New research highlights the ongoing debate over the medical benefits of cannabis. It seems that consensus on the use of cannabis for different conditions is still a ways off.
It is now more necessary than ever to conduct solid research on cannabis (and draw conclusions), as more than one quarter of US adults and Canadians report using cannabis medically, while an estimated 10,5% of US residents use cannabidiol.
Cannabis is used to treat and manage many conditions. However, its potential benefits as well as any harms it may cause are hotly debated.
Consider, for example, a recent study that involved researchers from different institutions in the USA. They analyzed several randomized clinical studies. It discovered:
- Reduced nausea and vomiting due to various causes.
- HIV/AIDS sufferers using cannabinoids reported a mild weight gain compared to those taking placebo
- Evidence-based guidelines do not recommend the use of inhaled or high-potency cannabis (≥10% or 10 mg Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol [Δ9-THC]() to medical purposes.
- Use of high-potency cannabis compared to low-potency cannabis is linked with an increase in psychotic symptoms.
- The cannabis use disorder criteria was met by 29% individuals using cannabis medically.
- The risk of heart attack, stroke and coronary disease increased when cannabis was inhaled daily as opposed to not using it at all.
According to the researchers, evidence from clinical trials randomized does not support cannabis or cannabinoids as a treatment for many conditions that it has been promoted for such as insomnia and acute pain. Despite the fact that some studies indicate to the contrary. Growing evidence suggests that co-use with medical cannabis can reduce opioid prescriptions. Some patients have even stopped taking opioids while maintaining adequate pain relief and quality of life.
Its effectiveness varies from person to person.
According to the researchers of this review,
Evidence is inadequate for cannabis and cannabinoids to be used for medical reasons. To support evidence-based, safe decision making, clinicians must provide clear and concise guidance. “Clinicians must weigh the risks and benefits when educating patients on cannabis or cannabinoid consumption.”
The study: Therapeutic Use of Cannabis and Cannabinoids — A Review has been published JAMA is the leading journal in this field.