
Conditions Treatable With Medical Marijuana
Legislation was passed in 2008 allowing physicians to recommend (prescribe) medical marijuana to certain conditions. During legislative sessions in 2015, additional treatable conditions were added. The approved list of debilitating conditions that are eligible for treatment with medical marijuana are listed below.
Autism Spectrum Disorder
- repetitive or self-stimulatory behavior of such severity that the physical health of the person with autism is jeopardized;
- avoidance of others or inability to communicate of such severity that the physical health of the person with autism is jeopardized;
- self-injuring behavior; and
- physically aggressive or destructive behavior.
Cachexia
Not only can medical cannabis help with increasing appetite, it treats nausea, vomiting, depression and general malaise that is experienced with cachexia.
Cancer
Recent studies suggest that certain cannabinoids may slow growth and reduce spread of some forms of cancer.
Chronic Pain
Crohn’s Disease
Epilepsy
Glaucoma
HIV / AIDS
Recent research has shown that marijuana can inhibit the inflammation of the brain that is associated with HIV/AIDS, as it stops the virus from attaching to your cells. It’s also been proven that cannabis can inhibit the virus replicating within your body.
Muscular Dystrophy
Medical cannabis is also effective at reducing the length and severity of muscle spasms and cramps. Patients with muscular dystrophy can get very painful muscle cramps.
Multiple Sclerosis
Anti-inflammatory: MS causes inflammation related to the myelin damage. That inflammation and resulting damage causes the physical symptoms felt by MS patients, including motor control issues, weakness and spasms. Marijuana has an anti-inflammatory property that may reduce immune response and inflammation.
Pain relief: Pain is often a symptom of MS. That pain can be debilitating. Cannabis helps relieve pain, which can benefit MS patients who suffer from discomfort.
Antispasmodic: Another effect of cannabis beneficial to MS patients is the ability to reduce the frequency and severity of muscle spasticity.
Antidepressant: MS patients suffering from depression may benefit from the antidepressant qualities of marijuana. Studies have shown that THC, CBD and CBC can help with depression.
Abdominal issues: Cannabis may help with symptoms in the abdominal area, including pain, constipation and incontinence.
Sleep disturbances: MS patients who deal with sleep issues may find help from cannabis.
Parkinson’s Disease
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Anxiety: One of the most common afflictions associated with PTSD is chronic anxiety. Cannabis with large amounts of CBD has been shown to reduce stress and fight anxious feelings. It also has mood enhancing abilities.
Nightmares: Nightmares are an intense side effect of post-traumatic stress disorder. Marijuana may have the ability to reduce REM sleep (rapid eye movement). This is the stage where the most vivid dreams occur. A decreased REM cycle may be effective at treating PTSD-related nightmares.
Insomnia: Due to the flashbacks, nightmares and anxiety that those with PTSD experience, many with the condition also have insomnia, and find it difficult to fall asleep. Even those who fall asleep are sometimes awoken by the intense nightmares caused by the disorder. THC has been shown to both reduce the amount of time it takes to fall asleep and improve the overall quality of sleep, both powerful incentives to those coping with insomnia.
Severe Muscle Spasms
Spasticity
Seizure Disorders
Many can experience relief from the following symptoms when treating with medical marijuana:
- Nausea, vomiting or gastrointestinal discomfort
- Sudden feelings of anxiety
- Uncontrollable bodily movements, jerking or spasms
- Headaches
Cannabis has anti-inflammatory and pain reduction properties that can help a patient during the recovery process after a seizure. Medical marijuana can also help to boost serotonin levels which foster better emotional health.