One of the most well-known benefits of cannabis is its ability to relieve pain and reduce inflammation. A study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that patients who used cannabis for chronic pain reported significant reductions in pain intensity. This pain-relieving effect is believed to be due to the interaction between cannabis compounds and the body's endocannabinoid system.
Cannabis has also been found to have anticonvulsant properties, which makes it a promising treatment option for patients with epilepsy. A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that CBD reduced the frequency of seizures in children with epilepsy, leading to a reduction in the severity of their symptoms.
In addition to pain relief and anticonvulsant properties, cannabis has also been found to have antipsychotic effects. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that CBD was effective in treating symptoms of anxiety and depression in patients with schizophrenia.
Cannabis is also used to improve sleep and relieve stress. A study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychology found that patients who used cannabis for insomnia reported improvements in the quality of their sleep and reduced stress levels.
It is important to note that the use of cannabis for medicinal purposes is still a controversial issue, and more research is needed to fully understand the therapeutic benefits of this plant. Nevertheless, the growing body of evidence suggests that cannabis has a range of medicinal properties that make it a promising treatment option for a variety of health conditions.
Sources:
Whiting PF, Wolff RF, Deshpande S, et al. Cannabinoids for Medical Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. JAMA. 2015;313(24):2456-2473. doi:10.1001/jama.2015.6199
Devinsky O, Cross JH, Wright S, et al. Trial of Cannabidiol for Drug-Resistant Seizures in the Dravet Syndrome. N Engl J Med. 2017;376(21):2011-2020. doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1611618
Zuardi AW, Crippa JA, Hallak JE, et al. Cannabidiol, a Cannabis sativa constituent, as an antipsychotic drug. Braz J Med Biol Res. 2006;39(4):421-429. doi:10.1590/s0100-879x2006000400015
Ashley CD, Culp M, Weller RA. The effect of cannabis use on sleep disturbance and related symptoms in patients with chronic pain: a preliminary cross-sectional study. J Clin Psychol. 2016;72(1):67-75. doi:10.1002/jclp.22222
Disclaimer: The information in this article is not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any disease or medical condition. This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace the advice of a healthcare professional