5 Symptoms Medical Marijuana Can Treat

Medical marijuana leaf with a stethoscope
5 Symptoms Medical Marijuana Can Treat

Although the Texas Compassionate Use Program determines eligibility by condition, doctors prescribe medical marijuana to treat symptoms. For many patients, medical marijuana provides safe, consistent relief that other medications do not. From pain to nausea, here are five symptoms commonly treated with medical marijuana. 

1. Pain

One in five Americans suffer from chronic pain, but their options are often limited to few over-the-counter medications and potentially dangerous prescription narcotics. As the US endures a worsening opioid epidemic, there is a pressing need for an alternative treatment.

According to a 2019 study, the majority of medical marijuana patients use cannabis medicine to treat chronic pain. Both THC and CBD have anti-inflammatory properties and are shown to reduce inflammation, spasticity and pain. Additionally, several studies have linked medical marijuana to a reduction in opioid use when treating chronic pain. One study even found a decrease in opioid deaths in counties where cannabis is legal. 

2. Insomnia

Chronic pain is often accompanied by another difficult symptom: insomnia. Some research suggests that medical marijuana can improve sleep and reduce sleep disturbance. A 2019 study measured how cannabis affected sleep in 409 people with insomnia. Using an app, participants reported ratings of self-perceived insomnia before and after cannabis use. The study concluded that cannabis was associated with a significant improvement in self-perceived insomnia. 

Another 2019 review found that cannabinoids may help reduce sleep disturbances and nightmares caused by PTSD. However, the review noted that the studies were limited and more well-controlled, randomized and double-blind studies are needed. 

Often, sleep is improved by medical marijuana’s other benefits, such as reducing pain and spasticity. Patients report sleeping longer with less disturbances while using medical marijuana to treat their qualifying condition. 

3. Spasticity

Spasticity can occur in a wide range of conditions such as MS, ALS, spinal cord injuries, head trauma and cerebral palsy. Along with its pain-reducing and anti-inflammatory benefits, medical marijuana is shown to be a powerful treatment for spasticity. In one randomized, controlled trial, cannabis-based medicine improved spasticity in people with MS. Another clinical study conducted by researchers at the University of California, San Diego found cannabis to be an effective treatment for both spasticity and pain

In 2014, American Academy of Neurology (AAN) released a guideline created by a panel of medical experts who evaluated all published research on medical marijuana and MS. The guideline concluded that THC is likely effective at reducing pain and muscle spasms

4. Anxiety 

Second only to pain, anxiety is one of the top reasons patients use medical marijuana. Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the US and can develop from a wide range of conditions. 

Several studies suggest that CBD may help reduce anxiety. Although more debated, THC is also shown to improve anxiety symptoms and help people reduce the number of non-psychiatric and psychiatric medications. 

5. Nausea

Nausea is a common symptom experienced by people undergoing chemotherapy.  Like cancer pain, medical marijuana has long been studied for its use as an antiemetic, or anti-nausea, treatment for cancer patients. In fact, research on medical marijuana and nausea dates back decades. 

One study published in 1975 found that THC had antiemetic properties and was significantly more effective at treating nausea than placebo. Recent studies have also shown CBD to reduce nausea

Although research is ongoing, medical marijuana appears to be a promising  treatment option for chemotherapy-induced nausea. 

Get a Prescription

In Texas, eligibility for medical marijuana is determined by condition. You can see a list of approved conditions here. To quickly review your eligibility at no cost, fill out the Schedule a Free Consultation form below. Once approved, you will be scheduled for a virtual appointment with a registered physician. After your appointment, contact our friendly dispensary team and they will schedule you for a pick-up at one of our four locations across Texas, or arrange a delivery right to your home. 

Plus, take advantage of our first-time patient discount and get 20% off your first order and buy one, get one 50% off your second order.