For centuries, cannabis has been regarded with skepticism due to its psychoactive properties. However, as modern science unveils its potential, the public perception of marijuana is shifting swiftly. Medical marijuana or medicinal cannabis is widely recognized for its diverse therapeutic benefits, which range from chronic pain relief to control of epileptic seizures. This article intends to highlight the expanding role of cannabis therapy in managing various health conditions.
Chronic conditions, which persist over long periods, are notoriously challenging to manage. Chronic pain, for instance, may emanate from conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and migraines. Conventionally, potent analgesics, such as opioids, have been the go-to option for managing such conditions. However, such treatments often associate with a risk of addiction and other severe side effects. This is where medical marijuana comes in handy. According to the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine, there is substantial evidence to suggest cannabis therapy effectiveness for chronic pain relief. Akin to opioid analgesics, cannabis can provide pronounced relief, but with significantly lesser risks of addiction and overdose.
The use of marijuana for cancer treatment is another expanding frontier in the field of medical marijuana. More precisely, cannabis can alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment like nausea and vomiting induced by chemotherapy, also known as chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV). The National Cancer Institute (NCI) confirms that cannabinoids – active compounds in cannabis – can be effective in treating CINV. Furthermore, studies suggest that cannabis may even have anti-neoplastic properties which could potentially target malignant cells.
Cannabis for epilepsy also merits a keen exploration. People living with multiple seizures a day, in conditions such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, often find limited relief from conventional antiepileptic drugs. However, Cannabidiol (CBD), a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has emerged as a promising therapy for such drug-resistant epilepsy. Epilepsy.com reports that significant numbers of survey-based, anecdotal, and case studies confirm CBD’s efficacy in controlling seizures. In fact, in 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, a CBD based drug for treating these severe forms of epilepsy.
Using cannabis for anxiety is also gaining recognition, although the research landscape here is somewhat conflicting. On the one hand, cannabis is involved in short-term anxiety relief thanks to its key component, CBD. On the other hand, high doses of Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), another component of cannabis, can paradoxically exacerbate anxiety symptoms, says a report from the journal of Neurotherapeutics. Thus, while cannabis therapy appears promising for anxiety management, it must be pursued with caution and under professional supervision.
In conclusion, the benefits of cannabis for medical use are far-reaching, encompassing chronic pain relief, cancer treatment side-effect management, seizure control, and potentially anxiety relief. However, while medical marijuana’s potential is immense, proper administration under professional supervision is critical to ensure maximum benefits while minimizing risks. As research advances, it is hoped that the therapeutic utility of cannabis will be optimized for better patient care & quality of life.
