Aging Gracefully and with Great Health

Conditions That May Be Treated With Marijuana

9 October 2019 by For Content

In the past, a few people may have viewed marijuana as a way to self-treat a variety of conditions. However, recently, the understanding of marijuana's potential medicinal uses has broadened. 

With the legalization of marijuana for medical usage in many states, providers are considering the drug's effectiveness as a treatment for multiple illnesses. Here are some of the conditions that may be treated with marijuana.

Mental Illness

Marijuana may be used to treat some types of mental illness, such as depression and anxiety. The drug can impart a calming effect and a greater sense of well-being.

Nevertheless, only select mental issues should be treated with marijuana. Some conditions, such as those that involve psychosis, may be exacerbated by the use of the drug. Thus, marijuana may not be the best option to treat schizophrenia or bipolar disorders.

Nausea From Chemotherapy

People who have cancer may experience vomiting and nausea as they undergo treatment with chemotherapy drugs. In some instances, smoking marijuana has been found to help quell these unsavory symptoms, making the chemotherapy treatment more bearable. 

Spasticity From Multiple Sclerosis

People with multiple sclerosis suffer from brain lesions that impair the body's normal functions. One condition that may develop from the disease is spasticity, which involves the continuous contraction of the muscles. Spasticity can impair the ability to move, speak, or walk normally. 

Marijuana may be able to lessen the severity of spasticity in multiple sclerosis patients.

Ongoing Pain

Some people experience chronic debilitating pain. The discomfort can lessen their productivity and make everyday tasks unbearable. 

Marijuana includes chemicals called cannabinoids. These compounds affect the brain's pain receptors to relieve pain.

Cancer

Due to its cannabinoid content, marijuana may be able to slow the growth of some cancer cells. In some instances, the drug may even kill the cells. Thus, marijuana may be considered as an adjunct treatment for certain cancers.

Epilepsy

Epileptic patients who suffer from Dravet syndrome or Lennox-Gastaut syndrome may be treatable with the cannabidiol (CBD) compound found in marijuana. The compound helps reduce the number of seizures and may be administered in addition to the patients' usual medications. The CBD does not produce the "high" associated with recreational marijuana use.

As more research is conducted on marijuana for medicinal purposes, additional benefits of the drug are likely to be found. If you are interested in learning whether or not marijuana may be a suitable treatment for your health conditions, schedule a consultation with a physician in your local area and visit a local cannabis dispensary.

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