Dravet Syndrome, Lenox-Gastaut Syndrome, Tuberous Sclerosis, Cancer, Schizophrenia, Depression, Anxiety, Burnout Syndrome, Alzheimer's Disease, Multiple Sclerosis, AIDS, Arthritis, Osteoarthritis, Autism, Neuropathic Pain, Endometriosis, Fibromyalgia, Glaucoma, Insomnia, osteoporosis, Parkinson's disease, psoriasis, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), dermatitis, insomnia, diabetes… The list of diseases whose treatment with medical cannabis is effective is immense and does not stop there.
We could stay until tomorrow listing diseases, since the main medicinal benefit of cannabis is its ability to regulate the body. The cannabinoids that make up the plant act directly on the endocannabinoid system existing in the human body, responsible for homeostasis, which is nothing more than the balance of the internal body environment.
This endocannabonoid system was recently discovered by scientists, who came to the conclusion that it works by carrying out the communication between the brain and the rest of the body. It is basically composed of two types of receptors: CB1 – present throughout the body, especially the hypothalamus (in the brain) and the amygdala, and with power to influence appetite regulation and emotional processing; and CB2 – found in the nervous and immune systems, with an incidence on pain and motor issues, among other body functions.
Cannabinoids balance the human organism
Cannabis has around 400 different chemicals in its composition, of which 85 are cannabinoids – or phytocannabinoids in the more accurate scientific term. Among the cannabinoids, three of them have already been more researched and, thus, have their most recognized therapeutic capabilities. They are: tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD) and cannabinol (CBN).
Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC)
It is able to reduce or even eliminate pain, nausea and stress, in addition to stimulating appetite and fighting insomnia. It is suggested that THC also works as a neuroprotector, and may be effective against epilepsy and other degenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. Also, as an anti-inflammatory, it could be useful in treating conditions like rheumatoid arthritis.
Cannabidiol (CBD)
Cannabidiol (CBD) is used to treat epilepsy, anxiety and even Alzheimer's. Upon entering the human body, CBD connects to neurotransmitters such as adenosine and serotonin. This interaction results in positive effects related to anxiety, inflammation, cognition, motor control, pain perception, nausea and appetite.
Cannabinol (CBN)
CBN is believed to be useful in treating chronic pain and glaucoma, as well as stimulating appetite, but there are no conclusive studies yet.
How is medical cannabis used?
Cannabis is not medically used by smoking, as any burned plant material can have long-term harmful effects, as combustion can create carcinogens and other toxins. Most modern products can be vaporized (through heating at low temperature), applied as ointments, inhaled as a spray, or consumed as pills, liquids, oils, or edibles.
In the case of drugs with THC, whose psychoactive effect is proven, the risk of addiction or dependence on cannabis is, according to evidence found in scientific studies, much lower than with other analgesic drugs, such as opioids.
In addition, biotechnology has acted effectively to produce cannabis plants that are increasingly efficient in the production of drugs, so that, if CBD is effective in the treatment of epilepsy, strains of plants with a high content of this cannabinoid have been developed.
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