Today, in many parts of the world, medical cannabis can be prescribed by a medical doctor to treat several conditions, including epilepsy, severe chronic pain, muscle spasms caused by multiple sclerosis, and nausea caused by cancer-related treatments.
In this opinion editorial, Connor Davis, co-founder of AKOS BIO, explains why medical cannabis isn’t just a trend. It’s a transformative approach to wellness that’s changing the way we think about medicine overall.
Four main health benefits that medicinal cannabis offers
1. Pain management
One of the most common reasons people turn to medical cannabis is for pain relief from conditions such as osteoarthritis, neuropathy, fibromyalgia, endometriosis, and cancer. Conventional pain medications, such as NSAIDs, can cause gastrointestinal issues, and medications that contain opioids can result in addiction and other long-term health consequences.“In contrast, medical cannabis can have far fewer side effects and less risk of dependence, making it a safer pain relief option when it comes to managing chronic pain, cancer-related pain and post-surgical recovery,” says Sikhosanda Kula, Responsible Pharmacist for AKOS BIO, the first South African pharmacy to provide fully regulated, locally produced medical cannabis compounds.
What does the research say?
A 2018 review in Frontiers in Pharmacology detailed the effects of cannabis on neuropathic pain. The review found that THC and CBD could reduce pain intensity, particularly in patients who had inadequate relief from conventional therapies.“Cannabis works by interacting with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which helps regulate pain and inflammation. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) is the psychoactive compound in cannabis that binds to receptors in the nervous system to reduce pain perception, while cannabidiol (CBD) has anti-inflammatory properties,” Kula adds.
2. Relief from anxiety
Given the frantic pace of modern life, anxiety is a widespread issue that affects millions of people in different ways, from general anxiety and panic attacks to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). As with pain and sleep medications, drugs such as antidepressants and benzodiazepines are commonly prescribed but can be highly addictive and cause drowsiness along with other unwanted side effects.“As people seek alternatives, CBD has shown significant promise in treating anxiety and managing symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, PTSD, OCD and even panic disorders,” says Dr Robyn Milton, a South African doctor interested in the potential therapeutic benefits of medical cannabis.”
Unlike THC, which can sometimes increase anxiety in high doses, Dr. Milton says that CBD provides relief without psychoactive effects by interacting with serotonin receptors in the brain, promoting a sense of calm and well-being. “With fewer side effects than traditional anxiety medications, it’s becoming a preferred choice for those looking for a natural way to manage their symptoms,” she says.
What does the research say?
A 2015 review in Neurotherapeutics examined preclinical and clinical studies on CBD and concluded that CBD showed promise as a treatment for multiple anxiety disorders. These include generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), primarily through its effects on serotonin receptors in the brain.
3. Improving sleep
Sleep disorders affect millions of people and can lead to poor health and a decreased quality of life. While traditional treatments like sleeping pills can help in the short term, they often come with side effects such as drowsiness, cognitive impairment and a higher tolerance over time, which means they become less effective the longer they are used.“THC is known for its sedative effects, particularly at higher doses. It has also been shown to reduce the time it takes to fall asleep (known as sleep latency) and may prolong deep sleep (known as slow-wave sleep), which is important for physical restoration. CBD, a non-psychoactive component of cannabis, has been found to improve sleep by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. THC and CBD medical products can be administered in the form of an oral suspension or inhalation,” says Kula.
What does the research say?
A 2019 study published in The Permanente Journal study found that 66.7% of the participants experienced an improvement in sleep scores after one month of using CBD. The findings show its potential to alleviate insomnia and improve sleep quality by reducing anxiety and promoting relaxation. Unlike traditional sleep aids, cannabis addresses the underlying issues of poor sleep, such as pain and anxiety, rather than simply masking the symptoms. This makes it a far more effective treatment in the longer term.