5 Unusual Uses of Cannabis in the Medical World
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Leesduur: 5 min
Cannabis has long had a controversial image. Yet, interest in its potential medicinal uses is growing worldwide.
Not as a miracle cure, but as a supplement for certain complaints. A key reason for its growing popularity is that cannabis often has fewer side effects than traditional medications.
Cannabis can relieve symptoms of pain, nausea, loss of appetite, and tremors.
Significantly fewer side effects than opiates: this is why medical interest is growing, but supplementary use and customisation remain essential.
Always use under the supervision of a physician. Be aware of dizziness, increased heart rate, depression, and addiction.
5 medical uses of cannabis
Here are five examples where cannabis is being explored as a possible support:
1. May help with chronic pain
For people with persistent pain – such as nerve pain, cancer pain or spasticity in MS – cannabis is increasingly being explored as a treatment option.
Compared to strong painkillers, such as opiates, cannabis could be interesting because it has a lower risk of physical dependence.
A 2021 systematic review study examined the effect of cannabis on neuropathic pain. While results varied, some studies showed a positive effect. (1)(2)
For spasticity caused by MS, a combination of different substances from cannabis is sometimes prescribed. Clinical studies show that this can provide relief in some cases. (3)
2. Helps with nausea during chemotherapy
Nausea from chemotherapy can take a heavy toll on the daily lives of cancer patients.
The drug dronabinol, a synthetic form of a known substance from cannabis, is increasingly being prescribed.
Researchers are comparing these types of drugs with standard treatments for nausea, and they find that some patients feel better using cannabis drugs, despite the side effects they sometimes bring, such as dizziness and drowsiness. (4)
3. Stimulates appetite
Many people recognize that cannabis makes you hungry—the well-known "munchies." But can this effect also be used medicinally?
Researchers are investigating whether this could be beneficial for people with HIV/AIDS or cancer, for example, where loss of appetite and weight loss can be serious problems. They are investigating whether cannabis compounds can influence appetite by activating CB1 receptors in the body.
The results are still mixed. Some studies show a slightly positive effect, while others find no difference compared to a placebo. More and larger-scale research is needed to truly clarify this. (5)(6)
4. Can improve quality of life in palliative care
Palliative care is investigating whether cannabis products can contribute to comfort and well-being in the final stages of life. Although research is still ongoing, there are already some interesting indications.
For example, some small studies (often involving patient groups such as people with cancer or dementia) report that cannabis may help relieve symptoms such as pain, fatigue, or loss of appetite. (7)
However, the quality of this evidence is low, and outcomes vary from patient to patient. Therefore, it remains a personalized approach, often in consultation between doctor and patient.
5. May relieve tremors in Parkinson's and MS
People with Parkinson's or MS are also increasingly using cannabis these days in the hope of relieving tremors or stiffness.
The exact mechanism of action is not yet clear. However, the endocannabinoid system—which is involved in movement and muscle tension—does seem to play a role.
Cannabis could influence the processing of signals in the brain through this system. This can provide relief in some cases, although the effect varies from person to person. (8)
This is about symptomatic relief , not a cure. Therefore, further research is needed into the appropriate forms, dosages, and for whom it might be beneficial.
Safety and Risks of Cannabis
While cannabis can provide relief in some situations, it's not a drug you should just use, especially if you have a medical condition or are taking medication. Always consult your doctor before starting.
Furthermore, cannabis is not suitable for everyone .
Possible risks include:
- Dizziness or drowsiness
- Accelerated heart rate
- Mood changes or feelings of anxiety
- Addiction potential with long-term use
- Interactions with other medications
Furthermore, the quality of cannabis is important. The composition of the active ingredients can vary considerably. Therefore, if you use it medically, it's wise to discuss this with your healthcare provider.
If you're using it without a medical indication, choose a reliable coffeeshop in Amsterdam with reliable products.
Conclusion
Cannabis offers interesting possibilities in some areas, especially as additional support for certain conditions. But it's not a harmless herb – so don't use it lightly.
There is a lot of research going on worldwide, and in the coming years we will likely learn more about safe and effective applications.
Not sure if it's right for you? Always consult your doctor (or general practitioner) first.
Ebrina van der Bijl
Ebrina is a nutritionist with a deep commitment to healthy eating and a sustainable lifestyle, based in beautiful Portugal. Her passion for natural and organic products is at the heart of her work. With a background in Nutrition & Dietetics and experience in product development and writing, she translates complex scientific information into practical advice for a balanced lifestyle.
Sources used
- Efficacy of Cannabis-Based Medicines for Pain Management: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials . (2017, September 1). PubMed. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28934780/
- Sainsbury, B., Bloxham, J., Pour, M. H., Padilla, M., & Enciso, R. (2021). Efficacy of cannabis-based medications compared to placebo for the treatment of chronic neuropathic pain: a systematic review with meta-analysis. Journal Of Dental Anesthesia And Pain Medicine, 21(6), 479. https://doi.org/10.17245/jdapm.2021.21.6.479
- Azadvari, M., Pourshams, M., Guitynavard, F., Emami-Razavi, S. Z., Taftian-Banadkouki, E., Ghajarzade, M., & Rastkar, M. (2024). Cannabinoids for spasticity in patients with multiple sclerosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Multiple Sclerosis Journal - Experimental Translational And Clinical, 10(4). https://doi.org/10.1177/20552173241282379
- Whiting, P. F., Wolff, R. F., Deshpande, S., Di Nisio, M., Duffy, S., Hernandez, A. V., Keurentjes, J. C., Lang, S., Misso, K., Ryder, S., Schmidlkofer, S., Westwood, M., & Kleijnen, J. (2015). Cannabinoids for Medical Use. JAMA, 313(24), 2456. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2015.6358
- Simon, L., Baldwin, C., Kalea, A. Z., & Slee, A. (2021). Cannabinoid interventions for improving cachexia outcomes in cancer: a systematic review and meta‐analysis. Journal Of Cachexia Sarcopenia And Muscle, 13(1), 23–41. https://doi.org/10.1002/jcsm.12861
- Hull, M. (2024, August 26). The science behind munchies: cannabis and your appetite. Examine.com. https://examine.com/articles/cannabis-munchies/
- Doppen, M., Kung, S., Maijers, I., John, M., Dunphy, H., Townsley, H., Eathorne, A., Semprini, A., & Braithwaite, I. (2022). Cannabis in Palliative Care: A Systematic Review of Current Evidence. Journal Of Pain And Symptom Management, 64(5), e260–e284. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jpainsymman.2022.06.002
- Urbi, B., Corbett, J., Hughes, I., Owusu, M.A., Thorning, S., Broadley, S.A., Sabet, A., & Heshmat, S. (2021). Effects of Cannabis in Parkinson's Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal Of Parkinson S Disease, 12(2), 495–508. https://doi.org/10.3233/jpd-212923
