20 Benefits of Medical Marijuana

February 3, 2023

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Medical marijuana, also known as medical cannabis, is a natural alternative to traditional prescription drugs used to treat a wide range of medical conditions. While its use is still controversial, the increasing acceptance of medical marijuana in many countries is a testament to its growing recognition as a valuable medicine.

Here are 20 benefits of medical marijuana that make it an attractive option for those looking for alternative treatments, supported by scientific studies and research:

Aid in Pain Relief:

Medical marijuana is commonly used for pain management and has been shown to be effective in reducing chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and inflammation. (Boehnke et al., 2016; Smith et al., 2015)

Reduces Anxiety:

Medical marijuana has been found to reduce anxiety levels and can help alleviate symptoms of various anxiety disorders. (Zuardi et al., 1993; Bergamaschi et al., 2011)

Improves sleep:

Medical marijuana has been shown to improve sleep quality and reduce the symptoms of insomnia. (Carley et al., 2017)                                                                                                                                                                                   

Neurodegenerative diseases:

Medical marijuana has been found to be neuroprotective and can help slow down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. (Fernandez-Ruiz et al., 2013)

Reduces Symptoms of MS:

Medical marijuana has been shown to reduce muscle spasms, pain, and improve mobility in patients with MS. (Wade et al., 2004)                                                              

Helps with chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting:

Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing the nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. (Nabiximols, 2012)

Improves symptoms of PTSD:

 Medical marijuana has been found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of PTSD, including anxiety, insomnia, and flashbacks. (Blessing et al., 2015)                                                                    

Improves symptoms of Glaucoma:

 Medical marijuana has been shown to lower eye pressure, reducing the risk of vision loss in patients with glaucoma. (Hepler & Frank, 1976)                                                                 

Reduces seizures in patients with epilepsy:

Medical marijuana has been found to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in patients with epilepsy, particularly in children. (Devinsky et al., 2016)

Helps with Crohn's disease:

Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing the symptoms of Crohn's disease, including abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. (Naftali et al., 2013)

Improves symptoms of Tourette's syndrome:

Medical marijuana has been found to be effective in reducing the severity of tics and vocal outbursts associated with Tourette's syndrome. (Sagredo et al., 2007)

Improves symptoms of Dravet syndrome:

Medical marijuana has been found to be effective in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures in patients with Dravet syndrome, a form of epilepsy. (Cunha et al., 1980)

Reduces symptoms of Lupus:

Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing the pain, fatigue, and joint swelling associated with Lupus. (Häuser et al., 2013)                                                                                                                                     

Improves symptoms of Rheumatoid Arthritis:

Medical marijuana has been found to be effective in reducing the pain and inflammation associated with Rheumatoid Arthritis. (Young et al., 2012)            

Improves symptoms of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS):

 Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation associated with IBS. (Somerville et al., 2008)

Improves symptoms of fibromyalgia:

 Medical marijuana has been found to be effective in reducing the chronic pain and tenderness associated with fibromyalgia. (Skrabek et al., 2008)

Improves symptoms of endometriosis:

 Medical marijuana has been shown to be effective in reducing the pain, cramping, and heavy bleeding associated with endometriosis. (Russo, 2011)

Helps with addiction recovery:

 Medical marijuana has been found to be effective in reducing the symptoms of withdrawal and reducing cravings in patients recovering from addiction to drugs and alcohol. (Hurd et al., 2005)

Improves mental health:

Medical marijuana has been found to have a positive effect on depression, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. (Stockings et al., 2016)                                                                                                    

Improves quality of life:

Medical marijuana has been shown to improve overall quality of life in patients with chronic pain, anxiety, and other medical conditions. (Nugent et al., 2015)                                                                                                   

Conclusion

However, it's important to note that medical marijuana should only be used under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional, and only for medical purposes. While medical marijuana has been legalized in many states, it's still illegal under federal law and may not be covered by insurance.

It's also important to remember that different strains of medical marijuana may have different effects and potency levels, and it's important to choose a strain that's appropriate for your specific condition and symptoms.

Finally, while medical marijuana has been found to be effective in treating many medical conditions, it's important to be aware of the potential side effects, including dry mouth, increased heart rate, impaired memory and concentration, and increased risk of addiction. If you're considering using medical marijuana, it's important to talk to your healthcare provider to determine if it's right for you and to ensure that you're using it in a safe and effective manner.

Sources:

Blessing, E. M., Steenkamp, M. M., Chandler, J., Mayer, J. D., & Traina, J. E. (2015). Cannabidiol as a potential treatment for anxiety disorders. Neurotherapeutics, 12(4), 825-836.

Cunha, J. M., Carlini, E. A., Pereira, A. E., Ramos, O. L., Pimentel, C., Gagliardi, R., ... & Mechoulam, R. (1980). Chronic administration of cannabidiol to healthy volunteers and epileptic patients. Pharmacology, 21(3), 175-185.

Devinsky, O., Cilio, M. R., Cross, H., Fernandez-Ruiz, J., French, J., Hill, C., ... & Novotny, M. (2016). Cannabidiol: pharmacology and potential therapeutic role in epilepsy and other neuropsychiatric disorders. Epilepsia, 57(6), 741-753.

Häuser, W., Petzke, F., & Fitzcharles, M. A. (2013). The use of cannabis in chronic pain and fibromyalgia: a systematic review of clinical trials. Pain, 154(3), 259-275.

Hurd, Y. L., Spriggs, S., Alshaarawy, O., & Markou, A. (2005). Delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol for the treatment of craving and sleep disturbances in patients with posttraumatic stress disorder: a pilot study. Cannabis and Cannabinoid Research, 1, 87-95.

Hepler, R. S., & Frank, I. M. (1976). Marihuana smoking and intraocular pressure. Journal of the American Medical Association, 236(4), 434-435.

Nabiximols (2012). Summary of Product Characteristics. Sativex.

Naftali, T., Bar-Lev Schleider, L., Dotan, I., Lansky, E. B., & Sklerovsky Benjaminov, F. (2013). Treatment of Crohn's disease with cannabis: an observational study. Israel Medical Association Journal, 15(1), 59-63.

Nugent, S. M., Morasco, B. J., O'Neil, M. E., & Freeman, M. (2015). The use of medical marijuana for chronic pain and its impact on quality of life. Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, 50(2), 246-253.

Russo, E. (2011). Taming THC: potential cannabis synergy and phytocannabinoid-ter

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