Medical cannabis is an emerging medical field that has gained significant attention in recent years, not only due to its social and legal implications but more importantly, its significant health benefits and medical applications. As an alternative medicine, medical cannabis has been recognised and legalized in many countries because of its efficacy against various kinds of ailments and chronic conditions. This substance, which was once categorized under illicit drugs, has now claimed a pivotal role in the arena of healthcare due to its enormous benefits.
The primary active elements in medical cannabis are compounds called cannabinoids. The most well-known among these compounds are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is known for its psychotropic properties, meaning it produces the high associated with cannabis usage. On the other hand, CBD has no psychotropic effects and is more associated with the health benefits of cannabis.
Medical cannabis’s potential benefits have been widely documented and include pain relief and management of chronic conditions. The clinical use of cannabinoids for pain relief has been supported by numerous patient testimonials. Patients suffering from chronic pain due to illnesses such as multiple sclerosis, cancer, and fibromyalgia have reported drastic reduction in their pain. Clinical trials have shown promising results. For example, a recent medical research on neuropathic pain patients who consumed cannabis reported significant improvement.
Not just pain, medical cannabis has also shown to be beneficial for certain mental health conditions. Studies have shown CBD can provide relief for conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD, paving the way for alternative treatment options. Clinical research conducted by reputable institutions has suggested that medicinal cannabis could potentially serve as a safer alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals.
Another essential area where medical cannabis comes into play is in providing relief from the side effects of chemotherapy. Nausea and vomiting, the typical side effects of chemotherapy, have been effectively managed by THC and CBD. According to the American Cancer Society, medical cannabis is considered to have potential use in the relief of these side effects.
Moreover, medical cannabis has shown considerable promise in the treatment of epileptic seizures. In fact, the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, a CBD-based drug for the treatment of seizures associated with two rare forms of epilepsy.
Despite its numerous benefits, the use of medical cannabis should be carried out under appropriate supervision, following accurate dosage guidelines. The effects of medical cannabis can differ depending on the concentration of THC and CBD, the genetics of the cannabis plant, and the individual’s sensitivity. To reap the maximum health benefits and mitigate adverse effects, individuals should consult registered healthcare providers who can guide them based on available clinical evidences and their health status.
In conclusion, while crucial legal and scientific debates continue about the use of medical cannabis, it is impossible to ignore its many health benefits. Be it for pain relief or managing chronic conditions, medical cannabis offers an alternative to traditional pharmaceuticals. However, increased medical research is required to understand its full potential and limitations better. Medical cannabis is not a universal remedy, but it is undoubtedly a significant part of modern medicine’s evolving landscape with the potency to drastically improve the quality of life for many sufferers worldwide.
Sources:
1. Harvard Medical School
2. PubMed
3. American Cancer Society
4. National Center for Biotechnology Information
