Traditional medicine has been our go-to medical aid for centuries. However, more and more people have started turning their eyes towards alternative medicine options, primarily, medical cannabis. It is believed to have numerous health benefits that experts believe can be effective for conditions ranging from pain management to epilepsy treatment, thus redefining the landscape of holistic health.
One of the most documented benefits of medical cannabis is its potential role in pain management. Chronic pain, in particular, often resists conventional treatments. Thus, individuals suffering from such conditions may find relief in medical cannabis. According to the Harvard Medical School, a study published in The Journal of Pain found that medical cannabis could reduce chronic pain by 40% and significantly improve the quality of life of patients.
Medical cannabis also plays a significant role in anxiety relief. The University of Washington reports that small amounts of medical cannabis can help to reduce symptoms of anxiety. Their study found that cannabis helps “switch off” the regions of the brain that cause feelings of worry or tension.
Epilepsy, a neurological condition marked by sudden recurrent episodes of sensory disturbance, is yet another condition where the potential of medical cannabis is being explored. The United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of a drug containing Cannabidiol (CBD), one of the primary active substances in cannabis, to treat seizures associated with two rare and severe forms of epilepsy.
Furthermore, medical cannabis has shown promise in cancer therapy. It is not only helpful in managing the pain associated with cancer but also aids in controlling the severe nausea and vomiting that are often side effects of chemotherapy. The American Cancer Society acknowledges the benefits of using cannabis for cancer-related symptoms.
People with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) also report significant relief from their symptoms with the regulated use of medical cannabis. Research published by the US National Library of Medicine found that the endocannabinoid system of our body, which is acted upon by chemicals in cannabis, might be important in helping to control the brain’s response to stress.
Multiple Sclerosis (MS) also comes in the list of conditions that can be treated using medical cannabis. The National MS Society notes that short-term use of oral cannabinoids could help relieve symptoms like spasticity, pain, and frequent urination in people with MS.
Finally, medical cannabis has also found to bring significant nausea relief. It has been a known anti-emetic since ancient times. Modern research published in Neuropsychopharmacology supports this use, pointing out how cannabinoids (compounds that make up cannabis) interact with the brain to suppress nausea and vomiting.
In conclusion, the use of medical cannabis is expanding in the world of alternative medicine. Its role in managing varied conditions like chronic pain, anxiety, epilepsy, cancer, PTSD, multiple sclerosis, and nausea presents a promising future. However, it’s vital to remember that while medical cannabis offers incredible benefits, its use should always be undertaken with proper guidance from a healthcare professional. As more research unfurls its full potential, medical cannabis could indeed revolutionize alternative medicine.
