https://www.newscientist.com/article/2396334-marijuana-as-medicine-everything-you-need-to-know/

The article “Marijuana as medicine: Everything you need to know” on New Scientist provides an in-depth analysis and overview of the use of cannabis as a medical treatment. It explains the increasing number of countries and states legalizing the use of medical marijuana, and reveals the scientific evidence supporting its effectiveness in various conditions. The use of marijuana for medical purposes has been under steady examination and research for years. The article reveals that numerous studies have shown potential in treating conditions like chronic pain, muscle spasticity in multiple sclerosis, and severe forms of epilepsy. Medical marijuana is also being used to help with nausea and vomiting in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, and to stimulate appetite in people with HIV/AIDS. The article also addresses the complexities and challenges of using marijuana as medicine. One of the main challenges is the wide range of compounds present in cannabis, which include more than 100 cannabinoids. The two most well-known are THC (Tetrahydrocannabinol) and CBD (Cannabidiol). THC is psychoactive and gives the ‘high’ associated with recreational use, while CBD is non-psychoactive and has shown potential therapeutic benefits. The piece also discusses the side effects and potential risks of medical marijuana, including dependency and withdrawal symptoms. The article suggests more research is needed to understand the long-term effects of medical marijuana, and calls for improved guidelines and regulations to ensure safe and effective use. Overall, the article gives a comprehensive overview of the current state of medical marijuana, highlighting both its potential benefits and the challenges that come with its use. It underscores the necessity for further research to fully understand and harness the medicinal properties of cannabis.

Title: Marijuana as medicine: Everything you need to know

Author: Grace Wade

Publication: New Scientist

Date: October 24, 2023

Summary:

The article discusses the growing support for medical cannabis and the evidence for its efficacy in treating a variety of conditions. It specifically mentions 20 conditions, including anxiety, cancer, and insomnia.

Anxiety:

The article cites a 2018 study that found that medical cannabis was effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in patients with social anxiety disorder. It also mentions a 2020 study that found that medical cannabis was effective in reducing anxiety symptoms in patients with generalized anxiety disorder.

Cancer:

The article discusses the use of medical cannabis to treat cancer-related symptoms such as pain, nausea, and vomiting. It cites a 2019 study that found that medical cannabis was effective in reducing pain in patients with cancer. It also mentions a 2020 study that found that medical cannabis was effective in reducing nausea and vomiting in patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Insomnia:

The article discusses the use of medical cannabis to treat insomnia. It cites a 2018 study that found that medical cannabis was effective in improving sleep quality in patients with chronic insomnia. It also mentions a 2020 study that found that medical cannabis was effective in reducing the time it took patients to fall asleep.

Other conditions:

The article also mentions the use of medical cannabis to treat a variety of other conditions, including:

• Chronic pain
• Epilepsy
• Multiple sclerosis
• Crohn’s disease
• Parkinson’s disease
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Autism spectrum disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Conclusion:

The article concludes by stating that medical cannabis is a promising treatment for a variety of conditions, but more research is needed to fully understand its safety and efficacy.

Overall, the article provides a good overview of the current state of the science on medical cannabis. It is important to note that the research on medical cannabis is still in its early stages, and more studies are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety for long-term use. However, the available evidence suggests that medical cannabis may be a helpful treatment for a variety of conditions.

Explore

According to an article by Grace Wade in New Scientist, medical marijuana has gained popularity in recent years. The number of people in the US with a license to buy it has more than quadrupled between 2016 and 2020, reaching nearly 3 million ¹. In the UK, where medical cannabis was legalized in 2018, an estimated 1.4 million people used it for medicinal purposes in 2020 ¹.

Wade’s article provides an overview of the current state of research on the use of medical cannabis for various conditions. The article identifies 20 conditions that public health authorities are investigating or that show potential benefits from treatment with medical cannabis. These conditions include anxiety, cancer, and insomnia ¹.

The article notes that there is a growing pile of research showing that cannabis compounds can increase appetite, promote feelings of relaxation, and even induce euphoria. These and many other effects are mainly mediated by a cell-signaling network in the body known as the endocannabinoid system. Chemical compounds known as cannabinoids are produced not only by cannabis plants but also by our own bodies, and both versions act on this complex system ¹.

Please note that this is not a comprehensive guide to medical marijuana. If you are considering using medical cannabis for any condition, it is important to consult with a qualified healthcare professional.