Medical cannabis is becoming increasingly popular. It has been used for centuries to treat a number of ailments and conditions, but it’s only recently that the science behind its healing potential has been fully understood. In this blog post, we will explore the research and studies that have been conducted on medical cannabis to better understand how it can be used as a medicine. 

What is Medical Cannabis?

Medical cannabis is a form of marijuana that is specifically prescribed by a doctor for the treatment of certain symptoms or illnesses. It may be taken in various forms, such as oil, edibles, tinctures, and topicals. The active ingredients in medical cannabis are called cannabinoids; these are chemical compounds found naturally in the cannabis plant that interact with receptors in our bodies to produce different effects. There are two key cannabinoids responsible for most of these effects – THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (cannabidiol). 

The Benefits of Medical Cannabis 

The primary benefit of using medical cannabis is pain relief; it has been shown to reduce inflammation and discomfort related to chronic pain conditions like arthritis, fibromyalgia, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and cancer-related pain. Studies also suggest that medical cannabis can help alleviate nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy treatments as well as improve appetite and sleep quality in people living with HIV/AIDS. Additionally, some research suggests medical cannabis may be useful in treating anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), epilepsy/seizures, glaucoma, spasticity associated with MS (multiple sclerosis), Tourette’s syndrome, Parkinson’s disease and inflammatory bowel disease. 

Potential Risks Associated with Medical Cannabis Use 

Although there are many potential benefits associated with using medical cannabis as a treatment option for certain conditions or illnesses, there are also potential risks involved. For example, the use of medical cannabis could impair cognitive functions such as memory recall and attention span. Additionally, there is an increased risk for developing dependency when using medical cannabis over an extended period of time. Lastly, smoking any form of marijuana can damage your lungs due to the presence of toxic chemicals like carbon monoxide and tar in smoke from burning plants or dried herbs like marijuana leaves. 

When considering the use of medical cannabis as a form of treatment for certain symptoms or illnesses it’s important to weigh both the potential benefits against any possible risks associated with its use. Speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have before beginning a course of treatment involving medical cannabis so they can provide you with all the necessary information you need to make an informed decision about whether it’s right for you or not. With proper guidance from your healthcare provider you'll be able to determine if using medical marijuana is an appropriate choice for your individual needs or not.