Marijuana, also referred to as cannabis, or its active chemical component THC, can serve as an alternative treatment for a number of conditions associated with chronic pain, inflammation and loss of appetite. While the benefits of medical marijuana are many, patients seeking cannabis for medical use should be cautious as not much is known about how marijuana may interact with common prescription drugs. The complexities of federal, state and local laws also present challenges to the use of medical cannabis.
Glaucoma
Marijuana lowers intraocular pressure in the eye and has been used to treat symptoms of glaucoma. The American Academy of Opthalmology (AAO) says that cannabis has been shown to be effective in treating glaucoma when the cannabis is administered orally, intravenously or through inhalation. The AAO does caution, however, that a number of prescription drugs are now available to treat glaucoma that may be safer and more effective than cannabis.
Cancer
Medical cannabis provides a potential alternative treatment to a number of conditions associated with cancer. Such conditions include chronic pain, loss of appetite, nausea, depression and anxiety. The National Cancer Institute explains that marijuana can help stimulate appetite in cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy or in patients in the later wasting stages of disease. The National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws (NORML) says that marijuana can similarly be used as an appetite stimulant in AIDS patients or sufferers of dementia. It also may act directly on tumors to kill cancerous cells. This effect is especially pertinent to an aggressive form of brain cancer known as glioblastoma. Cancer patients considering medical use of cannabis should consult a medical professional before use to determine if the marijuana may interact with any currently prescribed medications. Patients should educate themselves as to how to best administer marijuana. The use of a vaporizer or taking cannabis through food sources is common among cancer patients who use medical marijuana.
Arthritis
Marijuana reduces pain and inflammation associated with rheumatoid arthritis. THC also has effects on the immune system and may help calm symptoms of arthritis associated with auto-immune reactions. Americans for Safe Access (ASA) reviews medical evidence regarding the use of medical marijuana as an effective treatment for arthritis pain. ASA supports the idea that medical marijuana may have fewer and less dangerous side effects than prescription pain killers.
