What conditions may be helped by marijuana?

In states where it is legal, doctors have recommended medical marijuana for many diseases and conditions. Those include: nausea (especially as a result of chemotherapy), chronic pain, loss of appetite, arthritis, glaucoma, cancer, AIDS, multiple sclerosis, ADHD, insomnia, epilepsy, migraines, inflammation and Crohn's disease.

Medical marijuana also is sometimes prescribed to ease pain and to improve quality of life for terminally ill people.

Age-related memory loss should now be added to the list of potential benefits of using marijuana. I know this sounds counter-intuitive. When young people smoke marijuana memory formation is impaired. However, older people may respond in a very different manner. As the brain ages two important things happen within the brain that lead to impaired learning and memory abilities: increased brain inflammation and the cessation of neurogenesis, or the birth of new neurons. Studies in old animals have shown that administration of about one puff of marijuana each day can significantly reduce brain inflammation, restart neurogenesis and improve learning and memory abilities. No one knows whether aging humans will benefit in the same way as aging rats; these studies have not yet been conducted. 

Chronic pain

Cannabinoids have been reported to reduce chronic pain associated with a variety of conditions. Cannabinoids have also been used in patients for whom other pain relief medications are not working. The active components in cannabis exert their effects on the central nervous system and immune cells. Cannabis is approved in some European countries and Canada. In the United States, it is an investigational drug for pain relief in cancer patients.

Multiple sclerosis (symptoms)

Research suggests that cannabinoids may improve some symptoms associated with multiple sclerosis (MS), specifically neuropathic pain, muscle spasms, and urinary symptoms.

You should read product labels, and discuss all therapies with a qualified healthcare provider. Natural Standard information does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.