Photo by papan saenkutrueang on Vecteezy

• Share

PRINT

Cannabis is an herb often referred to as marijuana. Most people think of it for recreational use, but it has medical benefits just like other herbs.

In 1839, Irish physician Dr. William O’Shaughnessy introduced cannabis to Western medicine. After that, it was used as one of our primary go-to medicines for more than 200 years.

Its use has been controversial for decades. Unlike the freedom enjoyed by ginseng, ginkgo, echinacea and St. John’s wort, cannabis has been controlled because it causes psychoactive effects.

When used medicinally, cannabis can be a treatment option for a wide range of conditions and symptoms. Its use continues to be illegal in the United States under federal law, but lately, more state and local jurisdictions are decriminalizing or legalizing it for medicinal and even recreational use (as is the case in Maryland, Virginia and Washington, D.C.).

Here are five potential medical uses for cannabis:

1. Pain relief

Cannabis has long been used as a pain reliever, and some evidence suggests that it may be effective for reducing chronic pain. A 2018 review of studies published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) found that cannabis use was associated with statistically significant reductions in chronic pain.

However, there are also risks associated with cannabis use, including the potential for addiction, impaired driving and other negative health effects. If you have chronic pain, you should speak with your doctor before considering cannabis as a treatment option.

2. Anxiety and depression relief

Cannabis may hold potential as a treatment for anxiety and depression. A 2019 study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that cannabis use was associated with significant reduction in symptoms of anxiety and depression.

However, cannabis may have negative effects on your mental health, including increased anxiety and paranoia, and may not be suitable for everyone. It’s a very individual thing.

3. Nausea and vomiting relief

Medical cannabis has been shown to be effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, at least according to a 2018 review of data published in the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews.

4. Neurological disorder relief

Medical cannabis has also been investigated for its potential benefits for neurological disorders such as epilepsy and multiple sclerosis. Seizure control is one critical area of research that focuses on cannabis benefits.

5. Sleep aid

Cannabis may also have potential as a sleep aid for people with insomnia. The downside of that is that, for some, daytime sleepiness and impaired driving are associated with nighttime use. Again, the individual response comes into play. Some people process cannabis very slowly.

If you’re considering medical cannabis, you should speak with a doctor registered with your state to prescribe it. I do not recommend street dealers! While rare, contamination is possible.

I want to caution you that there are possible adverse effects if you use too much cannabis, misuse it or are allergic to it.

Once prescribed, you should always follow recommended dosing guidelines and regulations.

For a longer version of this article, visit my website, suzycohen.com.

This information is opinion only. It is not intended to treat, cure or diagnose your condition. Consult with your doctor before using any new drug or supplement.

Suzy Cohen is a registered pharmacist and author of The 24-Hour Pharmacist and Real Solutions from Head to Toe.