https://www.winnipegfreepress.com/our-communities/correspondents/2023/10/25/the-great-potential-of-medical-cannabis

The Untapped Potential of Medical Cannabis Freda Glow Published: Wednesday, Oct. 25, 2023, 2:00 AM CDT NORTH END A significant anniversary occurred last week; on October 17, 2018, Canada legalized the use and sale of cannabis, sparking a surge in pain management research. Over the past few years, studies have illuminated the crucial role medical cannabis can play in augmenting cancer treatments. A passionate proponent of its therapeutic applications, Lynda Balneaves, Associate Dean of the College of Nursing at the University of Manitoba, tirelessly champions the drug. Balneaves harnesses her knowledge and influence to enlighten healthcare professionals and Winnipeg residents about the advantages and potential risks of cannabis. While the drug serves as a potent analgesic with minimal adverse effects, Balneaves warns individuals with cardiac or blood pressure concerns to exercise caution. Conversely, it is a godsend for those afflicted with migraines, anxiety, insomnia, and neuropathy. She also cites that the American Society of Clinical Oncology, which releases yearly guidelines, suggests that cancer patients may significantly benefit from therapeutic cannabis use. Balneaves, committed to disseminating national survey results and pivotal medical information about cannabis, asserts, “It’s a public safety issue.” She recently highlighted the illegality of medical cannabis in several American states during a talk with a group of snowbirds. Presenting to various registered nursing associations, Balneaves shares evidence-backed data and engages with the Seven Oaks Hospital’s Wellness Centre. She has addressed the Pan Am Clinic, engaged with retirees at the Canadian Wheat Board and delivered a nursing standards-focused speech at the legislature. Her talk at CancerCare Manitoba drew attention to the myriad medical applications of the drug. Balneaves thrives in her role as a speaker, inviting audience interaction during question-and-answer sessions. She perceives a burgeoning interest in medical cannabis use, with millions having used the drug since its 2018 legalization. Despite the desire of many to leverage it for pain relief, especially those enduring side effects from pharmaceuticals, societal stigmas around cannabis use and medical practitioner indecisiveness deter potential users. The research conducted at Balneaves’ facility explores the integration of cannabis into complementary cancer therapies, its effects on osteoarthritis patients, and potential tumor-shrinking capabilities when paired with other medications. The future of medical cannabis, she believes, may be full of unexpected discoveries.

• The article is about the potential of medical cannabis for pain management and cancer treatment.
• The author interviews Lynda Balneaves, associate dean of nursing at the University of Manitoba, who is an advocate of the drug’s therapeutic uses.
• Balneaves has made presentations to various groups and shared evidence-based information about the benefits and risks of medical cannabis.
• Balneaves also reveals that her facility is conducting research on using cannabis with complimentary therapies in cancer treatment and its effects on osteoarthritis and tumour growth.

Lynda Balneaves, associate dean of nursing at the University of Manitoba, is conducting research on the use of medical cannabis with complementary therapies in cancer treatment and its effects on osteoarthritis and tumour growth ¹². Balneaves has made presentations to various groups and shared evidence-based information about the benefits and risks of medical cannabis ¹.

Learn more:

1. umanitoba.ca2. winnipegfreepress.com3. orcid.org

Learn more:

1. umanitoba.ca2. bbc.co.uk

Learn more:

1. winnipegfreepress.com2. academic.oup.com3. orcid.org4. umanitoba.ca5. bbc.co.uk6. leeds.ac.uk