Cannabis and health benefits
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Health Benefits of Cannabis: A Comprehensive Overview
Therapeutic Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids
Cannabis and its derivatives, known as cannabinoids, have been extensively studied for their therapeutic potential. The National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine conducted a comprehensive review and found substantial evidence supporting the effectiveness of cannabis in treating chronic pain in adults, chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting, and spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis1. Additionally, there is moderate evidence suggesting cannabis can help with secondary sleep disturbances1. However, the evidence for its effectiveness in treating other conditions such as anxiety, posttraumatic stress disorder, and neurodegenerative disorders remains limited or insufficient1.
Cannabis Use in Older Adults
The legalization of cannabis has led to increased use among older adults, who may experience different effects compared to younger individuals due to age-related changes. A scoping review found that while some studies suggest potential benefits of medical cannabis for conditions like end-stage cancer and dementia, the evidence is inconsistent2. Moreover, cannabis use in older adults is associated with higher frequencies of depression, anxiety, cognitive impairment, and acute healthcare use, indicating a complex benefit-to-risk ratio2.
Pain Management and Other Conditions
Cannabis-based medicines have shown promise in managing pain, particularly in conditions like multiple sclerosis, injury, and cancer3. Reviews indicate that while some studies report benefits in pain reduction, the findings are often inconsistent due to varying study methodologies3. Minor adverse effects such as drowsiness and dizziness are common, and serious harms, though less frequent, have been reported3. Overall, the safety and efficacy of cannabis-based medicines require further rigorous investigation.
Mental Health Implications
Cannabis use has both potential benefits and risks for mental health. It has been suggested that cannabinoids may have neuroprotective properties and could be used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders4. However, there is also evidence linking cannabis use to increased risks of dependence, psychosis, and cognitive impairments, particularly with high-potency products4. The balance between these benefits and risks is still a subject of ongoing research.
Cannabis in Neurological and Psychiatric Disorders
Cannabis has been reported to alleviate symptoms in various neurological and psychiatric disorders. For instance, it can reduce pain and spasticity in multiple sclerosis, improve appetite and quality of life in amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) patients, and decrease tremors and rigidity in Parkinson's disease7. However, cannabis use can exacerbate symptoms in conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder, highlighting the need for careful consideration in these populations7.
Dermatological Applications
Emerging research suggests that cannabinoids may have beneficial effects on skin conditions due to their anti-inflammatory and pain-regulating properties. Studies indicate potential therapeutic roles for cannabinoids in treating conditions such as acne, psoriasis, dermatitis, and wound healing10. Although the body of literature is still growing, these findings point to promising future applications in dermatology.
Conclusion
Cannabis and cannabinoids offer a range of potential health benefits, particularly in pain management, certain neurological conditions, and possibly dermatological applications. However, the evidence is often mixed, and the risks, including mental health issues and cognitive impairments, must be carefully weighed. Further high-quality research is essential to fully understand the therapeutic potential and safety profile of cannabis-based treatments.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
The therapeutic effects of Cannabis and cannabinoids: An update from the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine report.
Cannabis and cannabinoids show conclusive or substantial evidence for treating pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, and spasticity associated with multiple sclerosis, but limited or insufficient evidence for other health benefits.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedImpacts of medical and non-medical cannabis on the health of older adults: Findings from a scoping review of the literature
Cannabis use in older adults is associated with increased mental health issues, substance use, and acute healthcare use, with the benefit-to-risk ratio unclear.
Systematic ReviewBenefits and harms of medical cannabis: a scoping review of systematic reviews
Cannabis-based medicines may have mixed benefits and harms, with minor side effects common and serious harms reported in many reviews, making conclusions difficult due to inconsistent findings and lack of rigorous evidence.
Systematic Review
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedCannabis use and mental health: risks and benefits
Cannabis use can contribute to dependence, psychoses, and cognitive impairment, while some cannabinoids may have neuroprotective properties and treat various mental health disorders.
Rigorous JournalCannabis: are there any benefits?
Cannabis-based medical products (CBMP) show potential benefits in multiple sclerosis, chronic neuropathic pain, chemotherapy-induced nausea, resistant paediatric epilepsy, anxiety, and insomnia, with few serious adverse events.
Internet Claims on the Health Benefits of Cannabis Use
Internet claims about cannabis health benefits are often unsubstantiated and unreliable, with some claims being based on erroneous scientific evidence.
Pros and Cons of Medical Cannabis use by People with Chronic Brain Disorders
Cannabis use may reduce some symptoms of neurological and psychiatric disorders, but chronic use may lead to cognitive impairments and dependence.
Literature ReviewThe Health Effects of Cannabis and Cannabinoids: The Current State of Evidence and Recommendations for Research
Cannabis use has increased in recent years, but conclusive evidence on its short- and long-term health effects remains elusive.
Highly CitedCannabis and neuropsychiatry, 1: benefits and risks.
Cannabis has limited medical benefits and may increase the risk of dependence, respiratory conditions, psychosis, and cancer, while also impairing cognition and increasing traffic accidents.
Cannabis and the skin.
Cannabis shows potential in regulating pain, pruritus, and inflammation, making it a potential therapeutic agent for various dermatologic conditions.
Literature Review