While the FDA has not approved the use of cannabis in medical treatment, it has approved several drugs containing cannabinoids from the plant, including Epidiolex, which is used to treat seizures associated with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome. Marinol, Syndros, and Cesamet, which contain synthetic THC, are among the many medications approved for medical use in various states. The dosage for each medication is based on the patient’s symptoms, and the frequency of use is determined by the patient’s doctor.
Patients interested in learning more about the medical benefits of cannabis are often encouraged to speak with their doctors and seek a physician specializing in medical marijuana. Because of the oversimplification of the medical community’s stance toward the use of marijuana, many doctors have fallen behind in their patient education and awareness. Some patients are already consuming marijuana but do not know how to tell their doctors about their use. A physician can be a great resource in helping patients access medical cannabis, and many state medical departments have pharmacists, registered nurses, and physician assistants certified to prescribe cannabis.
Although marijuana is not as strong as opiates, it can reduce chronic pain and can even help with nausea and vomiting. While marijuana is not a strong enough medicine to relieve severe pain, it can help with chronic, painful conditions. For millions of Americans, chronic pain is a constant affliction. Using marijuana to treat it is a safer, less addictive alternative to prescription medications like NSAIDs. The FDA’s recommendation will vary depending on your own circumstances and medical needs.
The quality of medical marijuana varies greatly, and consumers should be careful to ensure they are using it responsibly. As with any medicine, there are risks and benefits. For example, cannabis products that are self-administered or authorized by an unqualified physician may contain contaminants or inaccurate information about the type of cannabis used, the dose, and the ingredients. The FDA approved Sativex, an oral spray containing equal amounts of CBD and THC.
Medical marijuana contains the compound CBD, which is an anti-inflammatory, anticonvulsant, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, and antipsychotic. It has also been shown to reduce nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy. In fact, it is the only drug known to prevent the onset of psychotic symptoms in patients. The negative side effects of medical marijuana may include loss of IQ or an increased risk of schizophrenia. However, there are benefits to using it for these conditions.
Despite its controversial reputation, there are some promising results. In a recent study, cannabis soothed arthritic lab rats and reduced their subjective spasticity within three weeks. The results were encouraging, and the drug was added to existing treatments. However, there are still some concerns about cannabis, including the increased risk of motor vehicle accidents and lower birth weight. Some users may develop cannabis use disorder, which manifests itself as an increased craving for the drug and interferes with personal responsibilities.