Although several drug medications are available, cannabis is quickly gaining traction in the medical domain. This is because, according to numerous studies, this drug may contain several therapeutic properties.
Similarly, various reports show that cannabidiol (CBD) and tetrahydrocannabidiol (THC)—the two prevalent compounds of cannabis—may be able to support the treatment of various health disorders. Many patients may prefer cannabis as a treatment option for its potential effectiveness and lack of severe side effects.
Various Possible Therapeutic Benefits of Cannabis
Supporting Chronic Pain Relief
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 50 million adults in the United States experience various chronic pain conditions. This is highly unfortunate since chronic pain conditions often lead to various physical and mental disorders.
A recent study shows that cannabis, particularly CBD, may have the potential to be an effective treatment option for chronic pain. According to the National Centers for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH), this is because it contains anti-inflammatory properties that promote pain relief.
Besides chronic pain, cannabis may also be able to help with:
- Neuropathic pain: This is pain that is caused by damaged nerves, leading to various health conditions such as herniated discs and multiple sclerosis. According to a recent review, CBD may possibly be a suitable treatment option for neuropathy pain.
- Arthritis pain: Patients with arthritis may experience benefits from cannabis treatment. Studies have found that CBD could greatly reduce inflammation and pain signals, leading to significant pain relief.
Supporting Treatment for Neurological Conditions
Cannabis consists of numerous active chemicals referred to as cannabinoids. According to various studies, cannabinoids may interact with multiple receptors in the Central Nervous System (CNS) that control synaptic transmission—the process by which a neuron communicates with another cell.
The potential for cannabinoids to regulate these receptors could make cannabis a suitable treatment for various neurological conditions such as:
- Parkinson’s disease
- Epilepsy
- Dementia
- Traumatic brain injury
- Huntington’s disease
- Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
Promoting Relief from Chemotherapy-Induced Nausea and Vomiting
Chemotherapy is a common treatment option for cancer patients. However, some of the common side effects of this treatment include nausea and vomiting. Although numerous drugs have been approved to treat chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, many of them are not highly effective.
Cannabis could be an effective treatment option for this condition since it contains cannabinoids that may regulate various receptors, thus delaying vomiting and nausea in patients.
Promoting the Alleviation of Anxiety and Depression
According to experts, anxiety disorders are the most prevalent mental health disorders in the United States, affecting approximately 31% of adults. Cannabis may have the potential to alleviate symptoms of anxiety and depression. Besides these mental conditions, cannabis may also be able to benefit other mental disorders such as:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Panic disorder
- Schizophrenia
Cannabis may be an effective treatment solution for various mental conditions since it interacts with essential receptors in the brain, such as serotonin, which regulate fear and anxiety-related behaviors.
Potentially Supporting Relief from Insomnia
Insomnia is a prevalent sleeping disorder that affects approximately 10-15% of people in the United States. Although studies are still ongoing, numerous reports suggest that cannabis may be a suitable and effective treatment option for patients with insomnia.
Cortisol is a stress hormone that is usually produced in high quantities in the morning. Patients with insomnia tend to have increased levels of this hormone at night, leading to wakefulness and sleeping difficulty.
According to researchers, CBD may help to regulate cortisol levels in insomnia patients, thereby enhancing their ability to get quality sleep.
Bottom Line
If you or a loved one are experiencing any of the above conditions, do not hesitate to contact Transformative Health today. We can provide you with all the information you need about cannabis and its potential therapeutic effects. Book your appointment with us today for more information.