The therapeutic potential of cannabis

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The therapeutic potential of cannabis

The potential of therapeutic cannabis is real. Since 1995, there have been over 25,000 peer-reviewed articles in various medical journals in the U.S. and around the world about the plant’s medicinal characteristics and potential for therapeutic use. Also during that time, over 30 states have approved medical cannabis programs and several countries, including Mexico and Canada. There are more than a dozen possible conditions that the plant can treat, here are a few.

Therapeutic Cannabis for Headache Disorders

During the 19th and Early 20th century, cannabis tinctures were commonly prescribed by physicians for a variety of reasons including headache relief, including debilitating migraines.

One study published in Pharmacotherapy: The Journal of Human Pharmacology and Drug Therapy, found positive effects in 48 patients with chronic migraines. There were a few side effects, including the inability to properly control dosing and edibles did not have the same impact as inhaled forms of the plant.

Using Medical Cannabis for Gastrointestinal Conditions

One of the most common reasons for recommendations is a gastrointestinal issue. Patients with cancer undergoing chemotherapy and radiation have been using the plant with possible medicinal properties for decades to relieve the side effects of treatment. People living with HIV and AIDS also report relief from nausea and wasting syndrome with cannabis. Other conditions that have shown the potential with the plant include Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD.)

Therapeutic Cannabis to Relieve Neuropathy

There is much research about the potential benefits of cannabis for relieving nerve pain or neuropathy. This includes patients with specific conditions, such as:

  • Multiple Sclerosis (MS)
  • Diabetic Neuropathy
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Carpal Tunnel Syndrome (CTS)

The American Academy of Neurology offers guidelines for MS patients and cannabis to relieve pain. This includes information on different methods of consuming cannabis for specific symptoms, including:

  • Spasticity
  • Tremors
  • Urinary frequency
  • Pain

Studies are still ongoing, but the potential is there for cannabis to improve the quality of life for patients with this devastating disease.

Cannabis to Improve Sleep

Studies show that it can reduce how long it takes patients to fall asleep and increase the duration. According to Forbes, 31 percent of adults over 45 use cannabis for insomnia-related conditions and 39 percent of the same demographics that have a medical card take the plant in some form for sleep. Many patients have reported reducing their pharmaceutical sleep aids like Ambien with cannabis.

The cannabis plant is full of potential. Scientists around the world are working to increase their knowledge of the different cannabinoids, terpenes, flavonoids, and how they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system. With research and technology, industry leaders hope perfect precision dosing that will revolutionize medical treatment.