Medical marijuana (MM) has been used in the early 21st century for decades and is now being increasingly explored as a potential option for a whole range of issues.
The support of patients and doctors who have found MM to be potentially effective in alleviating symptoms of certain conditions has resulted in some jurisdictions allowing medical marijuana to be used for recognized conditions if a doctor prescribes it. Here you’ll learn the different types of chronic conditions that medical marijuana could potentially support.
Types of Chronic Conditions Medical Marijuana May Support
Medical marijuana is used to support the treatment of a number of chronic conditions, including:
1. Chronic Pain
Cannabinoids and cannabis could potentially provide support for a variety of chronic pain disorders. Some believe cannabinoids or cannabis may potentially effectively treat certain forms of chronic pain such as nerve pain (neuropathy).
2. Cancer
Various individuals have reported that smoking marijuana was personally beneficial with the treatment of chemotherapy-related nausea and vomiting. They also commonly report an increase in appetite.
3. Glaucoma
Medicinal marijuana use has become a popular topic for glaucoma patients. Smoking marijuana, regardless of whether you’re suffering from glaucoma or not, could potentially support lowered eye pressure. Those who can’t tolerate standard medications for glaucoma may potentially be able to use MM to lower their eye pressure.
4. Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)
It may be surprising to learn that you have cannabinoid chemicals within your body as part of your endocannabinoid system. It’s not a completely understood system, but what is known is that it consists of endocannabinoid chemicals and cannabinoid receptors.
You have receptors situated all throughout your peripheral and central nervous systems. A majority of them are found within your digestive system. Because of this, scientists are looking at ways to use these receptors with conditions such as:
- Peptic ulcer disease
- Ulcerative colitis
- Crohn’s disease
Marijuana cannabinoids could potentially impact acetylcholine and opioid receptors along with cannabis receptors, which may help provide symptom improvement in those with IBS.
5. Multiple Sclerosis
The use of MM for individuals with Multiple Sclerosis is supported by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society in certain cases where it’s lawful.
One 2018 review shows MM products were typically well-tolerated and it was rare to see serious negative effects. But, negative effects can occur, and MM may not be ideal for all people.
Medical marijuana isn’t a cure by itself, but you can use it to help ease symptoms of chronic conditions and negative treatment side effects.
Always talk with your doctor before trying MM to help with the symptoms of your chronic condition. While your doctor may not be able to prescribe medical marijuana, they can certify patients or write a recommendation for its use.
For more information on medical marijuana for chronic conditions, you can fill out the form to contact our team at Transformative Health.
