Medical marijuana is said to ease many symptoms, including pain associated with AIDS and other illnesses. It is also credited with easing the tremors of Parkinson’s disease.
In this pragmatic RCT, participants who endorsed a chief concern of insomnia, pain, anxiety, or depressive symptoms quickly developed CUD, and they experienced a greater number of CUD symptoms than the delayed card acquisition group. Further study is warranted to understand how medical conditions and symptom endorsements impact CUD risk.
Pain Relief
Pain relief is the most common reason why people seek medical marijuana. Several studies have shown that medical marijuana can effectively treat chronic pain conditions such as neuropathy and cancer-related pain. Unlike other pain medications such as NSAIDs and opioids, cannabis has minimal side effects and doesn’t cause dependence.
The pain-relieving properties of medical marijuana are largely due to its CB1 receptors, which act on the brain’s neurotransmitters to reduce the sensation of pain. This can help patients with chronic pain conditions such as neuropathy, arthritis, and multiple sclerosis. Medical marijuana is also known to help patients with fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue.
In one study, 45% of participants who endorsed using opioids to manage their chronic pain also reported using cannabis for the same purpose. It was found that cannabis significantly reduced their pain levels and improved the quality of their life.
To obtain a CT medical marijuana card, you must first meet with your primary care physician. If your doctor determines that medical marijuana can alleviate your symptoms, they will recommend you enroll in the state’s registry. The process varies by state, but most states offer an online system where you can submit your application and doctor’s approval. You can also add a caregiver or parent/legal guardian to your account now.
Nausea and Vomiting
If you suffer from chronic nausea or are suffering from a health condition that causes severe nausea, medical marijuana can help. Marijuana is an effective antiemetic, meaning it reduces both the sensation of nausea and the urge to vomit. For those with gastrointestinal disorders or cancer treatments like chemotherapy, cannabis can be particularly beneficial.
Women experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum, the severe form of morning sickness during pregnancy, can use medical marijuana to combat the intense nausea they experience. The endocannabinoid system controls nausea, and the CB1 receptors activated by cannabis can stimulate appetite and alleviate pain in the stomach.
Severe nausea can be accompanied by extreme fatigue, making it difficult to sleep and recover. However, medical marijuana can provide a natural energy boost to combat the symptoms of fatigue, allowing patients to get better rest and feel less worn out in the future.
In a recent study, medicinal cannabis was found to significantly improve the control of nausea and vomiting associated with cancer therapy in patients who were not responding to conventional antiemetic medication. The cannabis also helped restore appetite and decrease the weight loss caused by chemotherapy. The results of the study were published in Annals of Oncology. Patients who have cancer should consider applying for a medical marijuana card to gain access to the antiemetic benefits of cannabis.
Sleep Disorders
A lack of sleep can affect your mood and ability to think clearly. It can also lead to weight gain, car accidents, memory problems, and strained relationships. Fortunately, medical marijuana can help with sleep disorders like insomnia and REM sleep behavior disorder.
Sleep disorders can be primary or secondary to psychiatric conditions and medical illnesses like heart disease, asthma, and pain. Symptoms include difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, waking too early, poor quality sleep, excessive daytime sleepiness, sleep disturbances, and nightmares.
Cannabis has been shown to improve symptoms of insomnia by activating the endocannabinoid system. In a study, participants who took Entoura 10:15 medicinal cannabis oil had significantly improved sleep. Quality of sleep improved by up to 80%, and melatonin levels were increased at midnight. Additionally, they had a longer duration of light sleep and better daily functioning than those who took the placebo.
Typically, cannabis strains that are high in THC reduce the amount of time you spend dreaming during REM sleep. However, studies show that this can be beneficial for people with sleep disorders because it may mean you have fewer nightmares or PTSD-related dreams. It can also decrease the frequency of REM sleep awakenings and increase deep sleep, which is essential for good health.
Cancer
Research shows that marijuana can help patients suffering from cancer. It can alleviate pain from chemotherapy and radiation, as well as chronic pain caused by the cancer itself. It also reduces nausea and vomiting, which may be a side effect of the cancer treatments. It helps stimulate the appetite of patients who have anorexia and other eating disorders associated with the disease. It can also be used to help combat anxiety and depression.
Patients should talk to their primary care physician about the possibility of using medical cannabis to manage their symptoms. They should also inform their doctor about other medications, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements. They need to make sure that cannabis won’t interfere with the effectiveness of their cancer treatment or any other medications they are receiving.
If your doctor decides that you should use medical marijuana to treat your symptoms, the next step is to find a doctor who participates in your state’s program. The doctors are specially trained to qualify patients for the program and oversee their care. Some states have a list of conditions that qualify for the program, but others don’t. The best way to find a doctor is to ask your current healthcare provider or visit your state’s program’s website and look for a qualified doctor to provide an evaluation.
