Getting back to the basics with medical cannabis

Imagine living with chronic pain so severe that traditional medications offer no relief. For many, this is a daily reality, and medical cannabis has emerged as a beacon of hope. Medical cannabis, also known as medical marijuana, refers to the use of cannabis and its constituent cannabinoids as part of the treatment regimen for certain medical conditions. While cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years, its modern medical use is relatively new and highly regulated.

Today we explore what medical cannabis is, how it differs from recreational cannabis, and its potential benefits and risks.

What is medical cannabis?
Medical cannabis is the use of the cannabis plant, or its chemical constituents, to treat specific health problems. The plant contains more than 100 different cannabinoids, of which delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are the most prominent. THC is the psychoactive component responsible for the "high" associated with cannabis use, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has been attributed with various therapeutic effects.
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The medical use of cannabis
Medical cannabis is prescribed for a number of conditions, including but not limited to:
- Chronic Pain: One of the most common uses of medical cannabis is for the management of chronic pain, particularly when traditional pain relief methods are ineffective or cause undesirable side effects.
- Epilepsy: Certain forms of epilepsy, such as Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome, have been shown to respond to CBD-rich cannabis products, reducing the frequency and severity of seizures.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Medical cannabis may help alleviate symptoms of MS, such as muscle spasticity, pain, and sleep disturbances.
- Cancer: Cannabis is often used to treat cancer-related symptoms, including pain, nausea, and loss of appetite, especially in patients undergoing chemotherapy.
- Mental health disorders: Conditions such as PTSD, anxiety, and depression have been reported to benefit from the use of medical cannabis, although more research is needed in this area.

Differences Between Medical and Recreational Cannabis
While both medical and recreational cannabis come from the same plant, their purpose, regulation, and composition can differ significantly.

1. Purpose and Regulation
Medical Cannabis: Its primary purpose is to treat specific medical conditions. It is strictly regulated and must be prescribed by a qualified medical professional. The quality, consistency, and dosage of medical cannabis are closely monitored to ensure safety and efficacy.
Recreational Cannabis: Used primarily for its psychoactive effects and recreational pleasure, recreational cannabis is subject to different regulatory standards. The quality and consistency can vary widely, and it is typically sold in dispensaries where its purchase is legally permitted.

2. Composition
Medical cannabis: Often tailored to contain specific ratios of THC to CBD, depending on the patient's condition and treatment goals. For example, products with higher levels of CBD may be preferred for their therapeutic benefits without significant psychoactive effects.
Recreational Cannabis: Typically contains higher levels of THC to achieve the desired psychoactive effects. The emphasis is less on medicinal properties and more on the experience it provides.

3. Accessibility and legal status
Medical cannabis: Requires a prescription from a licensed health care provider. Its legality varies by jurisdiction, often requiring patients to register with a medical cannabis program.
Recreational Cannabis: Its legal status also depends on local laws, but does not require a medical prescription. Availability and accessibility can vary widely, with some places fully legalizing it and others maintaining strict prohibition.

Benefits of Medical Cannabis
The therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis are increasingly recognized and supported by a growing body of research:
Pain relief: Effective in managing chronic pain, reducing reliance on opioid painkillers, which have a higher risk profile and potential for addiction.
Anti-inflammatory properties: Beneficial for conditions such as arthritis, where inflammation is a key concern.
Neuroprotective effects: Potentially useful in the treatment of neurological disorders such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease due to its neuroprotective properties.
Anti-anxiety and antidepressant effects: May provide relief for mental health conditions, although its use in this context remains controversial and requires further study.
Improved quality of life: For many patients, medical cannabis contributes to an overall improvement in quality of life by relieving symptoms that interfere with daily activities.

Lastly
Medical cannabis represents a promising avenue for the treatment of a variety of medical conditions, providing relief where conventional treatments may fail.
It differs from recreational cannabis in its regulated use, tailored composition, and therapeutic intent.

However, like any medical treatment, it carries potential risks and must be used under professional guidance. As research continues to evolve, so will our understanding and use of this versatile plant in medicine.