From being a controversial illicit drug, cannabis has gradually paved its way into mainstream healthcare as a promising alternative to conventional medical practices. There’s a mounting body of research providing evidence of the medicinal benefits of cannabis. These range from pain relief to easing symptoms of severe disorders; enabling patients to reclaim quality of life.
Cannabis, often utilized in its extracted form as medical marijuana, possesses two vital components: THC and CBD. THC, or Tetrahydrocannabinol, is primarily responsible for the “high” effect, while CBD, Cannabidiol, provides the health benefits without a significant psychoactive impact.
One of the most acknowledged benefits of medicinal cannabis is its effective role as a pain reliever. It interacts with the nervous system to reduce chronic pain associated with multiple conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, and endometriosis. In fact, studies indicate that cannabis can reduce opioid use, adding another layer to its benefits in the wake of the opioid crisis.
For patients suffering from nerve-related diseases such as multiple sclerosis and epilepsy, cannabis can make a considerable change. Research shows that medicinal cannabis was able to reduce the frequency of seizures in children with Dravet syndrome. The FDA even approved the use of CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, for treating these conditions, signifying a massive step towards acceptance of cannabis in the medical world.
Drug-resistant conditions such as PTSD and depression have also found an ally in cannabis. Studies illustrate how cannabis aids in reducing anxiety, improving sleep and mitigating traumatic memories, thereby enhancing the overall mental health of individuals.
Cannabis has, furthermore, found unprecedented acceptance in cancer therapy. From appetite stimulation to managing nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy, cannabis provides substantial relief to cancer patients. Additionally, research suggests that cannabis has potential anti-tumour properties, thereby furthering the scope for its use in cancer treatment.
Medicinal cannabis also aids in conditions like glaucoma by reducing intraocular pressure, thereby slowing the progression of the disease. In addition, it has been linked to benefits in treating HIV/AIDS symptoms, Alzheimer’s disease, and even helping with substance abuse recovery.
While the advantages of using cannabis medicinally are manifold, one must remember that the medical community is still in the nascent stages of understanding the full spectrum of its effects. It is critical for each patient to consult healthcare professionals before resorting to its usage: to determine the ideal dosage, potential risks and the most effective form of administration.
In conclusion, the relationship between cannabis and healthcare seems to be entering a new evolutionary phase. From being an outcast, it has evolved into a valuable healthcare resource. The benefits of medicinal cannabis are still being unveiled, promising hope to patients worldwide. It won’t be long before this natural remedy receives the mainstream acceptance it rightly deserves with more widespread research and understanding.
While countries around the world are debating its legalization, the medical world remains hopeful that medicinal cannabis will lead the way towards effective, patient-centric, and natural healthcare.
