Cannabis is not just used for fun. In many places people also use it for health reasons. It may help with problems like pain, feeling sick or anxiety. But how does it really work and when can it be useful?
In this article we will explain how cannabis might help in some health situations. We will use easy words and share what experts know so far.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is only for learning. This is not medical advice. If you want to use cannabis for health reasons, talk to a doctor first. Also, make sure to follow the rules in your area.
What Is Medical Cannabis?
Medical cannabis means using the cannabis plant to help with health issues. It has parts like THC and CBD that might help you feel better. It should be used with a doctor’s advice and is only legal in some places for certain health issues.
There are different types of medical cannabis such as:
- Dried cannabis for smoking or vaping.
- Oils or drops you take by mouth.
- Edibles like pills or gummies.
- Creams you put on the skin.
- Prescription medicines made from cannabis parts
How Does Cannabis Work in the Body?
The body has something called the endocannabinoid system or ECS. This system helps control things like pain, sleep mood and hunger. Cannabis has natural parts in it called cannabinoids. Two common ones are:
- THC which makes you feel high.
- CBD which does not make you high and is often used for health reasons
These parts work with the ECS and can change how your body feels pain, stress or swelling.
Common Medical Uses of Cannabis
Let’s see how cannabis might help with some health problems. Remember, it does not cure diseases but may help with certain symptoms. It may only help some people feel better by easing certain symptoms.
1. Chronic Pain Relief
Many people use cannabis to help with pain that does not go away. THC can change how your brain feels pain so you might hurt less. People with things like joint pain, nerve pain or back pain sometimes use it to feel better.
2. For Cancer Treatments
People who get chemotherapy often feel very sick and may throw up. Some medical cannabis products can help make them feel a little better. In the United States the FDA has approved a few cannabis-based medicines to help cancer patients with this problem.
3. Muscle Spasms and Stiffness
Some research shows that cannabis may help reduce muscle spasms in people with multiple sclerosis or MS. It can help relax stiff muscles and lower pain. In some countries cannabis sprays have been approved for people with MS.
4. Sleep Support
Some people who can’t sleep well because of pain or stress find that cannabis helps them sleep better. But it doesn’t work the same way for everyone. THC can make some people feel sleepy while CBD may help you feel calm without making you very drowsy.
5. Anxiety and Mental Health Support
CBD is sometimes used to help people feel calm when they have anxiety or stress. A doctor might recommend it because it doesn’t make you feel high. But cannabis is not a cure for anxiety or depression and it might not help everyone.
6. Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Some CBD based medicines like Epidiolex are approved in certain countries to help treat epilepsy in both children and adults. These are used with a doctor’s care and are based on strong research to help control seizures.
7. Appetite Stimulation
Medical cannabis can also help people who have lost a lot of weight and need help eating more. This is common in people with HIV AIDS cancer or other health problems. THC can make you feel hungry which may help these people eat better and stay stronger.
8. Inflammatory Conditions
Some people who have health issues like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis feel better after using medical cannabis. It does not cure these problems but it might help with swelling, stomach pain, and feeling unwell. Research is still going on and it may not work the same for everyone.
9. Glaucoma Pressure Relief
Cannabis has been studied to see if it can help lower eye pressure in people with glaucoma. THC may help reduce the pressure for a short time. But it is not a long term fix and other treatments usually work better. Even so this was one of the first medical uses of cannabis that scientists looked into.
10. Palliative and End of Life Care
Cannabis is sometimes used in palliative care which is care that helps people feel better when they have a serious or life ending illness. It may help with pain, stress, feeling sick, or not feeling hungry. It does not fix the illness but can help the person feel more at ease and live a bit better each day in a safe way.
Medical Cannabis vs Recreational Use
It is important to understand how medical and recreational cannabis are different.
- Medical cannabis is used to help with health issues. A doctor gives you a prescription and you can only get it in places where it is allowed by law.
- Recreational cannabis is used for fun or to feel relaxed. You do not need a health reason to use it.
Even though both come from the same plant, medical cannabis is usually made in a safer and cleaner way. It is also given in exact amounts to help with certain problems.
Is Medical Cannabis Legal Everywhere?
No, the legal use of medical cannabis depends on where you live. Some countries or states allow it for certain health problems. Others do not. Even in places where it is legal people usually need:
- A doctor’s prescription
- A medical cannabis card or license
- To buy only from approved places
Always check your local rules before using or trying to get medical cannabis.
Are There Any Side Effects?
Yes, cannabis can cause side effects just like any other medicine. Some common ones are
- Dryness where your mouth or throat may feel dry
- Dizziness where you might feel light or unsteady
- Drowsiness which can make you feel sleepy or tired
- Faster heartbeat where your heart may beat faster than usual
- Memory issues where you might forget things more easily for a short time
- Mood changes that can make you feel calm or sometimes anxious
These effects can be mild or strong depending on the person, how much they use and the type of cannabis. That is why it should always be used with a doctor’s advice.
Who Should Be Careful?
While some people may find medical cannabis helpful it is not safe or right for everyone. Here are the groups who should be very careful or not use cannabis at all:
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women
Cannabis can affect how a baby’s brain grows during pregnancy or breastfeeding. That is why health experts say not to use it during this time.
- Teenagers and Young Adults
The brain keeps growing until your early twenties. Using cannabis too early may make it harder to remember, learn or focus as you get older.
- People with Mental Health Conditions
Cannabis can make depression, anxiety, schizophrenia or bipolar disorder worse for some people especially if they use it often or take high amounts.
- Those with a History of Substance Abuse
For people who are recovering from addiction, using cannabis might bring back cravings or make it easier to go back to using other drugs again.
- People with Heart Problems
THC can make your heart beat faster and raise blood pressure. If you have heart problems using cannabis might increase your risk and should be avoided.
- Individuals Taking Certain Medications
Cannabis might not work well with some medicines like blood thinners or sleep aids. Always talk to your doctor before using cannabis with any other medicine.
- Older Adults
While some older adults may find medical cannabis helpful they can also be more sensitive to its effects such as feeling dizzy, getting confused or a higher chance of falling.
- People in Safety Sensitive Jobs
Jobs that need you to stay alert like driving using machines or handling tools can become unsafe if cannabis slows down your focus or reaction time.
In these cases, a doctor can guide whether cannabis is safe or not.
What Does Research Say?
Doctors and scientists are still studying how medical cannabis works. Some parts like CBD are already helping with problems like epilepsy. But for many other health issues we need more time and research.
Experts want to learn how cannabis affects the body and how it can help people. Health groups and governments are also watching this so they can make better rules and keep people safe.
Final Thoughts
Cannabis can help some people feel better but it does not work for everyone. It depends on what kind you use, how much you take and how your body reacts.
If a doctor tells you how to use it it might help with some health problems. But you should still be careful and follow the rules.
If you want to try cannabis for your health, talk to a doctor who knows your condition and the laws in your area.
