By mrsarfo September 12, 2017 - 1:11am

Medical cannabis is an alternative therapy currently used to treat many different conditions. Although its use remains somewhat controversial, this natural substance proved to be more effective than traditional drugs in more than one instance. Many studies showed how marijuana can be safely used to help patients deal with many debilitating problems such as seizures, chronic pain and even anxiety.
Because of its healing properties, this natural remedy has been used for at least four thousand years. In this article, we will have a look at some of the diseases that medical marijuana can help manage.

1. Fibromyalgia

Fibromyalgia Syndrome (FMS) is a sneaky and often misunderstood illness. It is characterized by chronic fatigue and confusion, and a widespread sensation of muscle pain and cramping. FMS often leads to social withdrawal and depression because patients are forced to their beds with no strength to perform even daily activities. Medical marijuana can help people who deal with fibromyalgia cope with their symptoms. It helps them sleep well, improves their mood, reduces muscle stiffness and can ultimately offer relief from pain and swelling.

2. Cancer

Some studies found compelling evidence that shows how cannabis extracts may kill certain cancer cells, effectively slowing or stopping cancer growth. They can even increase the impact of radiations on tumor cells. Other studies, instead, found how cannabinoids may help patients deal with the side effects of cancer therapy such as nausea caused by chemotherapy agents.

3. Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is one of the most crippling and debilitating symptoms of various diseases. Patients affected by cancer, HIV/AIDS or diabetes must often face this terrible burden day after day. Others who were unfortunate enough to suffer from an accident or physical trauma, must deal with the never ending pain for years to come.
Medical marijuana can interact with a group of receptors in our brain known as the endocannabinoid system (ECS), mitigating the pain with fewer side effects than opioid narcotics.

4. Alzheimer's Disease

Patients affected by Alzheimer’s Disease often suffer from a constant state of agitation. Scientists found that cannabis can slow down the production of protein deposits in the brain which are associated with the progression of the disease. Patients who suffered weight loss and were treated with this natural substance even managed to gain some weight.

5. Anxiety disorders

The National Institute on Drug Abuse found that cannabidiol (CBD), a substance found in medical cannabis, can help reduce anxiety and panic attacks. Patients who deal with anxiety disorders often find their daily lives interrupted by sudden emotions that rapidly evolve into overwhelming fear. CBD can increase the levels of serotonin in the brain without the many side effects associated with traditional drugs including the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

6. Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a disease that causes eye damage and vision loss, which for some patients leads to blindness. Tetrahydrocannabinol may help relieve this condition’s symptoms by reducing lower eye pressure and protecting the optic nerve from damage.

7. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Another condition among the anxiety disorders, is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a burdensome illness that is even more difficult to treat. A consequence of some psychological trauma (such as a near-death experience), PTSD has been linked to a reduced level of an endocannabinoid called anandamide. According to some experts, THC may simulate the effects of this substance in our bodies.

8. Epilepsy and Seizures

Highly refined CBD oil is a non-psychoactive chemical which is practically devoid of side effects, except for a few minor ones. It is so safe that could be used on children. Because of this, CBD found an interesting and practical application in treating children affected by some forms of drug-resistant epilepsy such as the Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome.

9. Multiple Sclerosis

Medical cannabis can help relieve seizures, pain, muscle spasms and stiffness. These symptoms are all the major ones associated with multiple sclerosis, a serious degenerative disease. Although it cannot stop its progress, cannabis might, at least, help patients cope with their symptoms.

10. Asthma

The chemical found in weed can open up airways, helping patients affected by asthma get immediate relief from an acute attack. However, smoking is also linked with negative health effects, including long-term tissue inflammation and impaired lung function. If you suffer from asthma, caution is advised, and the best recommendation is to smoke moderate amounts of this substance only. Better yet- Skip over the smoking and opt for edibles.
Conclusion

If you suffer from one of the above illnesses, medical cannabis might help you. This natural remedy can be obtained legally in many states, provided you possess the right medical documentation. Weed delivery can be requested in all the major cities from one of the many local or online dispensaries. Ask your doctor’s opinion to understand whether this medical marijuana can provide you with some relief from your struggles.

Article by Dr. Claudio Butticè, Pharm.D.

REFERENCES:

1. Kogan NM, Mechoulam R. Cannabinoids in health and disease. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. 2007;9(4):413-430.

2. Bridgeman MB, Abazia DT. Medicinal Cannabis: History,
Pharmacology, And Implications for the Acute Care Setting. Pharmacy and Therapeutics. 2017;42(3):180-188.

3. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine. 2017. The Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press. https://doi.org/10.17226/24625.