Cannabis: 10 proven or studied therapeutic uses

Many studies have examined the efficacy of therapeutic cannabis and its compounds, including THC. Here are 10 benefits of cannabis often mentioned in the scientific literature; we should note that not all of them have been formally demonstrated in humans.

Cannabis would be useful for glaucoma

Cannabis is believed to reduce intraocular pressure in glaucoma. In a small clinical trial, two hours after the oral administration of cannabis compounds, intraocular pressure decreased.

Cannabis can be useful for depression

The University of Buffalo led a study stating that compounds in cannabis could help stabilize mood and fight depression. But work is needed to confirm these results in humans.

Cannabis is said to have anti-cancer properties

Cannabidiol (CBD) is believed to limit cancer progression by inhibiting the expression of the Id-1 gene in breast cancer cells. After cannabidiol treatment, these cancer cells appeared less aggressive (research published in 2007).

Cannabis is thought to limit the progression of Alzheimer’s disease

A study by the Scripps Research Institute suggested that cannabis reduces the progression of Alzheimer’s disease. Indeed, THC, present in cannabis, is believed to inhibit an enzyme creating amyloid plaques in the brain. These amyloid plaques are related to patients’ symptoms and the destruction of neurons.

Cannabis, effective against multiple sclerosis pain?

Cannabis is believed to relieve pain associated with multiple sclerosis (MS). Research published in 2012 studied 30 patients who suffered from painful muscle contractions related to MS. While these people did not respond to other treatments, their pain was relieved with cannabis. Cannabis is believed to reduce muscle spasticity in MS.

Cannabis is believed to prevent epileptic seizures

A 2003 study in rats showed that cannabis could prevent epileptic seizures. Cannabis compounds are found to be anti-convulsant.

Cannabis for chronic pain

In January 2017, the United States National Academy of Science, Engineering, and Medicine published a report on the therapeutic uses of marijuana. For the authors, there is substantial evidence of the effectiveness of medical cannabis in treating chronic pain in adults.

Cannabis for Parkinson’s disease tremors

Israeli research has shown that cannabis reduces pain and tremor in patients with Parkinson’s disease. Ruth Djaldetti, from Tel Aviv University, explained in Medpage Today that she recommend marijuana use as a last resort, if nothing else worked for them or if they had pain.

Cannabis against the side effects of chemotherapy

Dronabinol is prescribed to limit the side effects of cancer treatments, namely nausea, and vomiting related to chemotherapy. THC reduces vomiting by binding to cannabinoid CB1 receptors.

Cannabis stimulates appetite

Dronabinol is a drug for the treatment of AIDS-related anorexia. Dronabinol contains delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), a cannabis psychotropic. The molecule binds to a cannabinoid receptor, which increases appetite.

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