Most people may not realize that cannabis has been used for medicinal purposes for thousands of years. This may be because in the U.S. under federal law, it is illegal to be in possession of this plant. Times have changed, though, and as 28 states in the have legalized marijuana for medicinal purposes, the use of this once-controversial plant has increased dramatically and enabled people of all ages to use it as an alternative to help with a range of diseases and illnesses from cancer to epileptic seizures. This is great news for people looking for a more natural way to aid health problems. If you’re wondering if you might benefit from medical marijuana, here’s a list of illnesses and diseases that are considered qualifying conditions and that might make you eligible for a California medical marijuana card.
Crohn’s Disease
Cannabinol (CBD), which is a cannabinoid found in marijuana, has anti-inflammatory properties, and in the case of Crohn’s disease, it can limit intestinal inflammation.
Crohn’s disease is a chronic inflammatory condition that affects any part of the gastrointestinal tract. People with this disease can suffer from cramping, abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea. Although diet and prescription medicines are some forms of treatment, around 60 percent of patients with Crohn’s disease will require surgery at some stage during their lifetime. Cannabinol (CBD), which is a cannabinoid found in marijuana, has anti-inflammatory properties, and in the case of Crohn’s disease, it can limit intestinal inflammation. This is because compounds found in the marijuana plant closely imitate endocannabinoids and have been proven to play a significant part in reducing gastrointestinal inflammation.
Cancer
Cannabis can’t cure cancer, but there is no denying that medical marijuana has helped many people cope with the side effects of cancer treatment, such as chemo-induced nausea. The National Institute on Drug Abuse has claimed that cannabis can even help to shrink tumors and kill cancer cells.
Depression
Depression affects more than 15 million Americans and is a serious mental illness regardless of the level. Different cannabis strains are known to have a stress-relieving effect, and low doses of THC have been proven to increase serotonin levels (happy hormones) as well as relieve anxiety. Most people who use medical marijuana smoke it because it is the fastest way to experience the effects.
Epilepsy
If you suffer from epileptic seizures, there is evidence of cannabis’s ability to reduce the debilitating condition. The research is promising, especially for people with a treatment-resistant form of the disease. For children and the elderly, two groups that epilepsy more commonly affects, medical marijuana in the form of tinctures is an ideal way to take the medication. CBD, which is the main compound in cannabis, is confirmed to be a safe and effective treatment for epilepsy.
Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is a neurological condition that affects the spinal cord, optic nerve and brain, which means it can affect your nerve system. This can result in symptoms such as fatigue, spasms, dizziness and balance problems, and the disorder is incurable, which can make life very difficult for patients. Medical marijuana, in the form of cannabis oil, or prescription medicine has been helpful in easing these symptoms by relieving pain and improving brain function as the cannabinoids are anti-inflammatory.
Chronic Pain
The most common use of medical marijuana is to treat chronic pain.
Chronic pain can be caused by disorders such as multiple sclerosis and fibromyalgia as well as general pains such as headaches, muscle soreness and cramps. The most common use of medical marijuana is to treat pain, and it can work very effectively depending on the level and type of pain and a person’s own physiology. The main method of using cannabis for pain relief is to smoke the marijuana. This is also the quickest way to experience the painkilling properties.
Arthritis
Arthritis, like multiple sclerosis, is an incurable disease. It causes joint inflammation and pain, mainly in the spine, hands, knees and hips. This mostly affects people aged 40 and older, and taking medical marijuana in the form of tinctures or vaping are ideal ways of coping with this disease. Again, this works by reducing inflammation and pain in the joints as the compounds CBD and THC hold painkilling properties.
Insomnia
Insomnia affects many people throughout their lifetime, especially due to today’s hectic, fast-paced lifestyle. Medical marijuana can be used as a helpful alternative sleep aid as opposed to prescription sleeping pills, which may require higher and higher doses as your body becomes used to the drug. The indica strain tends to result in heavier sleep effects compared to sativa, which has more energizing effects.
This list is in no way conclusive of the diseases, illnesses and conditions that medical marijuana can help with. People with glaucoma, weight issues from illnesses such as HIV, post-traumatic stress disorder and Alzheimer’s disease could also potentially benefit from the use of medical marijuana. If you suffer from any of the above illnesses, all you have to do is obtain a medical marijuana card online and try this method of treatment yourself.