You've probably seen a lot of news articles and posts explaining how beneficial medical cannabis can be for cancer patients. It not only eases pain but helps combat the nausea and fatigue that come with chemotherapy. Indeed, medical cannabis is wonderful for anyone battling cancer — but it's also a great option for patients with other conditions and concerns. Here's a look at some of the other ways in which cannabis can be used medically.
To Ease Anxiety
Anxiety is a medical condition that cannot be seen, but those who experience it know how debilitating it can be. It can keep you from going to work, enjoying time with friends, and being yourself. There are many drugs on the market meant to treat anxiety, but a lot of them are addictive or have unwanted side effects. Medical cannabis can help calm your anxious mind so that you're better able to function in society and actually enjoy yourself. If you are worried that feeling "high" might actually make you more anxious, you can look for a strain that is high in CBD, an active cannabinoid that calms the mind, but low in THC, the chemical that makes users feel high.
To Ease Muscle and Joint Pain
NSAIDs have long been used to ease muscle pain due to arthritis and injuries. But they can cause side effects like stomach ulcers and liver damage. Cannabis does not cause these side effects, and it's quite effective for managing this type of pain. It's a good choice for almost anyone who suffers from osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, tendinitis, or another related condition.
To Fight Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a serious disease of the eyes. In involves increased pressure within the eye, which, over time, leads to nerve damage and a loss of vision. Patients cannot regain any vision that they have lost to glaucoma, but they can take action to keep the condition from worsening. Cannabis is one treatment that can reduce the pressure in the eye, helping to prevent future nerve damage and vision loss. If you've reacted poorly to other medications your eye doctor has prescribed for glaucoma, consider switching to cannabis.
Medical cannabis is an excellent option for cancer patients, but it is not just for cancer patients. If you've been dealing with anxiety, glaucoma, or joint pain, talk to your doctor about the benefits of cannabis. It is gaining increased acceptance in the medical community and beyond.
To learn more about medical cannabis, contact a doctor.