Potential benefits from prescribed cannabis

Medical cannabis is commonly used to manage chronic pain, particularly for conditions like arthritis, neuropathic pain, and back pain. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD interact with the endocannabinoid system to modulate pain signals.

Cannabinoids, especially CBD, have anti-inflammatory properties that may help with autoimmune and inflammatory diseases such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, and ulcerative colitis.

THC-based medications are approved in some regions to treat nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, making cannabis effective for cancer patients undergoing treatment.

Cannabis can help increase appetite in patients experiencing weight loss due to illnesses like cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other chronic conditions.

• Epilepsy: CBD has been shown to reduce seizure frequency and severity, particularly in rare conditions like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.

• Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Cannabis-based medicines may alleviate muscle spasms, stiffness, and pain associated with MS.

• Parkinson’s Disease: Preliminary research suggests cannabis might reduce tremors and improve sleep.

Certain strains of cannabis and CBD-dominant products may help reduce symptoms of anxiety, stress, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, high doses of THC might exacerbate anxiety in some individuals.

Cannabis, particularly THC-dominant strains, may help with insomnia and other sleep disorders by promoting relaxation and reducing the time it takes to fall asleep.

Medical cannabis is often used to enhance the quality of life for patients with terminal illnesses by managing pain, reducing anxiety, and improving sleep.

• Individualized Response: The effectiveness and side effects of medical cannabis can vary significantly from person to person.

• Legal and Medical Oversight: It’s essential for use to be guided by a healthcare provider to ensure proper dosing and minimize risks.

• Side Effects: Potential side effects include dizziness, dry mouth, drowsiness, and in some cases, heightened anxiety or dependency, particularly with THC.

Ongoing research continues to explore the full range of cannabis’s therapeutic potential and its mechanisms of action.