1. Alzheimer’s Disease
Research published online in the journal Aging and Mechanisms of Disease in June of 2016 found that an isolated cannabis compound, tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) reduced both inflammation and the presence of amyloid plaques in human cells cultivated in the laboratory.
Amyloid plaques are excess protein deposits in the brain and are also some of the primary markers for Alzheimer’s Disease.
Earlier research has found a similar link, showing that cannabis improves the removal of amyloid plaques.
2. Anorexia nervosa
Formal research on cannabis for anorexia is lacking. However, early evidence suggests that the endocannabinoid system, one of the largest neurotransmitter networks in the body, is imbalanced in those with anorexia nervosa.
The endocannabinoid system is the primary target for cannabis compounds. While other plants may interact with this system, cannabis is thought to have some of the most profound effects on endocannabinoid health.
Thus, anorexia nervosa and other eating disorders may be some of the many medical uses of cannabis.
3. Antibiotic
Laboratory research out of MIT in 2008 found that isolated cannabis compounds successfully killed MRSA cultivated in the lab.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a strain of antibiotic-resistant bacteria that cause staph infections.
The research found that cannabis compounds killed MRSA using mechanisms different from traditional antibiotics.
4. Antifungal
The cannabis plant is well-known for its antifungal and antimicrobial properties.
Early laboratory research on both cannabis resin and isolated cannabis compounds have discovered that many of the herb’s chemical constituents prevent the growth of species of some potentially pathogenic fungi.
5. Antiemetic
Cannabis is already famous for its ability to ease nausea and vomiting.
While excessive, chronic, and protracted cannabis consumption may trigger nausea in some people, the opposite occurs in appropriate doses.
Animal research suggests that cannabis compounds reduce both nausea behaviors and vomiting.
6. Appetite stimulation
By now, the cannabis plant has developed a strong reputation as an appetite stimulator. However, the phenomenon commonly known as “the munchies” may be useful in the medical setting.
Patients with chronic disease and emotional distress often struggle to maintain appetite, which can have a negative impact on the overall nutritional status and increase the long-term risk of disease.
While some of the active components of cannabis may suppress appetite, at least two are known to have the opposite effect.
These two cannabinoids are THC and its breakdown product, cannabinol (CBN). THC is the compound responsible for the intoxicating effects of cannabis.
7. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)
ALS is a neurodegenerative disease with an abysmal prognosis. Unfortunately, there are few treatments for the disease that successfully extend the lives of those with this disorder.
Research on medical cannabis for ALS is limited, though there is much expectation that the herb can improve quality of life and perhaps even extend the lifespan of those with ALS.
In rodent studies, treatments with a synthetic cannabis compound did successfully prolong the lives of rodents with an experimental model of ALS.
Other research has shown that the endocannabinoid system is dysregulated in ALS, making cannabinoid medicines a promising therapeutic approach.
8. Arthritis
Anecdotally, arthritis and inflammatory pain are two of the most common reasons why medical cannabis patients seek out the herb.
Not only does research suggest that cannabis is a potent anti-inflammatory medication, but laboratory studies have found that THC, the primary psychoactive in the plant, is seven times more potent than aspirin.
Although cannabis does have psychoactive side effects, these side effects are thought to be well-tolerated with time.
Aspirin and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are also associated with severe side effects like ulcer.
Though data on the fatal consequences of NSAIDS is lacking, chronic use of NSAIDS was estimated to contribute to 16,500 deaths in 1998.
Cannabis, on the other hand, has yet to be conclusively linked to even one death.
9. Asthma
Many find it surprising that cannabis and cannabis compounds have shown promise in the treatment of asthma.
Research conducted in the 1970s discovered that inhaled cannabis acted as a bronchodilator, reducing inflammation in restricted airways, though smoking is not considered healthy for the lungs.
This research was corroborated by a 2014 study suggesting that cannabis compounds inhibit airway contractions in the lungs, giving the herb bronchodilatory effects.
10. Attention Deficit Disorder (with and without hyperactivity)
Cannabis is among the most-consumed illicit substances by those with attention deficit disorder (ADD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
Anecdotally, it is not uncommon for medical cannabis patients with ADD/ADHD to admit that the herb helps them focus and stay present.
Comprehensive research on cannabis medicines for ADD/ADHD is lacking. However, early evidence has found an association between endocannabinoid dysregulation and the conditions.
Research from 2008, for example, has found genetic variations in the CNR1 gene, a gene which influenced cannabinoid receptor expression, in those with ADD/ADHD.
11. Autism Spectrum Disorder
Rates of autism spectrum disorder are rising faster than ever. Yet, not much is known about these sometimes debilitating conditions.
Already, a handful of states allow medical cannabis authorizations for cases of severe autism.
Early research suggests that the endocannabinoid system is dysregulated in autism, with key alterations in areas that control inflammation and immune function.
Some theorists have gone as far as to speculate that an endocannabinoid deficiency contributes to the disorders.
12. Autoimmune disorders
Autoimmune disorders are a key area of research for cannabis medicines. As potent anti-inflammatory compounds, cannabis has the ability to suppress immune function.
This is an important feature for effective treatments of autoimmune disorders, making this one of the many medical uses of cannabis.
Research from 2014 found that THC can alter parts of the epigenome (markers which change the way that genes express).
These alterations are thought to reduce systemic inflammation, calming the hyperactive immune systems in those with autoimmune conditions.
13. Cachexia
Already, synthetic cannabis-like drugs are available for the treatment of cachexia and wasting disorders.
Cachexia is a wasting syndrome often associated with severe illnesses like cancer and AIDS.
This wasting is caused by a lack of ability to process and take in nutrients, leading to a loss of muscle mass and difficulty with normal bodily functions.
Cannabis and cannabis medicines improve appetite, reduces pain, eases nausea and vomiting, and reduces inflammation.
This enables patients to take in and process more nutrients from food, easing the symptoms of malnutrition and wasting.
14. Cancer
Already, several thousand preclinical and animal studies exist on the anti-cancer potential of cannabis compounds.
Unfortunately, however, a lack of human trials means that the anti-tumor potential of cannabis has yet to be sufficiently put to the test in humans.
Still, a couple of early studies have found success with isolated cannabis compounds.
In 2006, Spanish researchers performed a pilot study in nine patients with recurrent glioblastoma multiforme, an aggressive form of brain cancer.
THC was injected into the patients’ brains through the skull. While invasive and impractical, the researchers did find that the psychoactive did inhibit tumor cell growth.
In early 2017, a phase 2 pilot study in 21 patients with the same type of brain cancer found that a drug made from extracted cannabis compounds was associated with an increased life expectancy.
Those given the cannabis-based drug lived for a median of 550 days, as compared with 369 in those given a placebo.
15. Cancer Pain
Cancer patients often seek out medical cannabis recommendations for good reason. Cannabis compounds like CBD and THC have a proven track record of easing cancer pain in human trials.
One trial published in the Journal of Pain and Symptom Management, for example, found that treatment with both THC and CBD successfully reduced pain in human patients across multiple treatment centers.
The THC:CBD mixture was found to be more effective than the placebo. It was also more effective than THC alone.
16. Cerebral Palsy
Unfortunately, hard data on cannabis for cerebral palsy is lacking. However, the plant’s ability to improve symptoms in those with similar conditions makes it a worthwhile treatment to explore in CP.
A survey conducted in 2012 among patients with cerebral palsy found that medical cannabis was the preferred form of pain management for those that had tried the herb.
Further, a case study performed in a man with both CP and epilepsy found that medical cannabis incited a significant improvement in overall symptoms, confirming anecdotal evidence that the plant is helpful.
17. Chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting
Synthetic cannabis drugs already exist for the treatment of chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting.
The anti-emetic properties of cannabis have been known about for thousands of years, and Western scientific research has found that ability of cannabis compounds to fight nausea and vomiting has been demonstrated in human clinical trials.
18. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
It is still unclear whether or not chronic cannabis smoking contributes to lung disorders like COPD. However, the powerful anti-inflammatory and bronchodilator effects of cannabis compounds have to lead bio-pharmaceutical startups to investigate cannabis medicines for the treatment of emphysema, COPD, and other lung diseases.
19. Cluster Headache
Prior to federal restrictions on cannabis medicines around the world, the herb was used as a remedy for various types of headache.
Now, case studies suggest that medical cannabis and synthetic cannabis drugs may be able to reduce the pain from cluster headaches within minutes.
However, for some patients, cannabis may make a cluster headache worse. More research is needed to assess when cannabis works and when it doesn’t, though cluster headaches should not be overlooked as one of the potential medical uses of cannabis.
20. Crohn’s Disease
Crohn’s Disease and other gastrointestinal disorders are major areas of interest as potential medical uses of cannabis. In 2013, a small placebo-controlled clinical trial of 21 Crohn’s patients found that smoked THC successfully eased symptoms of Crohn’s disease.
Of the 11 participants given cannabis, five achieved complete remission of their Crohn’s Disease. 10 out of the 11 patients showed a clinically improved response after medical cannabis treatment.
21. Cystic Fibrosis
Based on early preclinical evidence, some scientists believe that cannabis medicines should be further investigated for cystic fibrosis.
Endocannabinoid deficiencies have been found in rodent models of cystic fibrosis. In theory, cannabinoid medicines may be able to elevate blood levels of cannabinoid molecules and thereby improve symptoms of cystic fibrosis.
22. Diabetes
Both type one and type two diabetes may be responsive to the medical use of cannabis. Surprisingly, there is a growing body of evidence that suggests that cannabis for diabetes may be a lot more promising than one might believe.
For autoimmune type one diabetes, the cannabis compound CBD has been shown to reduce pancreatic inflammation in animal models. In type 2 diabetes, reviews of scientific evidence have found that cannabis consumers are less likely to develop diabetes.
In another study involving over 2,500 participants, cannabis consumption was associated with smaller waistlines, lower fasting insulin levels, and improved insulin sensitivity in those with type 2 diabetes.
23. Depression
Anecdotally, cannabis is well-known to improve mood. But, is depression one of the medical uses of cannabis?
Preclinical research suggests that psychoactive cannabis may improve depression symptoms in low to moderate doses while promoting apathy in higher doses. Non-intoxicating CBD, on the other hand, has been shown to have rapid antidepressant effects in animal models.
24. Eczema
As an inflammatory and autoimmune condition, topical cannabis is worthwhile to explore as a treatment for inflammation and itchiness associated with eczema.
Further, research published in 2005 discovered that daily intake of dietary hemp oil successfully reduced eczema symptoms. The study included human participants.
25. Endometriosis
The connection between cannabis and endometriosis is a complex one. Some research suggests that cannabinoid medicines may provide pain relief to those with endometriosis.
Others have found dysregulations in endocannabinoid levels during certain phases of the menstrual cycle.
These imbalances were found in tissue samples taken from women with endometriosis. More research is needed to figure out just how cannabis and cannabis medicines affect the disorder, but endometriosis may be one of the possible medical uses of cannabis.
26. Epilepsy
Research on epilepsy is some the most advanced regarding the medical uses of cannabis.
Already, at least one pharmaceutical company has presented positive phase 3 data that cannabis compounds effectively reduce seizures in intractable epilepsy.
The conditions treated with the new cannabis-based drugs include Dravet Syndrome and Lennox-Gastaut Syndrome.
27. Fibromyalgia
In a survey by the National Pain Report, cannabis was found to be more effective at relieving fibromyalgia symptoms than the leading prescription drugs.
Leading researchers also suggest that an endocannabinoid deficiency may play a role in the excess pain experienced by fibromyalgia patients.
28. Fracture
2015 research from the University of Tel Aviv found that the cannabis compound CBD may help strengthen bone after fracture.
The research was conducted in animal models, and it found that bones exposed to CBD after fracture 35 to 50 percent stronger after healing than bones in non-treated animals.
29. Gastrointestinal Disorders
Cannabis engages with the body via cannabinoid receptors. Cannabinoid receptors are like locks found on the surface of cells.
The active molecules in cannabis like THC and CBD engage with these locks like keys, producing therapeutic effects.
There may be many medical uses of cannabis when it comes to gastrointestinal health.
Cannabinoid receptors are abundant throughout the gastrointestinal tract, controlling inflammation, immune response, digestion, motility, and visceral sensation.
The way cannabis compounds engage the GI tract give the herb promise in the dietary and medical treatment of conditions like celiac disease, irritable bowel syndrome, Crohn’s Disease, and other irritable bowel diseases.
30. Glaucoma
The medical use of cannabis for glaucoma was first proposed in the 1970s when researchers discovered that the smoked herb successfully reduced intraocular pressure.
In the time since several studies have shown that cannabis compounds reduce inflammation and are neuroprotective for the optic nerve.
31. Head Trauma
Believe it or not, the U.S. government currently holds a patent (6630507) on cannabinoids as neuroprotective antioxidants.
In the patent application, they explain that the active compounds in the cannabis plant may be useful in the treatment of many neurological ailments, including head trauma.
The anti-inflammatory properties of cannabis may be beneficial for several different forms of head trauma, including concussion, post-concussive syndrome, and Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE).
Indeed, a study published in 2014 from the Tel Aviv University found that ultra-low doses of THC successfully prevented damage caused by brain inflammation in mice.
32. Hepatitis
Research suggests that patients with viral hepatitis are not only more likely to comply with treatment if they are cannabis consumers, but early preclinical research has found that a synthetic cannabis derivative inhibits inflammation that contributes to liver damage from the disease.
33. HIV/AIDS
Synthetic cannabinoid drugs are already used to treat cachexia and wasting in AIDS patients.
However, there is a growing body of remarkable preclinical research that suggests that cannabis compounds may have positive effects on those with HIV/AIDS.
Multiple studies have now found a positive correlation between cannabis and improved counts of functioning helper T immune cells in HIV/ AIDS patients.
The most recent study, published in 2017, found that HIV/AIDS patients with positive levels of circulating THC in their blood showed improved immune markers over their non-consuming counterparts.
34. Huntington’s Disease
Huntington’s Disease is another severe neurodegenerative disease with a dim prognosis. Multiple animal studies have shown that plant-derived cannabis compounds like THC and CBD, among others, have neuroprotective effects in Huntington’s Disease.
Should these neuroprotective effects hold true in humans, dietary cannabis and cannabis medicines may one day be used to slow the progression of the disease.
38. Hypertension
If there is any major downfall to cannabis consumption that is known thus far, it’s that chronic cannabis smoking may be related to negative cardiovascular effects.
However, there may be a few vascular benefits of cannabis worth teasing out with further literature.
While active compounds like THC may increase heart rate in those with low tolerance, the herb has long been known to decrease blood pressure overall.
In a 2007 review, researchers propose that cannabinoid medicines may be useful in reducing blood pressure in hypertension.
Right now, however, research on cannabis and hypertension is far from conclusive. In fact, a 2017 study from Georgia State University has found that death from heart disease seems to be slightly more common among cannabis smokers.
Yet, this study has serious limitations. The study assumed that cannabis consumption was continuous over a 20-year period, without testing for cannabis use periodically. While the study looked at overall BMI, the study did not evaluate other lifestyle factors like diet and exercise.
35. Improved Quality of Life
While subjective, one major benefit to medical and nutritional cannabis is an overall sense of positive well-being and improved quality of life.
For many medical cannabis patients and wellness consumers, this means reduced pain, improved sleep, improved mood, and the ability to feel more present with life as it is happening.
36. Injury
Whether it’s a transdermal patch over a strained muscle, a topical rub, or vaporized cannabis post-surgery, injury may be one of the most valuable medical uses of cannabis.
Cannabis is a well-known analgesic, antiseptic, and anti-inflammatory herb.
These properties may be beneficial for those seeking relief from minor injuries and abrasions.
37. Inflammation
In recent years, inflammation has been cited as a key culprit behind many modern diseases.
From autoimmune conditions to depression to autism, systemic inflammation is a major contributing factor.
As evidenced many times in this article, cannabis has strong anti-inflammatory properties.
The herb’s potential as a “novel anti-inflammatory drug” may be helpful in reducing disease risk and improving disease status is a wide number of conditions.
38. Insomnia
Sleep is one of the most common reasons consumers take an interest in adult and medical cannabis.
While more research is needed to determine exactly how and why cannabis impacts sleep, evidence from as early as 1973 has found that the herb helps human consumers fall asleep faster and potentially stay asleep longer.
More studies need to look at whether or not cannabis produces a more restful, high-quality sleep.
39. Labor Aid
The topic of cannabis use during pregnancy is a subject of much taboo and controversy. However, there is ample archeological and ethnobotanical evidence that suggests that cannabis was used as a labor aid by several ancient civilizations.
No modern studies examining cannabis medicines as a treatment for labor pains exist, meaning that there is no evidence that cannabis is either safe or harmful for this purpose.
However, given the herb’s long history as a labor aid, it may be worthwhile to study cannabis medicines as potential alternatives to procedures with known side effects such as epidurals.
Epidurals, which are cocaine-derived, come with side effects such as loss of spinal fluid leading to persistent headaches, extended labor times, and a greater likelihood of instruments used during the labor process.
Like cannabis, the epidural painkiller can enter a baby’s bloodstream prior to birth.
40. Migraine
There is a growing body of evidence which suggests that there is a beneficial medical use of cannabis for a migraine.
Cannabis tincture was used as a migraine and headache treatment by Western doctors in the 19th century.
Now, new contemporary human research presented at the Third Congress of the European Center for Neurology has found that cannabis compounds may be just as effective as pharmaceutical medications in terms of migraine relief.
41. Metabolic Syndrome
The relationship between cannabis and metabolic syndrome still baffles cannabis researchers around the globe.
A growing body of evidence suggests that cannabis consumers have lower risk of diabetes and obesity, which are the primary risk factors for metabolic syndrome.
Further, preclinical studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system seems to be a viable target for the potential treatment of conditions like atherosclerosis and insulin resistance.
Yet, more research is needed to clear up whether or not chronic cannabis consumption increases strain on the heart, as well as the herb’s relationship to stroke.
42. Mood Disorders
More research is needed on whether or not mood disorders are a viable medical use of cannabis.
However, some preliminary evidence suggests that cannabis consuming patients with bipolar disorder show cognitive improvements over non-consumers.
Select case studies also support the use of cannabis for improves symptoms of bipolar disorder.
Compounds such as CBD and cannabichromene (CBC) have been found to have mood-stabilizing and antidepressant properties.
It’s important to note, however, that high doses of THC have been associated with greater anxiety and depression. Chronic cannabis consumption has also been found to worsen some mood disorder symptoms.
43. Motion Sickness
Laboratory research suggests that the endocannabinoid system may play a role in the dizziness and nausea associated with motion sickness.
As such, animal research using isolated THC have found that cannabis compounds decrease symptoms of motion sickness.
44. Multiple Sclerosis
There is a large body of evidence
suggesting that cannabis is beneficial for multiple sclerosis. Already, a prescription drug made with isolated cannabis compounds is available to patients in many countries. The United States is not one of them.
45. Muscle Spasms
Several cannabis compounds are known muscle relaxers, which is perhaps why so many medical cannabis consumers pick up cannabis for relief from muscle spasms from conditions like multiple sclerosis, as well as for spasms from old injuries and other disorders.
46. Muscular dystrophy
While few studies have looked at the effect of cannabis on patients with muscular dystrophy, their anti-spasmodic, muscle relaxant, and pain-fighting properties of the herb make it a valuable natural remedy to consider for the disorder.
Early rodent research also suggests that the active compounds in cannabis may aid in the reduction of muscle tension in animal models of muscular dystrophy.
47. Neuropathy
Neuropathy is often associated with type two diabetes, resulting in permanent nerve damage and pain.
Small human trials have already found that cannabis compounds can have a positive impact on neuropathy.
One human trial was conducted in patients with diabetic neuropathy of the feet. In the study, patients were given either a placebo or varying doses of vaporized THC.
The study found a dose-dependent response to vaporized cannabis, those who consumed higher amounts of THC felt the most relief.
Another showed a positive effect of inhaled cannabis on sensory neuropathy in HIV/AIDS patients.
48. Neuroprotective Antioxidant
It is now well established in preclinical literature that cannabis compounds are neuroprotective antioxidants.
The neuroprotective qualities of the herb give it many medical uses, particularly those related to nervous system and brain disorders.
49. Nonorganic Failure to Thrive
Research done by Dr. Ester Fride has discovered that the body’s own endocannabinoid molecules stimulate suckling in newborn organisms.
Fride suggests that there is evidence that cannabinoid medicines may be helpful in infants with nonorganic failure to thrive, who do not feed and have no other observable medical problems.
50. Obesity
Emerging studies suggest that there is much promise for cannabis in the area of obesity. Not only are cannabis consumers associated with lower waist circumferences and smaller BMIs, but new rodent evidence suggests that THC causes positive changes in the intestinal microbiomes in obese mice.
51. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Cannabis and cannabis compounds have many fascinating effects on mood, thinking, and behavior. Rodent research in the area of obsessive-compulsive disorder provides, even more, fuel to the argument that cannabis compounds can positively change social behavior and disordered thinking.
A study published in Psychopharmacology found that cannabis compounds like CBD successfully reduced obsessive-compulsive behavior in rodent models.
The cannabinoid eased obsessive behavior in a time-dependent manner.
52. Osteoporosis
As it turns out, cannabis compounds like CBD may positively impact bone health in aging adults.
The fracture-healing abilities of CBD that were mentioned above may be particularly helpful for those with osteoporosis, who experience frequent fractures and breaks.
Additional evidence suggests that cannabis compounds may help strengthen bones for the elderly, but may make young consumers more prone to bone weakness.
53. Pain
At this time, the analgesic properties of cannabis are quite famous. Its effects are thought to be especially useful for chronic pain, which can be very difficult to treat.
Surveys have found that the herb is a preferred choice among patients with medical cannabis authorizations, who chose the herb over prescription painkillers with more severe side effects.
It’s time both medical professionals and policymakers consider cannabis as a safer alternative to opioids.
54. Parkinson’s Disease
As another neurodegenerative disorder, the antioxidant effects of cannabis are expected to be useful in easing symptoms.
Already, a 1990 Czech survey which included medical-cannabis consuming Parkinson’s patients found that half of those who consumed the herb once felt symptom improvement.
Those who consumed cannabis longer than three months felt the greatest improvement.
55. Pharmaceutical alternative
Unfortunately for many large biopharmaceutical companies, cannabis is often viewed by patients as a replacement for conventional pharmaceuticals that have high risks of unwanted side effects
Already, prescriptions for opioid painkillers are down in states with medical marijuana laws.
Additional surveys suggest that cannabis is also favored over antidepressants, antianxiety medications, and other harsh drugs prescribed to those with debilitating illnesses.
56. Post-traumatic stress disorder
As radical as it may sound, emerging rodent research suggests that CBD may help patients with post-traumatic stress and anxiety disorders overcome learned fear.
Studies have already shown that the endocannabinoid system appears dysregulated in PTSD, suggesting that cannabis-based medicines may be helpful for the condition.
57. Premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Cannabis has been used as a women’s health aid for millennia. The anti-inflammatory, muscle relaxant, and mood-boosting properties make the herb a promising natural remedy for premenstrual syndrome and perhaps other menstrual disorders.
58. Psoriasis
Psoriasis may be another medical use of cannabis. Psoriasis is an inflammatory autoimmune disease that affects the skin.
The anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of the herb are expected to reduce the symptoms of psoriasis when applied topically or when consumed.
59. Schizophrenia
Many may be surprised to find that schizophrenia treatment may be one of the many medical uses of cannabis.
Already, placebo-controlled trials in patients with treatment-resistant schizophrenia found that CBD significantly improved both positive and negative symptoms of the disorder.
60. Sexual dysfunction
Those who experience unwanted pain during consensual sexual activity may enjoy one of several cannabis-infused lubricants and lotions now available in many medical and adult-use cannabis states.
A 2017 review put the herb’s aphrodisiac reputation to the test. The study reviewed various surveys of cannabis consumers conducted over different time periods.
The review articulated that many consumers found that the plant enhanced their sexual pleasure.
61. Sleep Apnea
Early preclinical studies suggest that THC may help stabilize breathing in those who struggle with sleep apnea.
Additional research suggests that a synthetic version of the psychoactive safely reduced the severity of sleep apnea in 17 patients. All of whom positively benefited from THC treatment.
62. Spinal Cord Injury
In a small clinical trial conducted in 2014, patients with spinal cord disease inhaled vaporized cannabis containing THC.
Overall, the researchers found that cannabis was associated with a statistically significant reduction in pain scores.
63. Stress
Along with pain and insomnia, stress management is one of the most common medical uses of cannabis.
In a small human experiment, researchers found that low to moderate does of THC reduced the perception of stress in a mock job interview situation.
High doses of the psychoactive, however, were associated with more anxiety in the same situation.
64. Stroke
The relationship between cannabis and stroke is a complicated one.
While the impact of cannabis on stroke prevention is up for debate, animal research does suggest that cannabis compounds may improve recovery from stroke after it happens.
You can thank the neuroprotective antioxidants in cannabis for this phenomenon.
65. Tourette Syndrome
Over the last few years, several studies have cited evidence that cannabis compounds like THC successfully reduce tics in Tourette patients.
THC has been found to reduce Tourette symptoms without causing any noticeable cognitive decline or negative side effects in small human trials.
66. Therapy Aide
Another subjective medical use of cannabis is a therapy aide.
Already, the potent anxiolytic and behavior-modifying effects of the herb are thought to be beneficial for those with anxiety disorders, PTSD, and perhaps obsessive-compulsive disorder.
The ability of CBD to help consumers approach difficult topics in a pleasant mood and potentially help reduce learned fear may be tools helpful in improving the outcomes of psychotherapy.
67. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Thanks to the herb’s neuroprotective effects, there is much promise for cannabis for traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Believe it or not, low-dose CBD treatments for athletes are expected to act as a preventative therapy to reduce damage from inflammation in the event of severe head trauma.
Additional research has already found that THC administration right after a traumatic brain injury can halt the damage, potentially saving lives.
