Ever since its use in medicine was popularized, medical cannabis has been the topic of extensive debate and research. Science and medical sectors around the world are intensely scrutining its potential to reinvent traditional therapeutic approaches, while curbing the taboo traditionally linked with it. For the purpose of this article, we are interested in exploring how marijuana as medicine can offer medical benefits, particularly in pain management, cancer treatment and the management of epilepsy, anxiety, and other chronic diseases.
Medical cannabis isn’t about getting high. Instead, it’s about maximizing the medicinal properties found in the Cannabis sativa plant. A key component of cannabis is cannabidiol, or CBD, alongside other cannabinoids, which have shown significant medical relevance.
One of the best-known uses of cannabis therapy is for managing pain, particularly chronic pain. Research has shown that cannabis can offer significant relief, especially for patients who have developed tolerance to conventional painkillers. Many medical expert reviews have also acknowledged the value of cannabis in neuropathic pain, especially in patients with multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia.
Cancer treatment is another sphere where cannabis, specifically CBD oil, is garnering interest. Although the US Food and Drug Administration has yet to officially endorse marijuana as a form of cancer treatment, studies have shown that cannabinoids can help manage cancer symptoms and cancer treatment side effects. The National Cancer Institute mentions the potential of cannabinoids to induce cell death, inhibit cell growth and prevent the growth of blood vessels needed by tumours to grow.
One of the more promising benefits of cannabis therapy is the control of epileptic seizures. The FDA has approved a CBD-based drug, Epidiolex, for the treatment of two rare forms of epilepsy in children. The drug was proven to reduce the frequency of seizures significantly, presenting a new beacon of hope for patients and families dealing with these debilitating conditions.
Cannabis also shows potential in addressing mental health disorders, including anxiety. Certain strains of medical cannabis can provide temporary relief from anxiety symptoms. According to a survey published in the Journal of Pain Research, around half of the patients who used cannabis for six months were able to stop using traditional and potentially harmful anxiety treatment medications.
The medical benefits of cannabis also extend to the management of various chronic diseases, ranking it as a promising alternative medicine solution. For instance, a study published in the European Journal of Internal Medicine indicated that medical cannabis may decrease dependency on opioid medications for pain management. Further, chronic conditions such as Crohn’s disease, Parkinson’s disease and post-traumatic stress disorder might be better managed using medical cannabis therapy.
The exploration into the world of cannabis for medical uses is still in its nascent stages. While the available research points towards a sea of benefits, the whole picture is yet to be seen. Indeed, the medical benefits of cannabis hold the promise of a new era in alternative therapies, but a more in-depth understanding, including studies and clinical trials, is necessary to further clarify its true potential.
Perhaps the biggest hurdles to the advancement of medical cannabis are the legal and societal barriers that surround its use. These are primarily due to stigma and the abuse potential of recreational marijuana. However, it’s vital to note that medical cannabis prescribed by professionals, differs significantly from non-medical use. Policies and regulations must evolve in line with science to allow for comprehensive, well-controlled systems for cannabis use in healthcare.
In conclusion, the medical benefits of cannabis are wide-reaching and potentially transformative. While the depths of its applications are still being explored, the evidence thus far supports marijuana as a formidable contender in the world of alternative medicine. As the scientific community continues to unveil its promise, the true healing potential of cannabis may just be on the horizon.
