Latest Developments in the Application of Medical Cannabis
Despite all the advancements that our society has made in terms of medical technology, there are still many different ailments and diseases that are without a cure. From cancer to epilepsy to many other long-haul illnesses, there are millions of people across North America and the rest of the world that are suffering incessantly from issues that can’t be mitigated.
This list continues to grow as our understanding of the human body improves. However, even with the vast strides being made, there are still many who are looking for other avenues to combat their medical issues. With new prescription drugs typically on the expensive side, especially for those who need to take medication indefinitely, cheap and safe alternatives have historically been hard to come by.
Many people have turned to cannabis as a form of treatment. The use of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids has been helpful in mitigating myalgias and other symptoms that are associated with persistent physical or psychological distress.
The state of Illinois is currently one year into its pilot program to legalize the use of medical cannabis. A handful of businesses have already been given the green light to allow individuals with certain illnesses to purchase and consume pharmaceutical-grade formulations of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol (CBD), and hybrid compounds.
How Cannabis Is Helping Address Ongoing Mental and Physical Ailments
As the stigma surrounding cannabis use continues to lift across the country, medical experts, scientists, and policy researchers are continuously discovering new applications of the very versatile hemp plant.
Managing Chronic Pain in Pekin
Around the state of Illinois and the rest of the country, there are countless people using nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or opioids to try and reduce neuropathic and consistent painful sensations. Fibromyalgia and other types of chronic pain in Pekin are particularly devastating because they often cannot be accounted for through traditional screening and treatment methods. This results in patients and their families suffering and not knowing why.
There is a common misconception that the only way to treat these types of pain is with prescription medication, but cannabis has been shown to reduce or eliminate consistent neuropathy and nerve damage discomfort for countless people who have tried it. Patients who were previously on high doses of opioids such as fentanyl are now able to manage their symptoms with a medical compound that has negligible side effects for many people.
The relationship between THC, CBD, and ongoing discomfort is complex, with many insights yet to be derived. However, there are studies that show THC inhalation produces a small but significant analgesic effect on consistent discomfort from neuropathy or injuries.
Managing Multiple Sclerosis in Pekin
MS is a disorder that affects the entire central nervous system and in varying degrees can inhibit or completely impede movement, sensation, and muscle coordination. Patients with MS experience chronic pain which is one of the most common reasons people take opioids long-term. The American College of Physicians endorsed medical cannabis in 2015 to reduce opioid use and suggested it as a complementary therapy to opioids.
Using both pharmaceutical and plant-based cannabinoids in tandem can be very effective in chronic pain management. Some studies show THC is more potent when used together with CBD, though CBD does not have psychoactive effects.
MS is a condition in which the central nervous system is unable to function correctly due to autoimmune attacks on nerves within the brain and spinal cord. There are a variety of factors that are related to MS including the geographic location of the patient, immune functioning, and genetics.
Although there is no cure for MS, medical cannabis has been widely documented to reduce spasticity significantly. Although there is still lots of research to be done, it appears as though some patients with MS can benefit from the use of THC and CBD products like oils, tinctures, and dried flower compounds that can help reduce the significance of muscle spasms and related pain.
Managing PTSD in Pekin
Initial interest in the area of using cannabis to treat post-traumatic stress disorder came from actual patients. Many anecdotal reports stated that the use of THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids is helpful at reducing many of the consistent negative effects related to post-traumatic distress. These horrible symptoms, which include nightmares, panic and anxiety attacks, uncontrollable thoughts, and social withdrawal can be debilitating for those afflicted.
Patients first began approaching medical professionals to ask about the use of cannabis as a treatment, leading researchers to study the effects of cannabinoids on patients with PTSD more seriously.
Researchers at New York University recently conducted a double-blind clinical trial involving seventy-three veterans with chronic, treatment-resistant post-traumatic stress disorder. All subjects were clinically diagnosed and had been experiencing symptoms for an average of over seventeen years. The study participants were divided into three groups: the first group received 800 mg daily of synthetic tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in pill form; the second group received a mixture of mostly cannabidiol and some tetrahydrocannabinol.
Overall, the researchers concluded that the two treatments were associated with clinically significant reductions in post-traumatic stress disorder symptom severity. They also noted that no adverse events among participants were attributed to either of the study drugs. Participants who received THC pills reported both more improvement and more side effects than those receiving CBD.
Manage Your Ongoing Physical and Mental Health Issues today!
If you’re someone who struggles with one of the issues mentioned above or another persistent health concern that defies standard medical treatment, it may be worthwhile to discuss the use of cannabis as a treatment option. Reach out to your medical professional and cannabis consultants to learn more about how THC, CBD, and other cannabinoids may be able to make your ailment more manageable.