The Healing Power of Cannabis: Latest Medical Discoveries

Cannabis is one of Earth’s most beneficial plants, boasting a myriad of medical benefits that have only begun to be explored in recent years. From reducing chronic pain and inflammation to potentially slowing the progress of neurological disorders and fighting cancer, this remarkable plant continues to reveal its capabilities in the field of medicine.

In this blog, we dive into the latest research findings and medical discoveries to look at the healing power of cannabis.

“Cannabis is the single most versatile herbal remedy, and the most useful plant on Earth. No other single plant contains as wide a range of medically active herbal constituents.” – Dr. Ethan Russo

Treatment of Chronic Pain and Inflammation

Organizations such as the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and research universities are conducting extensive research on the analgesic effects of cannabis and cannabinoids, emphasizing their potential in treating chronic pain and inflammatory conditions​.

In the last 4 years, cannabis has shown major potential in reducing chronic pain, which can be a significant benefit for patients who suffer from conditions like arthritis. The analgesic properties of cannabinoids are believed to stem from their action on the central nervous system, which can modulate pain signals.

A study published in 2022 by the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine showed cannabis and endocannabinoid products, particularly PEA-combination medications, to be effective in managing gynecologic pain conditions in women.

A 2020 review by the University of Alberta concluded that full-spectrum cannabis extracts, not just purified cannabinoids, may provide more effective treatment for neuropathic pain and inflammation due to their diverse molecular mechanisms.

The Institute of Plant Science published a study in 2022 finding cannabis compounds, such as THC, CBD, and CBG, to exhibit anti-inflammatory activity, potentially improving treatment options for various inflammatory-related diseases.

Effects on Neurological Disorders

Recent and ongoing research into cannabis for treating symptoms of multiple sclerosis, epilepsy​, and other neurological disorders is very promising.

In 2022, the National Center for Biotechnology Information published a comprehensive article exploring the use of medical cannabis in treating neurological disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), Parkinson’s disease (PD), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD). It covers how these disorders might be affected by cannabinoids due to their interactions with the endocannabinoid system in our bodies, which is heavily involved in neurological functions.

While the NCBI expressed a clear need for more rigorous research to fully understand its benefits and risks, some significant points were made on the benefits of cannabis for neurological disorders. They included:

• Neuroprotection: Studies suggest that cannabis might offer neuroprotective effects in disorders like Alzheimer’s disease by interfering with the mechanisms that cause neuronal damage, such as beta-amyloid plaque formation and tau protein aggregation.
• Symptom Management: Cannabis has shown potential in managing symptoms associated with neurological disorders. For example, it may help reduce spasticity in ALS, improve motor symptoms in Parkinson’s disease, and address behavioral issues in Alzheimer’s disease by modulating the endocannabinoid system’s function.
• Quality of Life: There is evidence that cannabis may improve the quality of life for patients with neurological disorders by enhancing sleep quality, reducing pain, and alleviating anxiety or depressive symptoms, which are often comorbid with these conditions.

Potential Anti-Cancer Properties

Cannabis has long been considered a substance with potential anti-cancer properties. This belief is rooted in its various biochemical components, which include cannabinoids like THC and CBD. These compounds are thought to have the ability to interact with our body’s endocannabinoid system in ways that might inhibit tumor growth and the spread of cancerous cells. The last few years have given us even more hope for the use of cannabis in oncology.

“Cannabinoid ligands inhibit phagocytosis, cell proliferation, antigen presentation, and other properties of immune cells, and cannabinoids may be a safe and effective antitumor drug.” –Cannabidiol regulates apoptosis and autophagy in inflammation and cancer: A review 2023

“Enthusiastic data of animal-based in vivo studies show the antimetastatic and antiangiogenic effects of cannabinoids, which may serve as options for the currently used chemotherapy. Additionally, several preclinical investigations point to improved patient survival in combined administration of cannabinoids with chemotherapeutic drugs.” – Molecular Mechanism of Cannabinoids in Cancer Progression 2021

“Some terpenes, like borneol, could facilitate the passage of various formulations past the blood-brain barrier for cancers within the brain tissues.” – Anti-Cancer Potential of Cannabinoids, Terpenes, and Flavonoids Present in Cannabis 2020

Mental Health Benefits

There is ongoing research into the effects of cannabis on mental health conditions like anxiety and depression. Some findings suggest that in controlled dosages, cannabinoids might help alleviate symptoms of anxiety and help with sleep disorders.

One of the first papers to review research on how cannabinoids and terpenes affect the brain and mood was published in 2020. It suggested they could work together(the “entourage effect”) to improve symptoms more effectively.

Since then, numerous studies on the benefits of cannabis for mental health have been released. Including a 2024 study by the University of Colorado at Boulder. It concluded, “Our study suggests that CBD products may be able to relieve anxiety in the moment for adults who use them, and possibly longer-term, in a way that is meaningful.”

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This article just starts to cover the wide and growing range of studies on the medical benefits of cannabis. Recent studies have been promising, but they only show a small part of what cannabis could do for health. As more research continues and grows, there’s a lot of hope that further scientific study will reveal deeper insights into how cannabis can be effectively used in medical practices. The future holds the promise that ongoing research and development will fully tap into and clarify the healing power of medical cannabis.

*It’s important to note that while these discoveries are promising, cannabis also poses health risks, and its use should be carefully considered, particularly regarding dosage and the presence of other health conditions. For more detailed and specific findings, including the precise mechanisms and the extent of these effects, consulting the original studies or reviews in scientific journals would be necessary.