The Health Benefits of Cannabis
What are the Medical Benefits of Cannabis?
Cannabis and its products have been used to treat a variety of health conditions. Here’s a closer look at the medical benefits associated with cannabis, focusing on the positive effects.
Chronic Pain
A significant 2017 review of over 10,000 scientific studies found that cannabis, or products containing cannabinoids — the active compounds in cannabis — are effective at relieving chronic pain. This is particularly useful for neuropathic (nerve) pain, providing relief where other treatments may fail.
Alcoholism and Drug Addiction
CBD oil is sometimes used to reduce or replace the intake of prescription pain medications. A 2017 review suggests that cannabis may help people with alcohol or opioid dependencies manage their addictions. Additionally, a 2022 Canadian study found a correlation between medicinal cannabis use and a reduction in alcohol consumption.
Depression, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, and Social Anxiety
Some evidence supports the use of cannabis to alleviate symptoms of depression and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A 2017 review highlighted that cannabis could be beneficial for these conditions, although more research is needed to understand its full potential.
Cancer
Cannabis has been shown to help manage symptoms related to cancer treatment. Oral cannabinoids are effective against nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy. Some small studies suggest that smoked cannabis may also help alleviate these symptoms, making treatment more tolerable for patients.
Multiple Sclerosis
Short-term use of oral cannabinoids can improve symptoms of spasticity in people with multiple sclerosis (MS). While the positive effects are modest, they provide a valuable option for managing this challenging condition.
Epilepsy
In June 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved a medication containing CBD to treat two rare and severe types of epilepsy — Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. This CBD-based drug, known as Epidiolex, has been shown to significantly reduce the frequency of seizures in patients with these conditions.
Research shows that cannabis and cannabinoids can help manage a variety of health conditions, including chronic pain, substance use disorders, mental health conditions like PTSD and depression, symptoms related to cancer treatment, multiple sclerosis, and epilepsy. As the body of scientific evidence grows, it becomes clearer that cannabis offers several potential benefits when used appropriately and under medical supervision.
This blog is intended for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional before beginning any new treatment.
