The Power of Medical Cannabis: Healing Properties and Benefits

Modified on Jul 11, 2023 | Earth Clinic Team

Cannabis Leaf.

As more states and countries legalize medical cannabis, its therapeutic uses are increasingly recognized. With a history dating back to ancient Chinese practices, cannabis has been utilized for its soothing and hallucinogenic properties to treat various conditions. Today, its medicinal applications are more widespread than ever.

Understanding Medical Cannabis

Medical cannabis refers to the use of the cannabis plant and its extracts for treating various health conditions. The cannabis plant comprises three distinct species and has long been used for producing fiber, hemp, seeds, oils, and medicines.

The plant contains specific components called cannabinoids, which give it therapeutic properties. Two of the most prominent cannabinoids are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD).

Health Benefits of Medical Cannabis

Cannabis has been found effective in treating a wide range of health conditions due to its active ingredients. Some of the key benefits include:

  1. Reducing nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy or those with AIDS.1
  2. Alleviating pain, muscle spasticity, and multiple sclerosis symptoms.2
  3. Improving appetite in patients with poor nutrition, nerve pain, seizure disorders, Crohn's disease, and insomnia.3

Potential Side Effects of Extended Cannabis Use

While medical cannabis offers numerous health benefits, it can also cause potential side effects, which vary depending on the length of use. Some common side effects include dizziness, drowsiness, short-term memory loss, and euphoria. More severe side effects may include anxiety, psychosis, liver disease, heart and blood pressure problems, depression, and panic attacks.4

In conclusion, medical cannabis is an herbal remedy with specific chemicals that can relieve and treat pain and various illnesses. When used appropriately, it has excellent therapeutic potential. However, like any other treatment, it may also come with potential side effects that should be considered.

Citations

  1. National Cancer Institute. (2021). Cannabis and cannabinoids (PDQ®)–Health professional version. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/cam/hp/cannabis-pdq
  2. Koppel, B. S., Brust, J. C., Fife, T., Bronstein, J., Youssof, S., Gronseth, G., & Gloss, D. (2014). Systematic review: Efficacy and safety of medical marijuana in selected neurologic disorders: Report of the Guideline Development Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology. Neurology, 82(17), 1556-1563. https://doi.org/10.1212/WNL.0000000000000363
  3. Whiting, P. F., Wolff, R. F., Deshpande, S., Di Nisio, M., Duffy, S., Hernandez, A. V., ... & Schmidlkofer, S. (2015). Cannabinoids for medical use: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JAMA, 313(24), 2456-2473. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2015.6358
  4. Volkow, N. D., Baler, R. D., Compton, W. M., & Weiss, S. R. (2014). Adverse health effects of marijuana use. New England Journal of Medicine, 370(23), 2219-2227. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJMra1402309

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