Why Use Medical Marijuana?: Exploring the Top 5 Medical Causes

Medical marijuana is legally available in 38 US states, three territories, and the capital, Washington, D.C. The movement toward legalization has been long and incremental at times. However, the persistent calls from various medical patients helped showcase why cannabis is so essential to countless lives. These calls often include demonstrating in-person, in video, and through written accounts showcasing how individuals' lives are improved when they use cannabis to treat a myriad of medical conditions. 

A 2023 report from Adtaxi dove into the plant's medical history, dating back to ancient origins in China, India, and the Middle East before expanding across the globe [1]. The report delved deeply into all plant facets, making it a must-read report. Some of the most intriguing findings centered on medical cannabis and the patients who use it. Patients reported using cannabis to address various pains, both mental and physical. These were the most commonly cited.

Pain Relief

69% of respondents said they use medical cannabis to relieve short-term or chronic pain associated with a variety of conditions. Pain relief was the most commonly cited condition, likely due to its wide-ranging conditions, including but not limited to [2]:

• Advanced cancer

• Chemotherapy

• Chronic pelvic pain

• Multiple sclerosis spasticity

• Fibromyalgia

• Sleep apnea

• Adjunctive traditional analgesic therapy

The plant's compounds, notably THC and CBD, are known to affect the body due to their interactions with the CB1 and CB2 receptors in the body and our more extensive endocannabinoid system (ECS). These effects will change depending on the person, their condition, body, and various other factors [3]. 

Muscle Spasms

At 14%, muscle spasms were the second-most common cause of medical cannabis use. Cannabis has shown a potential to relieve muscle spasms. In this condition, a person's muscles begin to contract on their own, leaving the sufferer unable to relax their body. Cannabinoids like THC and CBD, and likely numerous of the plant's several hundred other compounds, can all play a part in relieving spasticity. This healing effect is caused by plant compounds interacting with the ECS, which has been linked to reduced muscle spasticity [4].

Severe Nausea

Nausea is a symptom found in various health conditions, including [5]: 

• Various gastrointestinal (GI) conditions, including peptic ulcers, gastritis and gastroparesis

• Motion sicknesses

• Early pregnancy

• Intense pain

• Food poisoning

• Indigestion

• Infections

• Migraine headaches

• Vertigo

• Certain smells or odors

• Alcohol or cannabis over intoxication 

• Certain medications

While nausea and vomiting is often harmless, it can be a symptom of more severe conditions such as: 

• Concussions

• Encephalitis

• Meningitis

• Intestinal blockage

• Appendicitis

• Brain tumors

With nausea commonly associated with various conditions, 7% of respondents say they turn to cannabis for pain and/or symptom relief. 

Cancer and Chemotherapy

Cancer can affect just about any part of the body and often comes with painful treatment options, including surgery and chemotherapy. The painful side effects of chemotherapy are extensive, usually creating nausea, muscle aches, joint aches, and headaches in a patient. Such pains led many cancer patients over the decades to turn to infused edibles and pot smoke to ease their pains. Today, 6% of respondents say that they use cannabis to treat physical and mental pain associated with cancer treatment [6]. 

Mental Health

Mental health has become an increased focal point for millions of individuals. Like pain, mental health covers a wide range of conditions and varying severities. Cannabis has been reported to be a possible treatment or alleviation of many mental health symptoms. Conditions such as anxiety, depression, and PTSD have all been linked to possible relief through cannabis, likely explaining why 4% of respondents turn to the plant for mental health relief. However, people need to be aware that some mental health conditions, including schizophrenia, have been linked to adverse effects from cannabis use [9].

Is Medical Cannabis Right for You?

Cannabis can provide a range of medical relief for various conditions. But, despite some claiming otherwise, pot is not always a beneficial option. And in some rarer cases, the plant may even exacerbate symptoms and conditions. Before using medical marijuana, be sure to speak with a trusted medical professional to understand the possible benefits and risks and to answer any other questions you may have.