Medical cannabis or medical marijuana has been used for thousands of years. Here you can find out why.
Since when has cannabis been used in medicine?
The use of cannabis for medicinal purposes dates back to ancient times. There is evidence that cannabis was used for medicinal purposes in China, India and the Middle East as early as 5,000 years ago. In ancient China, cannabis was used to treat a variety of conditions including pain, inflammation, insomnia and nausea. In India, cannabis has been used to treat conditions such as asthma, coughs and colds. In the Middle East, cannabis was used to treat conditions such as malaria, fever and diarrhea.
Cannabis was also used for medicinal purposes in Europe in the Middle Ages. It has been used to treat conditions such as pain, inflammation, insomnia and nausea.
In the 19th century, cannabis was increasingly used as an intoxicant in Europe and the United States. This led to cannabis being made illegal in many countries.
In recent decades there has been a resurgence of interest in the medical benefits of cannabis. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing number of studies supporting the medical benefits of cannabis and the increasing legalization of cannabis in many countries. Today, cannabis is legal for medical purposes in over 50 countries around the world. It is used to treat a variety of conditions including pain, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, and nausea and vomiting.
Some examples of early use of cannabis for medicinal purposes:
China: Cannabis was used in China 5,000 years ago to treat pain, inflammation, insomnia and nausea.
India: Cannabis has been used in India to treat conditions such as asthma, coughs and colds.
Middle East: Cannabis has been used in the Middle East to treat conditions such as malaria, fever and diarrhea.
Middle Ages: Cannabis was also used for medicinal purposes in Europe during the Middle Ages. It has been used to treat conditions such as pain, inflammation, insomnia and nausea.
Modern research on the medical benefits of cannabis
Modern research into the medical benefits of cannabis has increased in recent years. This is due to a number of factors, including the increasing legalization of cannabis in many countries, the availability of more research funding and the development of new methods to study the effects of cannabis.
Research has shown that cannabis can be effective for a variety of conditions, including:
- Pain: Cannabis can be effective for a variety of pain conditions, including chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and muscle spasms.
- Inflammation: Cannabis may have anti-inflammatory properties that may be effective in a variety of inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, Crohn's disease, and multiple sclerosis.
- Nausea and vomiting: Cannabis may be effective for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other medical treatments.
- Loss of appetite: Cannabis may be effective for loss of appetite caused by cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other medical conditions.
- Glaucoma: Cannabis can lower intraocular pressure, which can be helpful for glaucoma.
- Spasticity: Cannabis may be effective for spasticity caused by multiple sclerosis and other diseases.
- Anxiety: Cannabis can be effective for anxiety, but it is important to note that it can also make anxiety worse in some people.
- Insomnia: Cannabis can be effective for insomnia, but it is important to note that it can also affect sleep quality in some people.
Research into the medical benefits of cannabis is still in its early stages. However, there is increasing evidence that cannabis can be an effective treatment for a variety of medical conditions.
New research directions
In the coming years, research into the medical benefits of cannabis is expected to advance in the following areas:
- Studying the effects of cannabis on other diseases: Research will focus on studying the effects of cannabis on other diseases, including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, depression and post-traumatic stress disorder.
- Studying the effects of cannabis on different cannabinoids: The research will focus on studying the effects of different cannabinoids, including THC, CBD and others.
- The development of new cannabis-based medicines: Research will focus on developing new cannabis-based medicines that are more effective and safer than currently available products.
Research into the medical benefits of cannabis has the potential to improve the treatment of a variety of medical conditions.
In what form is cannabis administered as medicine?
Cannabis can be administered as medicine in various forms. The most common forms are:
- Flowers: Cannabis flowers are either smoked, vaporized, or made into tea. Smoking cannabis flowers is the oldest and most common form of cannabis administration. Vaping cannabis flowers is a healthier alternative to smoking as it releases fewer harmful substances. Making cannabis flowers into tea is another way to consume cannabis.
- Extracts: Cannabis extracts are concentrated forms of cannabis that contain higher levels of cannabinoids than cannabis flowers. Cannabis extracts can be taken orally, vaporized, or dropped under the tongue.
- Capsules: Cannabis capsules are a convenient form of cannabis administration. Cannabis capsules contain cannabis extract enclosed in capsules. The capsules can be taken orally.
- Oils: Cannabis oils are another concentrated form of cannabis. Cannabis oils can be taken orally, vaporized, or dropped under the tongue.
- Ointments: Cannabis ointments can be applied to the skin. Cannabis ointments can be effective for pain, inflammation, and other skin conditions.
The choice of the correct form of administration depends on the individual needs of the patient. Some factors that should be considered when choosing the route of administration are:
- The desired effect: Some forms of administration are better for treating certain symptoms than others. For example, smoking cannabis flowers is a good way to relieve pain, while cannabis oils are a good way to treat nausea and vomiting.
- Personal preference: Some people prefer certain forms of administration over others. For example, some people prefer smoking cannabis flowers while other people prefer cannabis capsules.
- Tolerability: Some forms of administration can cause side effects. For example, smoking cannabis flowers can cause respiratory problems.
In Austria, medical cannabis can be prescribed by doctors with a prescription. The following medical indications are recognized in Austria:
- Pain: Cannabis can be effective for a variety of pain conditions, including chronic pain, neuropathic pain, and muscle spasms.
- Nausea and vomiting: Cannabis may be effective for nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other medical treatments.
- Loss of appetite: Cannabis may be effective for loss of appetite caused by cancer, HIV/AIDS, or other medical conditions.
- Multiple Sclerosis (MS): Cannabis may be effective for spasticity, pain, and other MS symptoms.
- Epilepsy: Cannabis may be effective for certain forms of epilepsy.
- Glaucoma: Cannabis can lower intraocular pressure, which can be helpful for glaucoma.
The selection of the correct form of administration and the correct cannabis product is carried out, for example. in Austria by the treating doctor.
What are the possible side effects of cannabis as medicine?
Cannabis can cause a range of side effects depending on the dose, route of administration and the individual body.
Frequent side effects:
- Dry mouth: Cannabis can cause dry mouth because it inhibits saliva production.
- Fatigue: Cannabis can cause fatigue because it inhibits central nervous system activity.
- Dizziness: Cannabis can cause dizziness because it can alter blood flow to the brain.
- Nausea: Cannabis can cause nausea because it can inhibit the activity of the gastrointestinal tract.
Less common side effects:
- Anxiety: Cannabis can worsen anxiety, especially in people prone to anxiety.
- Hallucinations: In rare cases, cannabis can cause hallucinations.
- Psychosis: In very rare cases, cannabis can cause psychosis, particularly in people with a history of mental illness.
- Cardiovascular problems: Cannabis can increase heart rate and blood pressure.
- Lung problems: Smoking cannabis can lead to respiratory diseases such as asthma and COPD.
- Urinary tract infections: Smoking cannabis can increase the risk of urinary tract infections.
Other possible side effects:
- Changes in appetite: Cannabis can increase or decrease appetite.
- Changes in sleep quality: Cannabis can improve or worsen sleep.
- Mood changes: Cannabis can improve or worsen mood.
- Changes in the ability to concentrate: Cannabis can affect the ability to concentrate.
It is important to be aware of the possible side effects of cannabis before taking it as medicine. If you notice any side effects, you should inform your doctor.
Risks of cannabis for certain illnesses:
- Cardiovascular disease: Cannabis can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular diseases. People with cardiovascular diseases should therefore use cannabis with caution.
- Psychosis: Cannabis may increase the risk of psychosis, especially in people with a history of mental illness. People with psychosis should therefore not take cannabis.
- Epilepsy: Cannabis can lower the seizure threshold and increase the risk of seizures. People with epilepsy should therefore only take cannabis under medical supervision.
Interactions with other medications:
Cannabis can interact with other medications. It is important to speak to a doctor before taking cannabis if you are taking other medications.
Conclusion
You can tell that the future of cannabis in medicine is very promising. Research into the medical benefits of cannabis has increased in recent years and has shown that cannabis can be effective for a variety of medical conditions. The legalization of cannabis in many countries will further advance research into the medical benefits of cannabis. Research will also focus on developing new cannabis-based medicines that are more effective and safer than currently available products.
Overall, cannabis is a promising new treatment option for a variety of diseases. Research into the medical benefits of cannabis will continue to advance in the coming years and is expected to lead to broader use of cannabis in medicine.
