a 20% reduction in multiple sclerosis spasticity symptoms and pain with cannabis treatment.
Childhood epilepsy is another area that has seen significant promise with the use of CBD. Epidiolex, the first cannabis-derived medication, has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of severe types of epilepsy. In several studies, CBD has been shown to reduce the number of seizures, clearly demonstrating its potential in the area of epilepsy treatment.
Determining the effective cannabis dosage is vital to guarantee appropriateness for patients. The dosage depends on a host of factors including the condition being treated, the patient’s weight and height, the patient’s cannabinoid tolerance, and the method of consumption. Working with medical professionals, patients can find the ‘optimal’ dosage, usually starting at a low dose which is gradually increased.
Despite the promise that medical marijuana holds, its use is not without potential risks and side-effects. These can range from increased heart rate, to difficulties with child development during and after pregnancy, and mental health issues. Hence, extensive research and consultation with healthcare professionals is vital before initiating cannabis treatment.
Further clinical trials and research are required to fully understand the therapeutic potential of cannabis and its implications. While controversy surrounds its use, and legislation varies from country to country, the medical possibilities that cannabis presents cannot be ignored. Legalization issues aside, the focus should remain on informed decisions based on comprehensive and scientifically sound information.
As our understanding of cannabis for medical purposes expands, it is hoped that its stigma lessens, while its potential to provide relief for many conditions becomes more widely accepted and understood. Only then can we fully appreciate and responsibly utilize this fascinating plant and its remarkable medicinal properties.