In recent years, interest in medical marijuana has increased due to its potential health benefits. Many scientific studies have confirmed that various varieties of marijuana have medicinal properties. In this article, we will discuss various types of medical marijuana, based on available scientific research, and also present potential benefits that may result from the use of medical cannabis in various types of diseases.
What will you learn from this article?
👉 What types of medical marijuana are currently available?
👉 How do the types of medical marijuana differ?
👉 What diseases will medical marijuana be used for?
Table of contents:
1️⃣ Indica
The Indica variety is one of the types of medical marijuana. Plants of this variety are characterized by a high level of THC, which is the main psychoactive compound. According to research conducted by Journal of Cannabis Research [1], the Indica variety may be effective in treating depression, chronic fatigue, and improving appetite. Furthermore, studies indicate that the Indica variety may have a positive effect on mood and reducing symptoms of stress.
2️⃣ Sativa
Another type of medical marijuana is the Sativa variety. Plants of this variety typically contain a higher concentration of CBD, which has analgesic and relaxing effects. According to research published in Frontiers in Pharmacology [2], the Sativa variety may be effective in treating chronic pain or epilepsy. Furthermore, this variety acts in a relaxing and calming manner, which can help alleviate insomnia and anxiety.
3️⃣ Hybrids
Hybrids are another category of medical marijuana, which is created by crossing Sativa and Indica varieties. Hybrids have varied proportions of THC and CBD, which allows therapy to be tailored to the individual needs of the patient. Research conducted by Journal of Pain and Symptom Management [3] indicates that hybrid varieties can be effective in treating neuropathic pain, cancer disease, and in improving sleep quality.
What types of medical marijuana are used in specific diseases?
Medical marijuana is available in various varieties, each with its own characteristic therapeutic properties. Choosing the right type of medical marijuana can be crucial for the effectiveness of therapy.
👉 Chronic pain
Some varieties of medical marijuana are effective in alleviating chronic pain, such as neuropathic pain, muscle pain, or pain associated with inflammation of the joints. Active ingredients work among others by reducing inflammation, relieving muscle tension and affecting pain receptors in the brain. Example varieties include Lemon Skunk, Pink Kush, and DelaHaze.
👉 Neurological diseases
Some varieties of medical marijuana, especially those effective in terms of anti-seizure properties, can be used in the treatment of neurological diseases such as epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, or Parkinson’s disease. Examples of varieties are LA Confidential and Bakerstreet.
👉 Depression and anxiety
Cannabis varieties that have stimulating and antidepressant effects can be used in the treatment of depression, anxiety and mood disorders. Example varieties include Jack Herer, Sour Diesel, and Lemon Skunk.
👉 Nausea and vomiting
Medical marijuana varieties with anti-vomiting effects are used in the treatment of nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy, antiviral drugs or motion sickness. An example is Lemon Haze.
The application of medical marijuana in the therapy of various conditions may differ depending on the individual needs of the patient. Before starting therapy, it is always recommended to consult with a doctor who will select the appropriate type of medical marijuana and establish the dosage.
Lucas Cysewski – president and founder of VapeFully
Application of medical marijuana – a way to improve the quality of life of patients 🤕
Medical marijuana is used in the treatment of many different conditions and health states. Here are a few examples:
✅ Treatment of chronic pain
People suffering from chronic pain, caused for example by rheumatic diseases or nerve pain, may experience relief after the use of medical marijuana. According to a study conducted by The Journal of Pain [4], medical marijuana can be an effective pain reliever.
✅ Reducing the severity of chemotherapy symptoms
People undergoing cancer treatment, especially chemotherapy, often experience nausea and vomiting. Medical marijuana can help alleviate these symptoms. A study published in The New England Journal of Medicine [5] confirms the effectiveness of medical marijuana in reducing nausea and vomiting associated with chemotherapy.
✅ Mood improvement
It has long been known that cannabinoids can improve mood. On one hand, they act relaxingly and calming, on the other hand – they reduce stress levels. This is the reason why medical cannabis is increasingly prescribed to patients suffering from depression, anxiety or PTSD.
✅ Appetite improvement
Medical marijuana can stimulate appetite in people suffering from advanced stage AIDS or anorexia. A study conducted by the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes [6] showed that medical marijuana can increase appetite and improve weight gain in patients.
Summary
There are three basic types of medical marijuana, and each of them has slightly different properties. The Sativa, Indica and hybrid varieties are used in the treatment of various conditions, such as chronic pain, neurological diseases, mental disorders or gastrointestinal diseases. Before starting to use medical marijuana, it is important to consult with a doctor who will select the appropriate variety and plan the dosage.
Bibliography:
- Journal of Cannabis Research https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6334252/
- Frontiers in Pharmacology https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5021745/
- Journal of Pain and Symptom Management https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6222489/
- The Journal of Pain https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3728280/
- The New England Journal of Medicine https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMra1402309
- Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndromes https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/16394877/
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