What Conditions Can I Prescribe?
4 minute read. š Medical Conditions
Medicinal cannabis has garnered significant attention in recent years for its potential therapeutic benefits across a wide range of medical conditions.
As research expands and legislation evolves, more individuals are exploring cannabis-based treatments as alternative or adjunct therapies.
In this guide, we'll explore various medical conditions that may be alleviated with the use of medicinal cannabis.
Chronic Pain
One of the most common reasons people turn to medicinal cannabis is for the management of chronic pain. Studies have shown that cannabinoids like CBD and THC may help reduce pain perception by interacting with the body's endocannabinoid system.
Conditions such as arthritis, fibromyalgia, neuropathy, and multiple sclerosis-related pain are among those that may benefit from cannabis-based treatments.
"Cannabinoids for Medical Use: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis" published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) in 2015.
Anxiety and Depression
Anxiety and depression affect millions of individuals worldwide, and traditional treatments don't always provide satisfactory relief. Research suggests that CBD, in particular, may have anxiolytic and antidepressant properties by modulating serotonin receptors in the brain. Some people find that medicinal cannabis helps alleviate symptoms of anxiety, depression, and related mood disorders.
"Cannabidiol as a Potential Treatment for Anxiety Disorders" published in the journal Neurotherapeutics in 2015.
Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
Perhaps one of the most well-documented uses of medicinal cannabis is in the treatment of epilepsy and seizure disorders, especially in children with rare forms of epilepsy like Dravet syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut syndrome.
CBD-rich cannabis extracts, such as Epidiolex, have been FDA-approved for the treatment of certain types of seizures, offering hope to patients who haven't responded to traditional antiepileptic drugs.
Cannabidiol in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: An Open-Label Interventional Trial" conducted by Devinsky et al. and published in The Lancet Neurology in 2016.
Cancer-Related Symptoms
Individuals undergoing cancer treatment often experience a host of debilitating symptoms, including pain, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite. Medicinal cannabis, particularly formulations containing THC and CBD, may help alleviate these symptoms and improve quality of life for cancer patients. Additionally, some research suggests that cannabinoids may possess anti-cancer properties, although more studies are needed to confirm these findings.
Cannabinoids in the Management of Symptoms Related to Malignant Diseases: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis" published in the journal JAMA Oncology in 2019.
Neurological Disorders
Several neurological disorders, including epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease, and multiple sclerosis, may benefit from medicinal cannabis treatments. Cannabinoids have demonstrated neuroprotective properties and anti-inflammatory effects, which could help slow the progression of these conditions and alleviate associated symptoms such as tremors, cognitive decline, and spasticity.
Cannabidiol in Patients with Treatment-Resistant Epilepsy: An Open-Label Interventional Trial" conducted by Devinsky et al. and published in The Lancet Neurology in 2016.
Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD)
Inflammatory bowel diseases like Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract, leading to symptoms such as abdominal pain, diarrhea, and weight loss. Some patients find relief from these symptoms with medicinal cannabis, which has anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. Additionally, cannabinoids may help regulate gut motility and improve appetite in individuals with IBD.
Cannabis Induces a Clinical Response in Patients With Crohn's Disease: A Prospective Placebo-Controlled Study" conducted by Naftali et al. and published in the journal Clinical Gastroenterology and Hepatology in 2013.
Sleep Disorders
Insomnia and other sleep disorders can have a profound impact on overall health and well-being. CBD, in particular, has shown promise as a potential treatment for insomnia by promoting relaxation and reducing anxiety levels. Additionally, THC may help improve sleep quality by increasing total sleep time and reducing the frequency of night-time awakenings.
Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Sleep: a Review of the Literature" published in the Current Psychiatry Reports journal in 2017.
The following is a current list of conditions approved for treatment by theĀ TGA.
| Acne | Fibromyalgia |
| ADHD symptoms | Glaucoma |
| Alzheimerās disease | Insomnia |
| Anorexia and wasting | Ischemia |
| Anxiety | Migraines |
| Arthritis | Multiple Sclerosis |
| Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) symptoms | Neuropathic pain |
| Autoimmune disorders | Neuropathies |
| Cachexia | Opioid dependence |
| Cancer & Cancer Pain | Palliative care |
| Cardiovascular diseases | Parkinsonās Disease |
| Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting (CINV) | Polymyalgia Rheumatica |
| Chronic infection | Post CVA Neuropathy |
| Chronic pain | Psychiatric disorders (varying) |
| Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome | PTSD |
| Dementia | Radiculopathies |
| Depression | Rheumatoid Arthritis |
| Diabetes | Sleep disorders |
| Dystonia | Spasticity from neurological conditions |
| Endometriosis | Tremors |
| Epilepsy | |
| Epilepsy / Seizure management |
In Summary
While medicinal cannabis shows promise as a treatment option for various medical conditions, it's essential to approach its use with caution.
Factors such as dosing, cannabinoid ratios, and potential drug interactions must be carefully considered. As research continues to unfold, we gain a deeper understanding of the therapeutic potential of cannabis and its role in modern medicine.