The potential of cannabis as a replacement for pharmaceuticals is a very exciting possibility. Currently, pharmaceuticals come in a very limited form and they have varying degrees of side effects.
Medical cannabis is an alternative that is simple, low-risk and very effective. It can be used in a wide variety of ways to suit different patients.
1. Pain Management
The potential of cannabis as a replacement for pharmaceuticals in pain management is growing. This is primarily due to the fact that cannabis has a relatively low risk of addiction and a less dangerous side effect profile compared to opioids. In addition, a significant portion of patients that use cannabis to replace prescription medications report termination or substantial reduction in their opioid use [89, 90].
Cannabinoid-based products have been shown to alleviate pain in specific subtypes such as chronic neuropathic pain and fibromyalgia pain. They are also used to help manage geriatric pain and as an adjunctive treatment for cancer patients with advanced pain who do not respond to more conventional opioid regimens.
One study of ten cancer patients found that oral delta-9-THC, which is extracted from the sativa plant, was effective in relieving pain and reducing its intensity. It also reduced nausea and vomiting. However, these studies were small, and the results did not compare Delta-9-THC to placebo. This lack of data has prevented the development of a more robust evidence base for this compound.
In addition, a 2015 meta-analysis of neuropathic pain studies found that while nabiximols (a vaporized extract of THC) was helpful, it did not show a significantly greater effect than either codeine or placebo. These findings have led to concerns about the safety of nabiximols and other Cannabis-based products, as well as the impact they may have on the endocannabinoid system in general.
Despite the lack of positive clinical trials, the majority of patients that use cannabis to replace prescription medications are reported to be satisfied with their experience and report decreased pain or no pain at all. Additionally, a survey of 2841 cannabis-users in California found that the majority of participants terminated or significantly reduced their prescription opioid use after using cannabis.
It is important to remember that the effectiveness of cannabinoids depends on the individualized risks and benefits of each patient. Ultimately, providers should weigh a patient’s comorbidities and concurrent medication list to determine whether cannabinoids are an appropriate part of the overall pain-management plan.
2. Anxiety & Depression
Anxiety disorders and depression are common mental health conditions. Having one or both can affect your daily life and make you feel isolated and sad.
People with anxiety disorders experience excessive and persistent feelings of worry, fear or anxiety about everyday situations and events. These feelings may be so intense that they interfere with normal activities, and they can last for weeks or months.
These feelings can cause you to become depressed or irritable, and they can even make it difficult to sleep or eat. They can also lead to rumination, a cycle of negative thoughts that repeat in your mind.
Symptoms of both anxiety and depression can improve with therapy, medication, lifestyle changes and a positive support network. You may need to try several treatments before you find the right combination for you.
Many people who have depression also have anxiety, and vice versa. This is called comorbidity.
Researchers don’t know why these two conditions occur so often together, but they have some theories. These theories include that people who have anxiety may not be able to get enough sleep or have poor social support. They might also have high levels of a chemical called serotonin, which is important for feeling happy and content.
When people with anxiety have low levels of serotonin, they may experience symptoms of depression such as feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness. They may also be more irritable and aggressive.
There is some evidence that cannabis can help with anxiety and depression. It contains compounds that interact with the brain’s endocannabinoid system.
For example, THC and CBD can reduce the stress hormone cortisol in your body. The chemicals can also affect brainwaves, reducing the production of anxiety-producing brainwaves.
These effects can be achieved by taking the correct doses and strains of medical cannabis under the supervision of a physician. However, there are still a lot of questions about the safety and effectiveness of this drug in the treatment of anxiety and depression.
Despite the growing use of medical cannabis, more research needs to be done before it can be recommended as a replacement for pharmaceuticals. It is important to note that cannabis can cause serious side effects and should only be used under the supervision of a physician.
3. Sleep
Poor sleep has a significant impact on physical, mental and emotional health. It is estimated that 50% of the world population do not achieve adequate amounts of sleep on a regular basis. This may be attributed to many factors including work, stress, diet and sleep disorders.
Cannabis, also known as marijuana or pot, is a plant that contains chemicals called cannabinoids. These are chemical compounds that have sedating and other potentially therapeutic effects on the body, mind and spirit.
THC, the main cannabinoid in cannabis, has a calming effect and reduces anxiety and agitation. It has also been linked to increased alertness, improved memory and lower blood pressure.
CBD, the other cannabinoid in the cannabis family, is also a powerful sedative. It may also have pain-relieving properties.
Several studies have been published on the efficacy of cannabinoid-based treatments in relation to sleep quality and quantity, although data is limited by the study design and method of analysis. Randomized controlled trials comparing individual cannabinoids and combinations of cannabinoid-based treatments to placebo are needed before clinicians can confidently use cannabinoids as a treatment for insomnia.
The best evidence on the effect of cannabinoids on sleep quality is based on a limited number of studies in a small number of patients with insomnia or poor sleep. Those studies were predominantly double-blind and randomized and used objective measures to quantify sleep quality.
In terms of the clinical effects of cannabis, a recent meta-analysis found that there was moderate to significant improvement in sleep duration and quality with the use of medical cannabis. This was particularly the case for those patients with obstructive sleep apnea.
This analysis is the first to provide a clinical picture of cannabis-related sleep improvements in the real world. These findings will be useful in determining the future role of cannabis in sleep. It has the potential to replace pharmaceuticals as a primary treatment for insomnia and other sleep-related disorders. It is a promising and important new option that should not be ignored.
4. Insomnia
Many people suffer from insomnia, a condition that results in frequent sleep disruptions. It can be a temporary condition, lasting only a few nights, or chronic, lasting for weeks to months.
If you’re experiencing insomnia, talk to a doctor or sleep specialist. They may recommend a course of therapy to help you manage your symptoms and get a good night’s rest.
Insomnia can be caused by a variety of conditions, including depression and anxiety. It can also be caused by an underlying medical issue, like a sleep disorder, a brain tumor, or a neurological disease.
Cannabis can be a useful sleep aid for people with these and other common sleeping disorders. It can be smoked, vaporized, eaten or ingested as a sublingual tincture. It can also be combined with other natural sleep aids and used to treat insomnia at home.
While the research is not yet conclusive, some cannabis strains are known to improve sleep. These strains are characterized by specific terpene profiles that have been found to reduce stress and promote relaxation.
Some terpenes, such as limonene and pinene, may be especially helpful for people who struggle with sleep problems. Other terpenes that may be beneficial include myrcene and caryophyllene.
In addition, THC may alter your sleep architecture — how long you spend in each stage of sleep. Short-term cannabis use may increase the amount of time you spend in deep sleep, which is essential for feeling refreshed and waking up rejuvenated. But it may decrease the time you spend in REM sleep, which is important for dreaming and processing emotions.
If you’re interested in trying cannabis to treat your insomnia, it’s important to find a high-quality strain that has a balanced terpene profile. If you’re a beginner, it’s best to start with a strain that has a low THC percentage and a high CBD content.
GSC is one of the most popular indica-dominant strains that helps people fall asleep and stay asleep. It has a balance of THC and CBD that will help you relax and ease into a peaceful sleep.
