Medicinal Uses of Cannabis: Pros and Cons

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Table of Contents

Introduction
Benefits
Drawbacks
Discussion
Conclusion
References

Introduction

Cannabis has long been used medicinally, and in recent years, interest in the potential benefits of cannabis-based medications for treating various medical conditions has increased. Nevertheless, there may be risks and drawbacks to using cannabis, just like with any drug. As such, it is crucial to examine both the advantages and disadvantages of medicinal cannabis, emphasizing the benefits of possible pain relief and a decrease in anxiety and depression, as well as the disadvantages of possible side effects and addiction. In general, medicinal cannabis has excellent properties in treating pain, anxiety, and depression, while its risks are typically minimal and can be adequately controlled with proper monitoring and dosage.

Benefits

Pain Relief

The capacity of medicinal cannabis to relieve pain is one of its most well-known advantages. Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from the debilitating disease of chronic pain, and conventional painkillers frequently fail to provide adequate relief. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), two cannabinoids contained in cannabis, have been discovered to be very effective at lowering pain, especially neuropathic pain can be particularly challenging to treat with conventional drugs (Maayah et al., 2020). Cannabis interacts with the body’s endocannabinoid system, which controls how painful stimuli are perceived. As it can help to lessen pain and inflammation, cannabis has demonstrated potential in treating various chronic pain issues.

Reducing Anxiety and Depression

The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression, two of the most prevalent mental health illnesses that impact millions of people worldwide, have been discovered to be potentially helped by medicinal cannabis. THC and CBD, two active substances found in cannabis, are thought to interact with the brain’s endocannabinoid system to affect how mood, stress, and anxiety are regulated (Steardo et al., 2021). The brain is one part of the body with a complex network of neurotransmitters and receptors known as the endocannabinoid system. Many physiological functions, including pain, emotion, food, and sleep, are regulated by this system. In particular, THC and CBD may help to lessen the signs and symptoms of PTSD (Steardo et al., 2021). Thus, interest in medicinal cannabis has grown due to the hunt for alternative treatments.

Drawbacks

Side Effects

Cannabis used for medical purposes has been demonstrated to have potential advantages for several medical issues. However, it is crucial to understand that it can also have risks and adverse effects. Like the usage of any medication, medicinal cannabis use can result in adverse side effects and undesirable symptoms, which can vary based on the user and the particular product utilized. Drowsiness or weariness is one of the most frequently mentioned adverse effects of medicinal cannabis (Kuhathasan et al., 2019). This is especially true for items that have high THC content because THC is known to have sedative effects (Kuhathasan et al., 2019). Some patients may discover that this adverse effect makes it difficult for them to go about their daily lives regularly, in which case they may need to modify their dosage or administration time.

Addiction

The possibility of addiction is one of the potential disadvantages of therapeutic cannabis. Compulsive drug-seeking behavior, persistent use despite unfavorable effects, and withdrawal symptoms upon cessation of drug usage are the hallmarks of addiction. Cannabis addiction remains a challenge even though it is sometimes considered less severe than addiction to other substances like opiates or alcohol. The main compound in cannabis, THC, is thought to be connected to the risk of addiction. The psychoactive properties of cannabis, including the “high,” are due to the molecule THC (Moreno-Rius, 2019). As THC enters the brain, it interacts with the endocannabinoid system, which regulates mood, stress, and reward (Maayah et al., 2020). The brain’s creation of dopamine, linked to feelings of pleasure and reward, is thought to be one of the primary factors underlying cannabis’ potential for addiction. When used frequently, cannabis, like other psychoactive substances, has the potential to lead to a state of dependence in some users.

Discussion

To ascertain whether the possible benefits of medicinal cannabis outweigh the risks, the advantages and disadvantages of the drug must be thoroughly weighed. Even though cannabis usage carries some possible hazards, such as side effects and addiction, these risks are minimal and may be effectively controlled with careful monitoring and dosage. Nevertheless, there are few, if any, realistic options for many people when it comes to treating pain, anxiety, and depression. A particular instance analysis of the potential dangers and advantages of this therapy option, as well as the individual health issues involved, must be done before deciding whether to utilize medicinal cannabis. Evidence, however, indicates that the benefits of cannabis usage ultimately outweigh the risks.

Conclusion

With careful monitoring and dosage, it can be concluded that medicinal cannabis has more advantages than disadvantages. Nevertheless, each case-by-case choice to utilize medicinal cannabis must be made after carefully weighing the advantages and disadvantages of this course of treatment. Cannabis has several therapeutic effects, including the ability to alleviate pain and reduce anxiety. However, it also carries particular concerns, such as addiction and adverse effects. Individuals can make wise decisions about their health and well-being by carefully considering the potential risks and advantages of medicinal cannabis and selecting treatment alternatives that are safe, efficient, and suitable for their particular requirements.

References

Kuhathasan, N., Dufort, A., MacKillop, J., Gottschalk, R., Minuzzi, L., & Frey, B. N. (2019). The use of cannabinoids for sleep: A critical review on clinical trials. Experimental and Clinical Psychopharmacology, 27(4), 383–401. Web.

Maayah, Z,. Takahara, S., Ferdaoussi, M., & Dyck, J. R. B. (2020). The molecular mechanisms that underpin the biological benefits of full-spectrum cannabis extract in the treatment of neuropathic pain and inflammation. Biochimica et Biophysica Acta. Molecular Basis of Disease, 1866(7), 165771–165771. Web.

Moreno-Rius. (2019). The cerebellum, THC, and cannabis addiction: Findings from animal and human studies. Cerebellum, 18(3), 593–604. Web.

Steardo, L., Carbone, E. A., Menculini, G., Moretti, P., & Tortorella, A. (2021). Endocannabinoid system as therapeutic target of PTSD: A systematic review. Life, 11(3), 214. Web.

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