Cannabis (commonly referred to as marijuana or hemp) has long been used as a therapeutic aid, specifically in relieving pain associated with fibromyalgia, lupus and other illnesses as well as aiding with sleep problems and treating nausea caused by chemotherapy treatments.
FDA has approved this medication as a drug treatment for various conditions, such as hepatitis C and two rare forms of epilepsy, and to increase appetite in those living with AIDS.
Cannabinoids
Cannabis contains cannabinoids that interact with the Endocannabinoid System of the body to regulate appetite, pain and mood regulation functions in various parts of the body. Cannabinoids may even reduce seizure frequency in those suffering from epilepsy.
Cannabinoids’ effects depend on both condition and dose. Oral cannabinoids have been proven to effectively alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy treatments, while also increasing appetite in AIDS patients. Other studies have also discovered cannabinoids can alleviate chronic pain as well as decrease spasticity in multiple sclerosis and paraplegia patients.
Even with these findings, more research must be conducted in order to assess the long-term safety and benefits associated with cannabis consumption. Randomized clinical trials must adhere to CONSORT guidelines.
THC
THC is a psychoactive compound that acts by activating cannabinoid receptors in both the brain and body to produce various effects, including pain relief, appetite stimulation and altered mood states. Furthermore, THC may cause paranoia and hallucinations.
Medical cannabis has been shown to relieve chronic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, spasticity in multiple sclerosis and certain forms of seizures. Furthermore, it is frequently used as an aid for hepatitis C, HIV-associated anorexia/weight loss/glaucoma as well as posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Cannabis comes in various forms, from smoking and vaping to pill-based and edible preparations. Which form is right for you will depend on your symptoms and their impact, with registered organizations’ dispensaries in New York State offering quality assured products with specific ratios of THC:CBD for sale.
CBD
Cannabis may help ease neuropathic pain experienced by those living with multiple sclerosis, fibromyalgia or spinal cord injury. Furthermore, cannabis has also been found to assist chemotherapy patients by controlling nausea and loss of appetite caused by chemotherapy treatments; further research must be completed to ascertain its efficacy as an anticancer treatment solution.
CBD has been shown to reduce seizures associated with some forms of epilepsy. Additionally, it has also been studied as a possible treatment for Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s diseases as well as spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis and spasticity and neuropathic pain in multiple sclerosis patients. A mouth spray called Nabiximols (Sativex), which contains THC and CBD combined in one spray formulation is available as Nabiximols Sativex; in addition a pill known as Epidiolex can treat rare and severe forms of epilepsy in children.
Medical cannabis is classified as a Schedule I substance and therefore, physicians cannot legally prescribe it; however, some advanced practice nurses can write recommendations or certifications.
Side effects
Cannabis does not appear to be an effective treatment option for most conditions; however, there may be evidence to support its use for relieving neuropathic pain, improving appetite and sleep quality, as well as helping some children suffering from rare forms of epilepsy to experience reduced seizures.
There may also be side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, and dry mouth. People using medicinal marijuana should avoid driving or operating machinery while taking it and it should also be avoided by those with mental illness histories, unstable heart disease or lung conditions.
The FDA recently approved two drugs containing components of marijuana: dronabinol (Marinol) and nabilone (Cesamet). These medications are designed to treat nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy treatments as well as increase appetite in those living with AIDS, providing effective pain relief without side effects such as paranoia or euphoria.
Legality
Although medical cannabis has proven useful in relieving various conditions, including nausea during chemotherapy treatment and MS symptoms, further research needs to be conducted. While initial findings show it to be effective, such as relieving pain, decreasing muscle spasms and improving appetite – as well as being used to treat anxiety and depression – more studies should be conducted before making definitive statements about its efficacy in relieving symptoms of any condition.
State laws generally permit patients to purchase and possess marijuana for medical use; however, federal regulations remain unclear. While attempts have been made to reschedule cannabis without success, its classification by the Drug Enforcement Administration as illegal substance creates legal uncertainty for health care institutions.
As state and federal regulations continue to diverge, hospitals should carefully consider their involvement with cannabis cultivation and distribution to avoid breaching federal law. Health care organizations must develop internal policies and procedures for managing any marijuana-related activities that might threaten them with potential repercussions.