9 Conditions Qualified to Use Medical Cannabis

The use of cannabis as a medicine has grown in acceptance over time despite continued debate as to its legality and efficacy. However, it has proven effective for some medical conditions, especially for some specific medical disorders that do not react well to conventional treatments.

Due to its success in some conditions, several international jurisdictions have legalized the use of medical cannabis. However, its use remains exclusive only to a very specific list of medical conditions. This article will explore the medical disorders that are eligible for the use of medical cannabis.

Understanding Medical Cannabis

The term “medical cannabis” or “medical marijuana” describes the application of the cannabis plant’s cannabinoids for therapeutic purposes. Numerous chemicals included in cannabis are referred to as cannabinoids, and they interact with the body’s endocannabinoid system to generate a range of effects. 

Although the plant contains over 100 different cannabinoids, each with potentially distinct effects, the two main cannabinoids of interest in medical cannabis are tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD). Here are the specific conditions eligible for medical cannabis use:

1. Chronic Pain

Chronic pain is one of the most prevalent diseases for which medical cannabis is prescribed. Cannabis has demonstrated effectiveness in treating severe and chronic pain, providing an alternative to standard medicines, which have a high risk of addiction and serious adverse effects. 

Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from chronic pain, which drastically lowers their quality of life. For many people, medical cannabis is an essential alternative since it provides a safer and more effective means to manage chronic discomfort.

2. Epilepsy and Seizure

The neurological condition called epilepsy is characterized by frequent, abrupt bouts of sensory disruption, unconsciousness, or convulsions that are linked to aberrant brain electrical activity. Some patients, especially those who have not reacted well to previous therapies, have found that certain cannabinoids, in particular CBD, are useful in reducing the frequency and severity of seizures. 

3. Multiple Sclerosis (MS)

Multiple sclerosis can cause crippling symptoms such as extreme exhaustion, poor coordination, weakness, cognitive decline, and spasms in the muscles. It is listed as a qualifying condition for the use of medical cannabis by the Minnesota Department of Health and the Michigan Department of Regulatory Affairs. Cannabis is thought to help reduce MS-related pain and spasms.

4. Glaucoma

Glaucoma, which is typically brought on by abnormally elevated intraocular pressure, can result in blindness by harming the optic nerve. It has been discovered that cannabis lowers intraocular pressure, providing glaucoma sufferers with momentary relief. 

5. HIV/AIDS

Individuals living with HIV/AIDS frequently endure excruciating agony, nausea, and weight loss. The quality of life for people who are impacted by these symptoms can be enhanced with the use of medical cannabis. Cannabis’s appetite-stimulating properties can aid patients in maintaining their ideal body weight and general nutritional status.

6. Cancer

Numerous incapacitating symptoms, such as excruciating pain, nausea, and vomiting, can result from cancer and its treatments, particularly during chemotherapy sessions. Due to its well-established capacity to assist in the management of these side effects, medical cannabis is becoming increasingly important in the palliative care of many cancer patients. 

Health departments and medical research support its usage in this setting, demonstrating how effective it is in improving patient outcomes throughout cancer therapy.

7. Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS)

Lou Gehrig’s disease, sometimes called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, is a progressive neurological illness that damages nerve cells in the brain and spinal cord. States such as New Hampshire and Minnesota have recognized medical cannabis as a qualifying condition because of its ability to reduce the pain and muscular stiffness that are associated with ALS.

8. Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)

IBD conditions that result in persistent inflammation of the digestive tract include Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Patients with these diseases should expect a better quality of life because cannabis is known to help reduce inflammation and relieve some of the accompanying gastrointestinal symptoms, like pain and nausea.

9. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

More and more people are realizing that medical cannabis can assist with PTSD symptoms, including anxiety and flashbacks. This is especially crucial for people who have not responded well to conventional forms of treatment.

Take Medical Cannabis With Prescription and Caution

A greater knowledge of medical cannabis’ advantages and potential as a medicinal agent for a variety of diseases is reflected in the increased acceptance of the drug. The evidence to date supports the use of medical cannabis in treating and relieving the symptoms of various illnesses, often in cases when other treatments have failed. 

It’s crucial, however, that patients consult with medical experts to learn about the dangers, advantages, and legal aspects of using medical cannabis in their particular situation. The list of eligible ailments is likely to grow as the data increases and restrictions surrounding cannabis usage change, providing hope to more people looking for alternative therapeutic alternatives.