Isabella Carter
Medical marijuana, or medical cannabis, uses the cannabis plant or chemicals within it to treat symptoms or conditions. The cannabis plant contains over 100 different chemicals, known as cannabinoids, which have a variety of effects on the body. The two main chemicals used in medicine are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). While THC produces the high associated with marijuana consumption, CBD-dominant strains have little to no THC and are therefore non-intoxicating. Despite the limited evidence base supporting the use of marijuana to treat medical conditions, it is legal in over half of US states for various conditions, and it is estimated that several million Americans currently use it.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Medical Condition | Chronic pain, nerve damage, cancer, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, PTSD, sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, HIV/AIDS, glaucoma, epilepsy, nerve pain, nausea, vomiting, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn's disease, wasting syndrome, weight loss, spinal cord injuries, seizure disorders, kidney problems, ulcers, and GERD |
| Patient Demographics | Women, veterans, Americans |
| Form of Consumption | Smoking, edibles, vaping, concentrates, topicals, suppositories, capsules, inhalers, nasal sprays |
| Legality | Legal in over half of the states in the US, including Washington, Oregon, Colorado, California, Georgia, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Wisconsin, and Wyoming; illegal under federal law |
| Doctor's Recommendation | 21% of users do not have a doctor; of those with doctors, 33% did not inform them, 28% reported their doctor was neutral, 32% reported their doctor was supportive, and 8% reported their doctor was not supportive |
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What You'll Learn
To relieve pain from nerve damage
Medical marijuana is increasingly being used to treat nerve pain, also known as neuropathic pain. This is pain caused by damage to the nerves, which is distinct from pain messages carried by healthy nerves from damaged tissue.
Neuropathic pain is treated with different medicines to those used for pain from damaged tissue. Several cannabis-based products have been suggested as treatments for neuropathic pain, including inhaled herbal cannabis, sprays, tablets, and oils. These products contain active cannabis ingredients either obtained from the plant or made synthetically.
The cannabis plant contains over 100 different chemicals called cannabinoids, which have a range of effects on the body. Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the main chemicals used in medicine. THC produces the "high" people feel when they smoke marijuana or consume edibles. CBD, on the other hand, is non-psychoactive and has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. It can reduce pain and inflammation without the effects of THC.
Studies suggest that cannabis may be an option for patients whose pain responds poorly to standard treatments. For example, cannabinoids are thought to reduce pain by modifying cellular events and inhibiting nociceptive conduction in the spinal cord and the ascending spinothalamic tract. CB1 receptors found in nociceptive terminals along the peripheral nervous system impede pain conduction, while activation of CB2 receptors in immune cells decreases the release of nociceptive agents.
CBD alone or combined with THC has been shown to suppress chronic neuropathic pain, and CBD may also have a protective effect after nerve injury. However, adverse effects are common, especially at high doses, and can include difficulty concentrating, lightheadedness, fatigue, and tachycardia.
While medical marijuana is illegal under federal law in the United States, it is legal in many states for medical purposes. However, specific qualifications and requirements vary by state.
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To reduce nausea and vomiting from chemotherapy
Medical marijuana is increasingly being used to treat nausea and vomiting, two of the most common side effects of chemotherapy. While the evidence base supporting the use of marijuana to treat medical conditions is limited, there is growing evidence for the efficacy of cannabinoid use for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV).
A 2020 clinical trial conducted by the University of Sydney found that medicinal cannabis could help reduce nausea and vomiting in cancer patients. The trial, which included 81 participants, found that 25% of patients taking medicinal cannabis experienced no vomiting and nausea, compared to 14% of people who took a placebo. The results indicate that medicinal cannabis can help improve the quality of life for chemotherapy patients.
Another randomized controlled trial revealed that a cannabinoid extract (THC/CBD) was an effective adjuvant agent to reduce CINV in patients with gynecologic cancer. A systematic review also found that using dronabinol and nabilone orally may be more effective than a placebo or other antiemetics in mitigating CINV. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the use of Dronabinol and Nabilone for the treatment of CINV after the failure of first-line anti-emetics.
Additionally, cannabinoids may be preferred by patients over other anti-nausea medications due to their beneficial side effects, such as euphoria, sedation, and appetite stimulation. They may also be preferred due to their ability to produce an agonistic antiemetic effect by inhibiting serotonin receptors in the area postrema, which regulates vomiting.
It is important to note that the methods of using medical marijuana, such as smoking or topical application, may have different risks. Smoking and vaping can cause lung damage, and the FDA has warned against vaping marijuana products. It is always recommended to discuss treatment methods with a doctor as they can have different pros and cons for different people.
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To stimulate appetite in those with HIV/AIDS and cancer
Medical Marijuana for Appetite Stimulation in HIV/AIDS
People with HIV/AIDS often experience a loss of appetite, which can lead to severe weight loss and a condition called AIDS wasting syndrome. Medical marijuana has been used to treat HIV/AIDS for decades, and many patients have reported that it helps stimulate their appetite and prevents AIDS wasting syndrome. While research in this area is still developing, some studies have shown that marijuana can help increase appetite and weight gain in HIV/AIDS patients.
Additionally, marijuana can help manage other symptoms of HIV/AIDS, such as nausea, vomiting, and pain, which may indirectly contribute to improving appetite. In states where medical cannabis is legal, HIV/AIDS patients often use it to relieve these symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
Medical Marijuana for Appetite Stimulation in Cancer
Cancer patients, particularly those undergoing chemotherapy, often experience a loss of appetite and significant weight loss. Medical marijuana has been found to be effective in stimulating appetite in cancer patients, improving their nutritional intake and overall health. While evidence from clinical trials is limited, the use of medical marijuana for appetite stimulation in cancer patients is becoming more common.
THC-rich strains of medical marijuana are particularly effective in boosting appetite, while CBD can help manage underlying symptoms like nausea and inflammation, which may also enhance appetite. The dosage and formulation of medical marijuana should be tailored to the individual's response and the severity of their condition, with strict medical supervision, especially in children and adolescents.
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To reduce seizures in epilepsy
Medical marijuana is increasingly being considered as a potential treatment for seizures in epilepsy. This is due to its chemical composition, which includes cannabinoids, such as delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). These cannabinoids interact with the body's endocannabinoid system, which plays a crucial role in regulating neuronal balance and ictal control.
The endocannabinoid system helps protect against convulsive activity and inhibits excessive excitement in the brain. When excitatory neurons exceed a certain threshold, they trigger the release of endocannabinoids, which act as a brake, reducing hyperactivity. This is particularly relevant in epilepsy, where seizures are characterised by electrical storms in the brain, often originating in the hippocampus and resulting in symptoms like loss of consciousness and convulsions.
Studies have found that CBD, a non-psychoactive component of marijuana, has anticonvulsant properties. In various models of seizures, CBD administration lowered the incidence of convulsions and evidenced an anticonvulsant effect through different mechanisms. Additionally, an Israeli study using a product with a 20:1 ratio of CBD to THC showed positive results in children with hard-to-control epilepsy, with a significant number of participants reporting reduced seizures.
On June 25, 2018, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Epidiolex, an oral solution containing CBD, for the treatment of seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome in individuals aged two and above. This was a significant milestone, as it was the first FDA-approved medication derived from the cannabis plant for treating seizures in these specific epilepsy syndromes.
While medical marijuana shows promise in reducing seizures in epilepsy, it is important to note that it is not a widely accepted treatment option across the United States. Marijuana remains largely illegal, and clinical applications of medical marijuana for epilepsy are restricted. It is recommended only in selected treatment-unresponsive cases, under appropriate medical monitoring, and after consultation with a doctor regarding potential benefits, interactions with other medications, and side effects.
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To reduce inflammation in conditions like arthritis
Medical marijuana is increasingly being used to treat a variety of conditions and their symptoms. However, it is important to note that it is not a cure for arthritis, and the evidence base supporting its use to treat medical conditions is limited. Nevertheless, it has been shown to help reduce pain and inflammation in arthritis patients.
Arthritis affects millions worldwide, causing chronic pain, stiffness, and reduced mobility. Traditional treatments, such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and opioids, may not always be effective and can have significant side effects. As a result, many arthritis sufferers are exploring alternative options, including medical marijuana.
Marijuana contains cannabinoids like THC and CBD, which interact with the body's endocannabinoid system (ECS) to regulate pain, inflammation, and immune responses. The cannabinoid CBD has anti-inflammatory effects, which may help reduce arthritis pain. A 2020 study found that CBD reduces the production of rheumatoid arthritis synovial fibroblasts, molecules that contribute to cartilage breakdown. Additionally, a 2018 study found that out of 1,483 respondents who used CBD to treat a medical condition, the majority did so to treat pain.
There are various ways to consume medical marijuana for arthritis, including CBD oils and tinctures, topicals such as creams and balms, and edibles. Oils and tinctures are taken sublingually for long-lasting relief, while edibles provide extended pain relief but take longer to take effect. Topicals are applied directly to the affected joints.
It is important to note that the use of medical marijuana for arthritis is not without potential risks and side effects. The FDA has warned against vaping marijuana products due to the potential for lung damage. Additionally, regular use of marijuana may increase the risk of anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses. It is always advisable to consult with a doctor before using medical marijuana to ensure it is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
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Frequently asked questions
Conditions that qualify for medical marijuana use vary from state to state. However, the most common conditions include chronic pain, nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, nerve pain, multiple sclerosis, PTSD, epilepsy, sleep apnea, fibromyalgia, HIV/AIDS, cancer, glaucoma, and Crohn's disease.
The active ingredients in medical marijuana are cannabinoids, which are chemicals similar to those produced by the human body that affect appetite, memory, movement, and pain. The two main cannabinoids are delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC is responsible for the "'high" associated with marijuana consumption, while CBD-dominant strains have little to no THC and are non-intoxicating.
Medical marijuana comes in various forms, including smoking, edibles, vaping, concentrates, topicals, suppositories, and highly purified and lab-made versions for specific conditions. Smoking and vaping produce the quickest effects but can cause lung damage.
The process for obtaining a medical marijuana prescription varies depending on your location. In some states, you need a written statement from your healthcare provider explaining that you need it to treat a qualifying medical condition. You may also need to obtain a medical marijuana ID card. It is important to discuss your interest in medical marijuana with your doctor, as they can provide guidance and information on the various methods of consumption and their pros and cons.
