Typically, the widely used recreational cannabis is not the first treatment method that comes to mind, nevertheless, it is increasingly settling into the medical world as medical cannabis. However, is there enough data to safely conclude that the benefits of its use trump its harms? What is Medical Cannabis?
Medical cannabis is derived from a plant containing the chemicals THC and CBD and available in the forms of a dried or fresh plant and extracted oil. The two main active chemicals in Cannabis are Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and Cannabidiol (CBD) and each plant has different ratio amounts of THC to CBD.
The THC amounts target how a person feels and the CBD amounts target symptoms such as pain (Medical Cannabis, 2018). The History of Medical Cannabis:
Cannabis originated in ancient times with evidence indicating its use over 5000 years ago in a location today named Romania (Holland, 2010), and some evidence shows its medical use started during 400 ad (Zlas et al., 1993).
In Canada medical cannabis became legalized through the Cannabis ACT on October 17, 2018. This act allows those suffering from serious medical symptoms to use medical cannabis with permission from an authorized health care provider (Canada, 2020).
It is available for authorized patients through federally licensed sellers, authorized retailers and authorized online sellers (Canada, 2020). Common Medical Disorders Medical Cannabis is Used for:
Medical cannabis is used to help a variety of health conditions and neurological disorders.
Cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy often experience nausea and vomiting. Studies conducted assessed the effect of THC on these symptoms and it was found that it is effective in managing them (Todaro, 2012).
Tramer et al. (2001) conducted a study comparing the use of cannabis with a placebo and other drugs designed to fight nausea and vomiting (antiemetics). These antiemetics included: “prochlorperazine, metoclopramide, chlorpromazine, thiethylperazine, haloperidol, domperidone, or alizapride” (Abrams, 2016). This study found that the patients preferred the cannabinoids for future chemotherapy treatments and potential side effects that are beneficial were identified. These included feelings of “highness”, feeling sedated and euphoric (Tramèr et al., 2001).
Some patients suffer from appetite loss resulting in extreme weight loss that is difficult to reverse. Stimulating the appetite for patients with health conditions such as anorexia, extreme weight loss, cancer, HIV/AIDS, heart failure and anorexia has been a challenge for physicians.
THC found in cannabis has helped dramatically in managing this symptom (Abrams, 2016). A randomized, double-blind study on a total of 469 adult cancer patients found that the THC intake improved the taste of food, protein intake was increased, and appetite was better compared to the placebo group (Abrams, 2016).
Patients suffering from chronic degenerative diseases in the central nervous system such as Multiple Sclerosis (MS) experience muscle stiffness and severe pain. Studies have found that these symptoms are manageable through the intake of Cannabis (Kotuła et al., 2015).
Increasingly, evidence is showing that even symptoms of disturbed sleep, bladder issues, and sleep and bladder are improved with Cannabis. Additionally, anti-inflammation effects and heightened remyelination and neuroprotection have been observed (Zajicek & Apostu, 2011).
Cannabis is also effective for patients experiencing neuropathic chronic pain or pain nearing the end of life (Russo, 2008).
The glutamatergic system is fundamental for the occurrence and development of neuropathic pain through the NMDA mechanisms. The THC in medical cannabis acts as a reducer in NMDA response, therefore effectively reducing pain (Russo, 2008). Harms of Medical Cannabis Use:
The widespread use of Cannabis in medical treatments poses an increased concern on the potential negative side effects and long-term harms.
Paranoid delusions, hallucinations, dysphoria, depression, hypotension
Alterations to cognitive functions
Cardiovascular health Long Term Behavior Issues:
Affects mental health
Addiction
Cannabis use disorder
Problematic cannabis use