Does Cannabis Have Health Benefits Despite Being A Drug? See What Experts Say About Medical Cannabis

There are hundreds of ayurvedic recipes that contain cannabis that treat hundreds of ailments and disorders ranging from pain management, anxiety, insomnia, eczema, epilepsy etc. 

Health Benefits Of Cannabis

Source : Getty

Cannabis has always been known for its medicinal benefits for thousands of years in India and is considered to be one of the top five most revered medicinal plant in Ayurveda. It is only in the modern times where cannabis has gotten a bad rep and misunderstood as a drug. Strip it from its stigma and you will see there are hundreds of ayurvedic recipes that contain cannabis that treat hundreds of ailments and disorders ranging from pain management, anxiety, insomnia, eczema, epilepsy etc. 

In June 2018, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved the use of a medication containing cannabidiol (CBD) to treat two rare, severe, and specific types of epilepsy — called Lennox-Gastaut syndrome and Dravet syndrome — that are difficult to control with other types of medication. This CBD-based drug is known as Epidiolex.

In this article we will see how cannabis has medicinal benefits and also bust some myths around this herb.

Dr Manish Itolikar, who is a Consultant Physician at Fortis Hospital Mulund said, "Cannabis is a psychoactive drug from the plant Cannabis Sativa. It contains many active compounds like Delta Nine Tetrahydrocannabinol and Cannabidiol. Many study reports suggest possible benefits of marijuana in medical conditions. Medical marijuana is a term for the usage of Cannabis plants in certain medical conditions like Multiple Sclerosis, Crohn’s Disease, Epilepsy, Alzheimer's, Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis, HIV-AIDS and Glaucoma. It also acts as an appetite stimulant in chronic medical conditions. It can be used to control post-chemotherapy nausea and vomiting. It helps in conditions with chronic pain and muscle spasticity."

"Medical Marijuana can be used in various forms like pill, liquid, oil, powder, and dried leaves. Possible side effects of medical marijuana are increased heart rate, giddiness, memory loss, increased appetite, hallucinations and withdrawal symptoms. It is used by many people for recreational purposes. Due to its harmful effects on health and addictive potential, it is banned in many countries, including India. Although the legalisation of its use is debatable, efforts to allow its usage in certain medical conditions are underway in India," he added.

Ways By Which Cannabis Is Changing Healthcare:

Shivam Singhee, who is the Co-Founder & CEO of Awshad said, "Cannabis is slowly getting legalised or medically approved in most countries around the world, lowering the dependency on opium-based medications, which are too strong, addictive and have extremely harmful side-effects on our bodies. With growing educated population in Indian cities, people are now looking for alternative, natural and safe solutions to manage their modern-lifestyle ailments and cannabis-based medications are there to fill that gap up."

Are There Any Chances Of Patients Getting Addicted To It?

Dr. Santosh Pandey, who is a Naturopath and Acupuncturist, at Rejua Energy Center, Mumbai listed the potential side effects:

• Psychoactive Effects: THC, the psychoactive compound in cannabis, can cause euphoria, altered perception, and impaired coordination.
• Cognitive Effects: Cannabis use may impact memory, attention, and learning, particularly in long-term or heavy users.
• Dependency: Regular use can lead to psychological dependence, and in some cases, addiction.
• Respiratory Issues: Smoking cannabis can have similar respiratory risks as tobacco, although alternative consumption methods (edibles, vaporizing) mitigate this.

It is essential to note that individual responses vary, and not everyone experiences the same effects. Medical cannabis should be approached under professional guidance, and potential benefits weighed against associated risks.

Debunking Myths Around Hemp And Cannabis:

 

Yash Kotak, who is the Co-Founder of Boheco said, "It is imperative to underscore that cannabidiol (CBD) does not fall into the category of recreational or habit-forming substances. Rather, it is one of the non-euphoric medicinal components of the plant. Cannabis or hemp are medicinal plants packed with a wealth of nutritional and therapeutic properties. These properties are instrumental in addressing a spectrum of chronic ailments, including but not limited to arthritis, dermatitis, anxiety, insomnia, epilepsy, chronic pain, mood disorders, and stress. Furthermore, hemp seeds and hemp seed oil contribute significantly to one's nutritional profile and can be used in a variety of cuisines such as cakes, rotis, pancakes, waffles, and other baked goods. Hemp seed oil, a prized derivative of these seeds, is gaining acclaim in the cosmetics industry for its remarkable skin benefits. This non-greasy, moisturising oil is known for its skin healing properties," he added.

 

[Disclaimer: The information provided in the article, including treatment suggestions shared by doctors, is intended for general informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.]