Medical marijuana has transformed the way we approach treatment for a variety of conditions, offering relief for patients with symptoms that may not have responded to traditional therapies. A growing body of scientific evidence supports the use of medical marijuana, yet it remains a topic that often sparks debate.
At Medicus Cannabus, we are dedicated to providing physician-led guidance on medical marijuana, ensuring that patients receive safe, effective, and evidence-based care. Our team helps patients living with chronic conditions such as chronic pain, epilepsy, opioid dependency, and inflammatory bowel disease better manage their symptoms.
If you’re considering medical marijuana, read on to learn why it might be an effective treatment option for you.
At the foundation of medical marijuana’s effectiveness is the endocannabinoid system (ECS), a complex network of receptors and neurotransmitters found throughout the body. The ECS plays a key role in regulating pain, mood, and appetite, among other things.
Cannabis interacts with the ECS through compounds called cannabinoids, the most well-known being tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). THC binds to receptors in the brain, influencing pain perception and mood, while CBD interacts more broadly with receptors in the body, providing anti-inflammatory and anti-anxiety effects.
The ECS helps maintain balance in the body. For individuals with conditions like chronic pain or anxiety, cannabis can stimulate the ECS to restore that balance, providing relief when traditional treatments fall short.
Medical marijuana’s ability to manage chronic pain is one of the most studied and supported uses. A 2017 report by the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine concluded that substantial evidence supports the use of cannabis for managing chronic pain in adults.
Cannabinoids interact with nerve pathways and calm inflammation. Patients with conditions like neuropathy, arthritis, or fibromyalgia have found significant benefits in adding medical marijuana to their treatment plan.
Medical marijuana is also gaining recognition as a treatment for anxiety and depression. Studies like this one found that cannabis is effective at managing various anxiety disorders, while this recently published study found that cannabis improves symptoms of depression. CBD, in particular, has been shown to adjust serotonin receptors in the brain, producing calming effects without the psychoactive “high” linked with THC.
Symptoms associated with epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and Parkinson’s disease are challenging to treat, but medical marijuana is opening new doors. The FDA-approved medication Epidiolex, derived from CBD, has shown remarkable success in reducing seizures in patients with severe forms of epilepsy.
For multiple sclerosis, cannabis can help with muscle spasticity, one of the condition’s most debilitating symptoms. The anti-inflammatory properties of CBD also make it a promising avenue for ongoing research into neurodegenerative diseases.
The growing body of scientific research supports the role of cannabis as a medical treatment. Physician-led practices, like ours, ensure that medical marijuana is used responsibly, with personalized treatment plans based on each patient’s unique needs.
The science behind medical marijuana is clear: for many patients, it provides effective symptom relief. If you’re considering medical marijuana, contact us here at Medicus Cannabus for a consultation and to find out if medical marijuana is an appropriate option for your needs.
