Cannabis has been widely used for medical purposes for years, and researchers continue to discover additional potential treatment options through their studies. The use of cannabis in medicine dates back centuries, with the ancient Chinese even using the plant for pain relief. Today, researchers are uncovering more uses for this natural remedy, and the possibilities for new ways of treating ailments are plentiful. In this blog post, we delve into some of the potentially beneficial ailments that cannabis use can help alleviate.
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Some researchers have found that cannabis could be useful for managing chronic pain. Pain is one of the most common reasons why people turn to medical cannabis. The plant contains compounds that can interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which is involved in pain regulation. As a result, cannabis-derived medications like Sativex and Nabilone can help relieve neuropathic pain, which is a type of chronic pain that can be difficult to treat. Clinical trials are ongoing to explore the potential benefits of cannabis in treating other types of pain, including migraines and cancer-related pain.
Cannabis also shows promise in treating epilepsy, specifically a rare form called Dravet Syndrome, which typically starts during infancy and can impact a child’s motor skills. A study that was conducted in 2017 reported significant reductions in the frequency of seizures when treated with a cannabis-derived medication called Epidiolex. The study contributed to the recent FDA approval of Epidiolex for Dravet Syndrome treatment, providing new hope for children and their families living with the condition.
Additionally, cannabis may be beneficial in the management of mental health conditions such as anxiety. Anxiety and stress can have a profound effect on overall well-being, and cannabis can help by working with receptors in the brain. A recent study found that cannabis can help reduce anxiety levels in certain people, albeit with caution as high doses have been reported to exacerbate certain anxiety disorders. Anyone who is considering using cannabis to manage their anxiety should consult with a qualified healthcare professional who can provide guidance and help with dosing.
Another emerging use for cannabis in medicine is isotope-labelled CBD in cancer treatment. Studies have found that the plant has antitumor properties, which could make it useful in cancer treatment. Cannabinoids have been shown to help kill cancer cells in the lab, and animal studies found them to be effective in treating tumors. Researchers are also looking into using isotope-labelled CBD alongside chemotherapy, in an attempt to fight cancer more efficiently.
Cannabis use could also potentially help those with inflammatory bowel diseases such as ulcerative colitis and Crohn's Disease. The anti-inflammatory properties of the plant are thought to play a vital role in this, and patients with these conditions who use cannabis have reported symptom relief. Although the data on this use case are less refined, the recognition of new studies are promoting the development of clinical trials.
Conclusion:
As research continues, the list of ailments that could potentially benefit from cannabis use will grow. However, as with any medical intervention, consulting qualified healthcare professionals is essential before using cannabis to alleviate any conditions. Moreover, the legalization of cannabis in many major countries, including Canada and the United States, has opened up nearby access to a vast range of different cannabis-derived products with varying ratios of THC and CBD that can be beneficial in treating various conditions. The widespread access to these cannabis products through various cannabis delivery services has also ensured that the community can have and easily access medical marijuana anytime they want. In the future, it is very likely that we will continue to see advancements in the use of medical cannabis, leading to an even more diverse array of treatment options for patients.