{"componentChunkName":"component---common-build-tags-template-js","path":"/tag/health-conditions/7","result":{"data":{"allArticle":{"edges":[{"node":{"id":"Article_2067-markdown","title":"Could Lyme Disease Patients Find Relief with Medical Marijuana?","slug":"could-lyme-disease-patients-find-relief-with-medical-marijuana","content":"Lyme disease has gained a lot of attention in the media lately. Reality TV star and former model Yolanda Foster has publicly shared her battle with Lyme disease on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills tv show, garnering reactions ranging from theories of delusion to an outpouring of support. Avril Lavigne also shared her journey with Lyme disease with the public, expressing she was bedridden for months and thought she was near death. This May, fashion designer Tommy Hilfiger’s daughter, Allie, released a book describing her perilous journey with the disease, which even included being committed to a mental institution because of complications Lyme disease caused, even prior to her diagnosis. Yet behind all of the buzz and big names, there are many people who suffer from Lyme disease across the world and cannabis could be a helpful component in their journey towards getting healthy. \n\n### What Is Lyme Disease?\n\nLyme disease is the fastest growing infectious disease according to the Center for Disease Control. Roughly 329,000 new patients are diagnosed with [Lyme disease](http://www.bayarealyme.org/about-lyme/lyme-disease-facts-statistics/) in the United States each year, compared to only 50,000 new cases of HIV/AIDs. Lyme disease has been found in all 50 states and more than 65 countries in the world, making it a global issue. Lyme disease is controversial, the CDC claims that all cases of Lyme disease can be cured with a 30 day regime of antibiotics, but that track of treatment has left many sufferers with severe relapses in symptoms, especially if they went preliminarily undiagnosed for a long period of time. Since many patients do not find a tick on themselves, or the rash traditionally associated with Lyme disease, and the current mainstream tests miss up to 60% of cases, Lyme disease is often misdiagnosed as Multiple Sclerosis, chronic fatigue, lupus, or other similar conditions. \n\nSymptoms for Lyme disease can vary greatly based on the person affected. The tell-tale symptoms, however, include flu-like symptoms, migraines, joint pain, and neurological problems. Many patients also experience gastrointestinal problems, severe fatigue, and inflammation throughout the body. Lyme disease can be tricky to target if the bacteria has been in the patient a long time without recognition. Some patients end up needing months to years of IV antibiotics and a regime of herbal supplements to rebuild the bodies immune function. \n\n### How Can Cannabis Help?\n\nDr. Ernie Murakami of British Colombia’s Center for Lyme Research [believes](https://www.medicaljane.com/2015/05/22/doctor-believes-cannabidiol-paste-could-be-a-potential-cure-for-lyme-disease/) that CBD could greatly help Lyme patients. Dr. Murakami has found success while using CBD against live spirochetes, a type of bacteria, and believes it has potential for helping kill Lyme bacteria. After Dr. Murakami presented his findings in October of 2014, a university in the United States has picked up the research and is investigating into these ideas further. \n\nA new [book](https://www.lymedisease.org/book-review-cannabis-for-lyme-disease-and-related-conditions/) released in 2015 provided a wealth of knowledge, and anecdotal evidence, on how marijuana could help patients with Lyme disease. Shelley M. White wrote 'Cannabis for Lyme Disease and Related Conditions' after her battle with Lyme disease. White personally used cannabis during her treatment process and said that, “Cannabis oil greatly reduced the severity of my symptom picture and improved my quality of life while going through Lyme treatment,”. The book also includes first hand accounts of other Lyme patients who successfully used cannabis to help them during their treatment. \n\nMany Lyme disease sufferers may be able to find an improved quality of life during their treatment by using cannabis. Many of Lyme diseases’ primary symptoms can be aided by the use of cannabis. Many Lyme suffers experience severe chronic pain throughout their body, primarily in joints. Cannabis is known to reduce pain, working on the cannabinoid receptors in the body to reduce inflammation. Many Lyme patients also have problems with their digestion, either due to the Lyme disease itself or all of the antibiotics needed during the treatment process. Cannabis has long been used to help patients with gastrointestinal problems and can also stimulate appetite in patients who have trouble eating. It is believed that Lyme patients may also experience some problems similar to autoimmune diseases, where the body has trouble differentiating between the foreign invaders, in this case Lyme bacteria, and its own internal workings. It is [believed](http://www.honeycolony.com/article/%EF%BB%BF5-autoimmune-disorders-met-their-match/) that CBD can help improve the immune system, allowing the body to better recognize between foreign entities and itself. \n\nCannabis could be a useful support for patients getting treatment for Lyme disease. Though there are currently very few studies that look at the connection between Lyme disease and medical marijuana, the anecdotal evidence is very positive. Many of the individual symptoms of Lyme have also been successfully eased by cannabis. Medical marijuana may be just the boost that Lyme patients need to help them work to conquer the disease. \n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/31031835@N08/6368335425/in/photolist-aGKofD-7L89E6-bGakZP-jKr5VT-CCnws-q2KALd-9AuwzL-2Zs4M-95DWgv-8zMM1b-eeviZh-5D2eAv-5tNaYL-9GNbDz-5UW3UM-qRJPLj-6sWmhN-5tHN1n-e79dzz-7L89v2-3rPew-7KrcCR-6oSa18-79i5qJ-rzSHvv-7Krckr-7L8b22-pGYE13-6XMp7e-7L8bbR-cJ1Qxh-hpviGL-7Lc95L-8ZFnQV-7L8b7g-9cTHxT-egPwig-q7hirx-eVLAke-q4mPTr-dAq6dr-58CPm4-jBYsvd-3oPHeT-4wYwYW-9pFWt1-bAyyGm-psTHjp-9Tb1re-butkCK)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4184397163120568,"src":"/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/ee604/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.png","srcSet":"/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/69585/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.png 200w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/497c6/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.png 400w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/ee604/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.png 800w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/463a8/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.png 809w","srcWebp":"/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/58556/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/61e93/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.webp 200w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/1f5c5/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.webp 400w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/58556/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.webp 800w,\n/static/12ef9ef49cc57b2b877e0e9ee77d98b6/899ae/c105bf6d9209af662a46a0a7a7d58c57.webp 809w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2139-markdown","title":"Could Cannabis Provide Hope for Parkinson’s Patients?","slug":"could-cannabis-provide-hope-for-parkinsons-patients","content":"Parkinson’s is a neurodegenerative [disorder](http://www.parkinson.org/understanding-parkinsons/what-is-parkinsons) that slowly cuts off a person’s ability to produce dopamine. A recent [study](https://www.medicaljane.com/2014/11/14/parkinsons-disease-and-medical-marijuana/) in Clinical Neuropharmacology found that Parkinson’s patients who smoked marijuana had significantly improved motor skills and less general impairments. Participants in the study found a decrease in tremors, rigidity, and dyskinesia, which is the difficulty performing voluntary movements. In 2014, the Journal of Psychopharmacology released a study where participants took 300 mg of CBD per day. The participants in this study found an increase in well being and quality of life, compared to patients who took a placebo. This study was significant because CBD, a non-psychoactive cannabinoid, was able to solely decrease the symptoms of patients. Another study in the Journal of Neurology, Neurosurgery, and Psychiatry found that THC could prove useful in the treatment of Parkinson’s disease. THC was found to aid in the prevention of damage caused by free radicals and activate a receptor that stimulates new mitochondria formation. \r\n\r\nThe studies that are currently available in relation to cannabis and Parkinson’s are just scratching the surface of the potential that marijuana has to help improve the lives of Parkinson’s sufferers. The individual symptoms associated with Parkinson’s, such as chronic pain, anxiety, and depression, can all be improved by the use of cannabis. \r\n\r\n### Pain\r\n\r\nRoughly 85% of people who [suffer](http://www.pdf.org/winter12_understanding_pain_pd) from Parkinson’s experience a large amount of chronic pain. Pain is often the first symptom that Parkinson’s patients face, sometimes even before they are formally diagnosed. Much of the pain experienced by Parkinson’s sufferers is caused by tissue that has been damaged due to tremors, rigidity, and inflammation. There is an almost 5000 year old recorded history of cannabis being used for chronic pain management. Cannabinoid receptors are found throughout the body, many in areas that are responsible for pain production. Cannabis stimulates these receptors to reduce the sensation of pain, “Medical cannabis is a very effective therapy for chronic pain patients because it affects people’s perception of pain, has the ability to mitigate the inflammatory process, and has been shown to affect voltage-gated sodium channels in nerves in a way similar to lidocaine,” reported Dr. Mark Rabe, the Medical Director of Centric Wellness, to [Medical Jane](https://www.medicaljane.com/2014/06/13/chronic-pain-and-the-theraputic-benefits-of-medical-cannabis/). \r\n \r\n### Anxiety & Depression\r\n\r\nCannabis can also be effective in alleviating anxiety and depression. It is [estimated](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16383211) that 40% of patients with Parkinson’s experience substantial anxiety in the form of various anxiety disorders. Depression symptoms are also experienced by around 60% of Parkinson’s patients and can range in their severity. It is [suggested](http://www.pdf.org/en/depression_pd) that chemical changes in the brain caused by Parkinson’s itself could be responsible for the development of depression. University of Buffalo’s Research Institute on Addictions recently [found](http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/02/06/marijauna-depression_n_6622126.html) that endocannabinoids may be helpful in treating depression that results from chronic stress. Cannabis could be used to supplement naturally occurring endocannabinoids in the body, helping to relieve depression. Similarly, the endocannabinoid system plays a role in regulating anxiety. A study in 2011 showed that when participants with social anxiety disorder were given 600 mg of CBD before an anxiety inducing situation, they experienced a decrease in anxiety, cognitive impairment, and discomfort. \r\nCannabinoids are also neuro-protective agents, meaning that they have a chance to help prevent damage caused by Parkinson’s disease. As with many different conditions, more studies are necessary to provide clinical evidence for the efficacy of medical marijuana and Parkinson’s disease specifically. The individual symptoms of Parkinson’s, however, can be greatly decreased through the use of cannabis. Large amounts of anecdotal evidence also show that cannabis could greatly improve the quality of life of patients with Parkinson’s disease. \r\n\r\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/heatherbuckley/6171350805/in/photolist-apkMA6-aqjC3T-do9QH1-fdYWXc-fNW48c-fJfMFW-fK7iRh-fGdEm8-feesaG-2s6K39-joHNQk-bv3aE8-3YWNT-feeASq-FVKr54-4Amu3e-4AmtWg-fdZkrF-a86XcH-2KuUec-eb5FRy-qiJEpC-d71k9s-ny1hR4-nhQJWs-5Av5Ej-bGTZ8M-cL53To-5pjnXV-rg2f7A-JpoALS-gsZK5-nSc1Tu-qovcag-7GrnJa-5pjoeg-5pjnGa-2KuUep-ooKsF-d71jMu-fLN9is-rDERbX-4VBjq2-4CXatN-4CSUQg-4CSUQM-9ksQHw-aqPojH-bKKdz6-e7CWqT)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,iVBORw0KGgoAAAANSUhEUgAAABQAAAAOCAIAAACgpqunAAAACXBIWXMAAAsTAAALEwEAmpwYAAADV0lEQVQozx2TW1MaBwBG9x90Ju20M5n0oZ04aafBPDiT2tQkChI0hChigyBEDCzYYIRFJdEIogkRZEERREDA3QW5LfeLckcwICbRII7Tv1Pab87rOW8f8HtXL6XvKen+E2IPldJHf9w/SiHRB/oZdCpndnrJanZEwpF0Ol0qlk5OThqNRqlUikQiKIoajUagu6uP/JA2SKQz6TwRT6qYV5sNNt37rTXV5vJr3T6KV6uV8/Pzi//XbDZPT0/bfjuHYRjw8M9BKnl0fFSwIHu3qbWaYCdi94e88Tiexn3Jw1S+9vHk7MtZq9W6vLxsXbTaoVqtls1kfe4gQO4bHhniCiagN9AarLbBavsWvOeyBR07gWS0UKs2YqFsKlaoHX+6aF5eXV1dNFvVcv0gUQh5kwDrGciflM5JV98vb8Ea27YRddoD4UCmUmqU8vXK0afK0ed0ohwP50u5WrlQrx9/PsrXcU/K7QgBEvFbyfTiilJvMWEOe8C2s9/G60kcpCrJeCmMRdOeaLl42iaTqoT8h/nDj8VcPdCWnWHg1k3Crx137neTaBSGiC+1mJBkopiIFTN4soD6qu5Axuos7gdb9S+tr//Uqmf16tdyrpGKFlGrF/ju2vWfbnT8/OPNb7/5/odr17t+uwtOvowgvrwDjW5s52yuIuLJOZAYvJWLZgvZY/u207GDqBXqD8pV4MHde7dvEQi/EBiPnwrHn/9FHe7suDPUT3UplrFVtV+jd6l1GujNO4HYsqSyazRauVw7L99YXDAqFYBZpdC8Va4tLOmVyl29Ad9DQgjms+/i9t2DQDDtx2Meb2gPw11oBMXSXt9hIJjA3EGrbd9kAqY54y9Gn8kEAqUEssN6zGKNe/35aAzZtjiMJtyFWPUGi3YdVq3Y9Aazdt2i03tsDtSyY9VvAMMkEnNgUMBkqiBo8ZV04dXsnOjlkkRq/rAGq1S613K3Yd2zCcsmJ5Yl0lmBQMRmT3Em2oif84A/OgndnZ1DRBKbRhsiEplUGsgcm+HxFsVilQySg3zl30K1bGYFguaFQuWMRMZ/8aS3l9R9b+QRBRjo6Rnub7/hEZ1MFo79p82CoJjDmRyhi1hjEJ8/B4I8BgNkMqfG2UIWa5rLFXO5AubYFJv1L3Fuvgk9Q0sGAAAAAElFTkSuQmCC","aspectRatio":1.4598540145985401,"src":"/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/ee604/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.png","srcSet":"/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/69585/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.png 200w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/497c6/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.png 400w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/ee604/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.png 800w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/2cf95/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.png 831w","srcWebp":"/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/58556/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/61e93/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.webp 200w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/1f5c5/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.webp 400w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/58556/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.webp 800w,\n/static/74437898abd0c41b07227261fd69cf6d/e8cc8/746393d18471907e6b7bf224bb28de32.webp 831w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2148-markdown","title":"Can Cannabis Help Autoimmune Disease Sufferers?","slug":"can-cannabis-help-autoimmune-disease-sufferers","content":"### What is an Autoimmune Disorder?\n\n50 million americans [suffer](http://www.honeycolony.com/article/%EF%BB%BF5-autoimmune-disorders-met-their-match/) from an Autoimmune Disorder and 75% of those who experience them are women. The main factor in all autoimmune diseases is inflammation, but there are many theories to what causes these conditions, ranging from genetic to environmental factors. While experiencing an Autoimmune Disorder, the body attacks itself because the immune system has trouble determining the difference between foreign agents and the bodies internal workings. The damage caused by the body attacking itself can be extremely detrimental and even fatal. \n\n### How can Cannabis Help?\n\nA University of South Carolina [study](http://www.iflscience.com/health-and-medicine/medical-marijuana-shows-promise-against-autoimmune-diseases/) revealed novel pathways through which THC can suppress the body’s immune function. The study was published in the Journal of Biological Chemistry and showed that the suppression of immune response by THC could be a useful treatment to autoimmune disease. THC is able to act as an epigenome, an outside molecule that has the ability to change DNA function, and affect DNA expression in the immune system. THC was able change the critical histones and suppress inflammation in the immune system of the rodents that the study was conducted on. In this study, THC was injected directly into the rodents and was able to substantially alter 13 microRNAs, which regulate the expression of genes. This study showed a large potential for THC to ease the symptoms of autoimmune diseases such as arthritis, lupus, and colitis. \n\nInflammation can be suppressed by activating the cannabinoid receptors, CB2, on immune cells. Though there have not yet been clinical human trials, this study opens up new avenues to investigate as possible treatment options for autoimmune diseases. Though this study only looked at THC, CBD is also known to help the immune system. CBD helps repair the bodies ability to recognize the difference between normal internal body functions and foreign entities, keeping the body from attacking itself.\n\n### Rheumatoid Arthritis\n\nCannabis has already shown promise in helping with specific autoimmune diseases. A Hebrew University [study](https://www.leafly.com/news/health/the-medical-minute-can-cannabis-help-repair-arthritic-joints) showed that lab mice experience a 50% increase in joint health while being  treated with CBD, showing promise for alleviating the symptoms rheumatoid arthritis. Another study, published in the journal Rheumatology showed that CB2 receptors are found in exceptionally large amounts in the joint tissue of arthritis patients. Cannabis can be used to reduce inflammation, and pain, by stimulating CB2 receptors found in the joints. \n\n### Celiac Disease\n\nCannabis may also work to help people with Celiac Disease, a severe gluten allergy that causes an autoimmune response. 1 in 141 americans have Celiac Disease, but it often goes undiagnosed. CBD can work on CB2 receptors in the gut and help fight against autoimmune attacks in the digestive system when gluten is consumed. \n\n### Fibromyalgia\n\nA survey published by Care By Design showed that 100% of fibromyalgia patients surveyed reported a reduction of pain when using CBD rich cannabis for at least 30 days. A University of Heidelberg [study](http://norml.org/library/item/fibromyalgia) out of Germany showed that when Fibromyalgia patients were given varying doses of THC, and no other pain medication, they all experienced a significant decrease in pain. \n\n### Inflammatory Bowel Disease\n\nCannabis promotes healthy gut activity and has been historically used to relieve digestive problems. CBD can help reduce inflammation throughout the digestive system and THC may also prove helpful for patients with various Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. A 2011 [study](https://www.medicaljane.com/2014/06/28/medical-marijuana-and-inflammatory-bowel-disease-ibd/) from the Institute of Gastroenterology and Hepatology found that 21 of 30 Crohn’s disease patients found a significant improvement in their symptoms while using medical cannabis. \n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/vinally/5475673386/in/photolist-9kSfVQ-cL6ZzS-ePkJ6x-gYdZ9A-4yg275-eW1NYW-9gT4if-arrbd8-66JmzH-bXviVu-qpDE9i-29Nofz-9vX53p-WBdbs-eTXDHt-cYycRh-Kei68-d6Ch8f-ewUJjd-bNpKLp-bWPsRS-bWR5DG-Nr3KJ-bWRbif-ohRa5g-pddVQb-7wY4nG-buy6iM-cuQbXQ-bitb9r-7pZUqd-eewR5X-883kSe-uSWouQ-uSYxGJ-uThpC1-6QpkG5-enQuQt-6Bom6N-9fDbN9-6Bj9qV-pHEUeh-buy6o4-edeHm8-wLMZi-6Bjchk-dw3ai-6BjboK-sF1Mz-buy6cV)\n\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3513513513513513,"src":"/static/c445132d4c9a2cf63810812dcb917cdb/31476/f148266d3e54b9588b28c6cafb3bbc1d.png","srcSet":"/static/c445132d4c9a2cf63810812dcb917cdb/69585/f148266d3e54b9588b28c6cafb3bbc1d.png 200w,\n/static/c445132d4c9a2cf63810812dcb917cdb/497c6/f148266d3e54b9588b28c6cafb3bbc1d.png 400w,\n/static/c445132d4c9a2cf63810812dcb917cdb/31476/f148266d3e54b9588b28c6cafb3bbc1d.png 761w","srcWebp":"/static/c445132d4c9a2cf63810812dcb917cdb/1d747/f148266d3e54b9588b28c6cafb3bbc1d.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/c445132d4c9a2cf63810812dcb917cdb/61e93/f148266d3e54b9588b28c6cafb3bbc1d.webp 200w,\n/static/c445132d4c9a2cf63810812dcb917cdb/1f5c5/f148266d3e54b9588b28c6cafb3bbc1d.webp 400w,\n/static/c445132d4c9a2cf63810812dcb917cdb/1d747/f148266d3e54b9588b28c6cafb3bbc1d.webp 761w","sizes":"(max-width: 761px) 100vw, 761px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2228-markdown","title":"Can Cannabis Assist in Healing Skin Cancer?","slug":"can-cannabis-assist-in-healing-skin-cancer","content":"### What Do We Know?\r\n\r\nThe _British Journal of Pharmacology_ released a study in 2013 showing that CBD, CBG, and CBV, all cannabinoids found in marijuana, were successful in “turning off” uncontrolled cell growth. CBD was found to be the most effective at targeting unwanted DNA activity that causes unrestricted cell growth, CBG was found to be the second most beneficial. Anecdotal evidence for topical application of cannabis oil to skin cancer lesions is also plentiful. There is a large gap, however, in current knowledge of cannabis and skin cancer because there have been no clinical trials that have shown the efficacy of marijuana in treating skin cancer. In the United States this is to due to the classification of cannabis as a Schedule 1 drug.\r\n\r\n### Hope for Answers\r\n\r\nA new study out of Australia could be just what is needed to show that marijuana could be a beneficial aspect of skin cancer treatment, particularly in regards to melanoma. The University of Canberra in Australia is now working to develop a new treatment for skin cancer using a special medical grade cannabis out of Israel. The University of Canberra has entered into a million dollar deal with Cann Pharmaceutical Australia, a medical cannabis distributor, to develop an effective treatment for skin cancer. The project is being headed up by Professor Sudha Rao, an innovator in the field. Rao’s team was the first to identify the role played by certain enzymes in the spread of cancer stem cells. The goal of the current project is to use this specific strain that can compliment the traditional methods currently used to treat melanoma. The project has been fast tracked and results could be available as soon as next year. Hopefully this new study will provide much needed information into the efficacy of treating skin cancer with cannabis, when combined with other therapies. \r\n\r\n\r\n### Why it's Important\r\n\r\nMelanoma is often known as the silent killer and is the most common and serious type of skin cancer. It develops when skin growth goes unimpaired and often resembles a mole or develops from an existing mole. Melanoma are often black or brown in color and have asymmetrical borders. They evolve and change unlike typical moles. 50,000 australians suffer from melanoma and it is predicted to kill 1800 people in Australia and New Zealand in 2016 alone. Also, one in five americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime. It is important to keep an eye out for melanoma on your own body and get checked by a dermatologist once a year. These checks can be essential in catching melanoma early and greatly reducing its chance of spreading and causing further harm. \r\n\r\nAsk a question about this article or skin cancer in [HelloMD's new Answers](https://www.hellomd.com/answers) feature. A doctor or member of our community will answer.\r\n\r\nIf you are new to cannabis and want to learn more, take a look at our [Cannabis 101](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/cannabis-101-your-quick-guide-to-medical-marijuana) post. [HelloMD](https://www.hellomd.com/) can help you get your medical marijuana recommendation; it's 100% online, private and efficient.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/14b42/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/f836f/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.jpg 200w,\n/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/2244e/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.jpg 400w,\n/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/14b42/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.jpg 800w,\n/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/47498/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.jpg 1200w,\n/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/54ac5/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.jpg 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/58556/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/61e93/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.webp 200w,\n/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/1f5c5/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.webp 400w,\n/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/58556/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.webp 800w,\n/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/99238/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.webp 1200w,\n/static/8a9c5dbe7563c06a53aa6b3c20def789/5e0b8/765f71705bc97148e386e403ba782e71.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2152-markdown","title":"The 3 Most Common Skin Conditions: Can Cannabis Help?","slug":"the-3-most-common-skin-conditions-can-cannabis-help","content":"DiDi Davis is Founder of [Sweet ReLeaf](https://getsweetreleaf.com/), a topical cannabis manufacturer located in California. Sweet ReLeaf has created one of the most effective and enjoyable topicals on the market today. Didi states \"We believe in the healing power of plants, specifically how the human endocannabinoid system communicates with the compounds found in Cannabis. We like to call it ‘Intelligent Medicine.’\" In her second blog post, Didi talks about different skin conditions and how cannabis topicals may have a positive effect.\n\n### Can Skin Influence our Immune System?\n\nWeighing in at over 8 lbs and covering up to 23 square feet, the skin is the largest, as well as one of the most important, organs in the human body.\nOur skin protects our body from the outside world, pieces us together, and recent studies have even suggested that skin can help control our immune system. People coping with chronic skin conditions understand the value of healthy skin. Though most conditions cannot be cured or prevented - they can be managed.\n\n### From Traditional to Alternative\n\nFor the most part, people will turn to their dermatologist for help. They’ll then likely be prescribed costly medications which often do more harm than good. Accutane, a common treatment for acne, can lead to birth defects and even Crohn's disease. This is one of the many reasons why cannabis has become the growing preference for dealing with chronic skin conditions. \n\nCannabis topicals are an excellent alternative for people who want to get the therapeutic, medicinal benefits of cannabis without \"getting high.\" \nTopical cannabis is a great way to relieve common symptoms and triggers associated with chronic skin conditions, such as:\n\n>- Inflammation\n- Itching and burning\n- Pain\n- Infections\n- Acne\n- Bug bites\n- Scrapes and wounds\n\nIt’s important to understand how cannabis treatments can help alleviate and even cure the most common chronic skin conditions. \n \n### Eczema, Psoriasis and Cannabis\n\nEczema is brought on by a strained immune system which then causes an overreaction in the skin. Affecting over 30 million Americans, eczema is can be triggered by a variety of things, including stress, hormonal changes and even dehydration.\n\nPsoriasis is an autoimmune disease that affects around 8 million Americans. More severe cases of Psoriasis may require special systemic therapies, but nearly all Psoriasis sufferers take some type of topical treatment to ease the side-effects.\n\n**The Solution:**\nUse a medical cannabis topical butter or hemp oil regularly and you will notice that your condition will begin to subside. Use a topical that also has additional ingredients which support skin moisture such as coconut oil, shea butter and essential oils. Results will vary but patients have been singing the praises of topical cannabis as even the most debilitating cases transform into non-issues. \n\n### Acne\n\nNo matter your age or station in life, acne is probably at least an occasional part of your reality. Whether chronic or stress-induced, blemishes often appear on our face right when it’s the “last thing we need.” Approximately 85% of Americans will have to cope with acne outbreaks at least once in their life. When we do, we go to great lengths to get rid of it. Accounting for over $2 billion in sales, the business of zit-zapping is booming. Alleviating acne by way of cannabis allows patients to avoid the side-effects that come with the most commonly prescribed treatments. Experts have found that applying topical cannabis treatments to the affected area can decrease inflammation, redness and shrink the size of the blemish (as well as reduce scarring). \nDiDi Davis is Founder of [Sweet ReLeaf](https://getsweetreleaf.com/), a topical cannabis manufacturer located in California. Sweet ReLeaf has created one of the most effective and enjoyable topicals on the market today which is creamy and smells wonderful. As Didi says \"We believe in the healing power of plants, specifically how the human endocannabinoid system communicates with the compounds found in Cannabis. We like to call it ‘Intelligent Medicine.’\" In her first blog post, Didi talks about the healing relief found when using topicals and whether or not to worry about drug testing.\n\n**The Solution:**\nDrink plenty of water and apply a topical cannabis treatment to your blemish before bed. Be warned that smoking cannabis, could actually lead to further breakouts, so avoid it until your blemish has subsided.\n\n### Rosacea\nEven though over 16 million Americans suffer from Rosacea, topical cannabis is seldom brought up when mentioning the condition. Rosacea causes bouts of skin flare-ups that make affected areas very dry, red and itchy. Most common among those with fair skin, Rosacea exclusively affects the facial area (cheeks, nose, chin and around the eyes) - and is not easily covered up.\nThere is no definitive cure for Rosacea, but it is another example of a severe skin condition which is directly affected by one’s immune system. It's asserted by medical professionals that Rosacea flare-ups are caused by hereditary problems that erupt between the body's immune response and its inflammatory pathways. \n\n**The Solution:**\nLike the other major skin conditions, inhaling cannabis will produce little to no positive benefits for Rosacea sufferers. Instead, use a cannabis-infused topical and apply regularly over a consistent period of time. This is also a good time to bulk up on healthy fats (such as coconut oil, avocado and almonds) to help support hormonal balance - another key factor in what triggers Rosacea outbreaks.\n\n### When The Whole Body Hurts\n\nIt’s important to remember that our body is one big machine and every part of it is affected when things get off-balance. Our skin is a great “caution cone” for understanding our own level of health. We are naturally linked to cannabis through our endocannabinoid system and this incredible plant seems to always know just what we need. Cannabis brings balance and healing where other medications would simply bulldoze our bodies into submission. \n\nBe smart about your overall health. When skin conditions arise, understand that it is actually the entire body which is trying to tell you something. \n\nConsider assessing daily activities, diet, level of exercise and sleep routine to support the overall benefits of medical cannabis. Whether your skin condition is curable or requires lifelong management - the point is not to fix the problem, but to help the body heal.\n\nPhoto credit: Geinz Angelina/Shutterstock.com","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/14b42/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.jpg","srcSet":"/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/f836f/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.jpg 200w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/2244e/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.jpg 400w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/14b42/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.jpg 800w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/47498/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.jpg 1200w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/0e329/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.jpg 1600w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/54511/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.jpg 1711w","srcWebp":"/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/58556/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/61e93/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.webp 200w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/1f5c5/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.webp 400w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/58556/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.webp 800w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/99238/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.webp 1200w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/7c22d/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.webp 1600w,\n/static/81ef9eab32b66c183348ca4811d41047/6abdf/5eb97ebcd52480ac4596e3b0b67b7472.webp 1711w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2216-markdown","title":"Why American Veterans Aren't Allowed to Treat Their PTSD With Cannabis","slug":"why-american-veterans-arent-allowed-to-treat-their-ptsd-with-cannabis","content":"One of the most dangerous conditions currently facing American war\nveterans is [post-traumatic stress\ndisorder](http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/PTSD-overview/basics/how-common-is-ptsd.asp).\nPTSD affects [31 percent of Vietnam veterans, 10 percent of Gulf War\nveterans, 11 percent of Afghanistan war veterans and 20 percent of Iraq\nWar\nveterans](https://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/magazine/issues/winter09/articles/winter09pg10-14.html),\nand it can have devastating repercussions that are commonly treated with\na combination of [narcotics and\ntherapy](http://www.ptsd.va.gov/public/treatment/therapy-med/treatment-ptsd.asp).\nUnfortunately, narcotics have many [side\neffects](http://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052702304672404579181840055583388),\nand many veterans are looking for safer treatment options. In doing so,\nmany have turned to marijuana. While marijuana is often more efficient\nat [managing PTSD](http://www.newsweek.com/pot-and-ptsd-358139) and\nassociated conditions than a veteran's typical cocktail of narcotics and\nopioids, many veterans don't have access to marijuana as a treatment for\nPTSD.\n\n### What Is PTSD?\n\nPTSD arises after a person experiences a traumatic event. While PTSD\nisn't limited to veterans, the [occurrence rates in post-war\nveterans](http://www.veteransandptsd.com/PTSD-statistics.html) are\nhigher than those in the civilian population. When an individual\nexperiences a traumatic or life-threatening event, the mind and body go\ninto shock, creating [severe\nsymptoms](http://www.helpguide.org/articles/ptsd-trauma/ptsd-in-veterans.htm).\nThese include night terrors, flashbacks, depression, suicidal thoughts,\nirritability, anger, withdrawal and extreme emotional reactions, such as\npanic attacks and irrational fear.\n\n### How Is PTSD Treated?\n\nWhile PTSD is common (the [National Center for\nPTSD](http://www.ptsd.va.gov/) estimates that\n[7-8%](http://www.bendbulletin.com/news/1384056-151/civilians-also-struggle-with-ptsd)\nof civilians are affected), it's tough to treat. Because PTSD presents a\ncomplex set of symptoms, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA)\nhas developed a [varied treatment\nplan](http://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treatment/overview/clinicians-guide-to-medications-for-ptsd.asp)\nthat includes group and private therapy sessions and doses of opiates,\nantidepressants, and benzodiazepines. Unfortunately, this cocktail comes\nwith [side\neffects](http://www.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/medications.html).\nThese side effects include difficulty sleeping, intense anxiety, and\nsuicidal thoughts and actions. Because of this, marijuana is being\nevaluated as an alternative option with fewer adverse effects.\n\n### Why Is Marijuana a Safer Option?\n\nMarijuana is an effective treatment option for everything from[anxiety\nto sleep\ndisorders,\nand recent scientific evidence is proving that marijuana is also an\neffective treatment for PTSD. According to [a 2014\nstudy](http://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/02791072.2013.873843)\nconducted in New Mexico and published in the *Journal of Psychoactive\nDrugs*, cannabis can reduce the symptoms of PTSD in affected veterans by\n75 percent. This is because marijuana produces an effect known as\n\"[memory\nextinction](http://www.europeanneuropsychopharmacology.com/article/S0924-977X(08)00172-7/abstract?cc=y),\"\nwhich diminishes traumatic memories. Other researchers, such as Dr.\nSuzanne Sisley (a PTSD specialist), have been emboldened by past [study\nresults](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/24935052) and are currently\nspearheading new cannabis studies in states that have legalized\nmarijuana.\n\nWhile these studies are promising, proving marijuana's effectiveness in\nPTSD treatment is only half the battle. Up until very recently, veterans\nwho expressed an interest in marijuana for PTSD treatment risked losing\ntheir other prescription drugs, because marijuana, as a Schedule I drug,\nviolates the [Opioid Pain Care\nAgreement](http://www.aspmn.org/Documents/Webinars/Taking_Opioids_Responsibly201108_FINAL.pdf).\nEven after medical marijuana was legal in many states, VA doctors were\nroutinely discouraged from talking about the treatment option with their\npatients due to the threat of [having their licenses\nrevoked](http://www.amc.edu/Academic/bioethics/documents/Geppert_Publication.pdf)\nor facing legal charges.\n\nTo answer the cry from veterans for medical marijuana and fill the\ninformation and care gaps, independent advocacy groups such as [Veterans\nfor Medical Marijuana](http://www.veteransformedicalmarijuana.org/)\n(founded by an Air Force veteran) began to spring up around the country.\nThese independent groups worked tirelessly to rally against the VA's\nstrict cannabis policy and, in time, they brought about change. In 2011,\nhowever, the VA began to [allow some breathing\nroom](https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/more-veterans-press-va-to-recognize-medical-marijuana-as-treatment-option/2014/11/15/51666986-6a7b-11e4-b053-65cea7903f2e_story.html)\nfor medical marijuana use in response to intense pressure from the\nveteran community. In addition to prohibiting doctors from revoking a\npatient's access to prescription drugs due to medical marijuana use, the\nnew VA measures also laid out monitoring programs for medical marijuana\naccess.\n\nWhile it remains difficult for veterans in states where [medical\nmarijuana](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.resource.php?resourceID=000881)\nis not legal to access life-changing, cannabis-centric PTSD treatment,\nmany veterans are hopeful that future research and changing attitudes\nabout medical marijuana can provide easier access to this life-changing\ndrug.","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/0c6d3a882917f7af2f722023461ab6b8/ee604/1d81942f110cc28230631f363187b2b6.png","srcSet":"/static/0c6d3a882917f7af2f722023461ab6b8/69585/1d81942f110cc28230631f363187b2b6.png 200w,\n/static/0c6d3a882917f7af2f722023461ab6b8/497c6/1d81942f110cc28230631f363187b2b6.png 400w,\n/static/0c6d3a882917f7af2f722023461ab6b8/ee604/1d81942f110cc28230631f363187b2b6.png 800w,\n/static/0c6d3a882917f7af2f722023461ab6b8/9aa6b/1d81942f110cc28230631f363187b2b6.png 982w","srcWebp":"/static/0c6d3a882917f7af2f722023461ab6b8/58556/1d81942f110cc28230631f363187b2b6.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/0c6d3a882917f7af2f722023461ab6b8/61e93/1d81942f110cc28230631f363187b2b6.webp 200w,\n/static/0c6d3a882917f7af2f722023461ab6b8/1f5c5/1d81942f110cc28230631f363187b2b6.webp 400w,\n/static/0c6d3a882917f7af2f722023461ab6b8/58556/1d81942f110cc28230631f363187b2b6.webp 800w,\n/static/0c6d3a882917f7af2f722023461ab6b8/32383/1d81942f110cc28230631f363187b2b6.webp 982w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2226-markdown","title":"CBD: An Alternative to Anti-Psychotic Medicine","slug":"cbd-an-alternative-to-anti-psychotic-medicine","content":"The benefits of medicinal cannabis are numerous and far reaching. From pain relief and nausea to [new research](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22716160) suggesting a firm link between cancer cell death and cannabis, it is becoming more evident that cannabis has a large role to play in medicine. A significant part of marijuana's efficacy is due to the numerous medicinal properties of cannabidiol (CBD), one of the cannabinoid compounds found within cannabis. \n\nCBD is an analgesic and an anti-inflammatory, and it also happens to be non-psychoactive. As both attitudes and written laws change around marijuana, more and more research is coming to light that highlights its numerous medical benefits. One particular area of interest is in CBD as a potential anti-psychotic medication, especially for those suffering from schizophrenia. \n\n### How Mainstream Medicine Often Fails Patients\n\nAlthough traditional medicines like Risperdol and Clozapine have found mainstream success managing the symptoms associated with schizophrenia, many bring with them a list of discomforting and even in some cases, debilitating side effects. A short list of the more common side effects of Abilify (aripiprazole), a popular atypical-antipsychotic medicine originally designed for patients with schizophrenia (and now prescribed for many mental/mood disorders), showcases just how many additional ways a patient can find discomfort through one of the only means of finding relief from his or her disorder: \n\n* Difficulty with speaking\n* Drooling\n* Loss of balance control\n* Muscle trembling, jerking, or stiffness\n* Restlessness\n* Shuffling walk\n* Stiffness of the limbs\n* Twisting movements of the body\n* Uncontrolled movements, especially of the face, neck, and back\n\nPatients must exercise additional caution when using these medications as some of the rare (meaning between 1 in 1,000 and 1 in 10,000 may encounter these negative aspects of the drug over their lifetime) side effects, despite their low prevalence, are extremely serious. A few short examples of the rare rare effects of Abilify are: sudden loss of consciousness, loss of bladder control, and convulsions. When we look back at the common side effects and consider that between 1 in 10 to 1 in 100 are expected to experience these unpleasant effects, the picture becomes even more clear. \n\n### How CBD Can Help Those Suffering From Psychosis\n\nNew research is now beginning to shine a spotlight on CBD as a potential alternative to anti-psychotic medication. “A Critical Review of the Anti-Psychotic Effects of Cannabidiol: 30 Years of a Translational Investigation,” published by Bentham Science Publishers in 2012, gives a detailed look into 24 complimentary studies that tested CBD as an anti-psychotic medication in animal and human patients.\n\nThe outcome of the review led researchers to conclude that “the results discussed above clearly indicate that CBD behaves in preclinical and clinical studies as an atypical anti-psychotic, improving psychotic-like symptoms in doses that do not impair motor function” and that “these results support the idea that CBD may be a future therapeutic option in psychosis, in general and in schizophrenia, in particular.” \n\nResearch like this is very motivating news for patients who still have only a few options when trying to find relief from their disorder, especially considering that CBD have shown repeatedly to have no proven side effects, other than fatigue in extreme cases.\n\nAlthough a general consensus has not yet been reached on whether CBD has a future as a frontline option for patients suffering from a form of psychosis, the new attention reviews like this will give to CBD will hopefully spur new research into this potentially life-altering medication. \n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3333333333333333,"src":"/static/26d3241d3bd672746142a8ec8cb41a45/ee604/790f9597bbea915674c6ee6cf773ada3.png","srcSet":"/static/26d3241d3bd672746142a8ec8cb41a45/69585/790f9597bbea915674c6ee6cf773ada3.png 200w,\n/static/26d3241d3bd672746142a8ec8cb41a45/497c6/790f9597bbea915674c6ee6cf773ada3.png 400w,\n/static/26d3241d3bd672746142a8ec8cb41a45/ee604/790f9597bbea915674c6ee6cf773ada3.png 800w,\n/static/26d3241d3bd672746142a8ec8cb41a45/f3583/790f9597bbea915674c6ee6cf773ada3.png 1200w,\n/static/26d3241d3bd672746142a8ec8cb41a45/f90fa/790f9597bbea915674c6ee6cf773ada3.png 1365w","srcWebp":"/static/26d3241d3bd672746142a8ec8cb41a45/58556/790f9597bbea915674c6ee6cf773ada3.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/26d3241d3bd672746142a8ec8cb41a45/61e93/790f9597bbea915674c6ee6cf773ada3.webp 200w,\n/static/26d3241d3bd672746142a8ec8cb41a45/1f5c5/790f9597bbea915674c6ee6cf773ada3.webp 400w,\n/static/26d3241d3bd672746142a8ec8cb41a45/58556/790f9597bbea915674c6ee6cf773ada3.webp 800w,\n/static/26d3241d3bd672746142a8ec8cb41a45/99238/790f9597bbea915674c6ee6cf773ada3.webp 1200w,\n/static/26d3241d3bd672746142a8ec8cb41a45/5e0b8/790f9597bbea915674c6ee6cf773ada3.webp 1365w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1991-markdown","title":"Marijuana & Asthma: Can it Help?","slug":"marijuana-and-asthma-can-it-help","content":"For most people, the idea of inhaling marijuana to treat the symptoms of\nasthma is simply unheard of. It's common knowledge that smoking\ncigarettes can worsen asthma symptoms, and most people can't imagine how\ninhaling anything (besides the medicine contained in a doctor-prescribed\ninhaler, of course) could have health benefits.\n\nCannabis, however, can have [positive effects on the symptoms of\nasthma](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c260b465613800060f0000/asthma-patients-may-breathe-easier-with-cannabis) even when inhaled. These new findings are an exciting development for\nthose suffering from the lung disease. It's possible that with further\nstudy, we'll soon be seeing marijuana emerge as a mainstream treatment\nfor this chronic condition.\n\n**What is Asthma?**\n\nAsthma is a dangerous respiratory condition that results in difficulty\nbreathing. Asthma attacks - characterized by coughing, wheezing and\nshortness of breath - are often the result of exercise or allergic\nreactions to environmental pollutants, like pollen or dander. With\nsymptoms that range from mild to severe, asthma is a common disorder\nthat affects more than 25 million Americans. More than 3,000 people in\nthe United States die each year from asthma-related complications.\n\n**How Cannabis Treats Asthma Symptoms**\n\nIt's widely known that cannabis is a powerful\n[anti-inflammatory](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55a3f31338323000062f0000/medical-marijuana-as-an-aid-against-inflammation).\nOne of the main ways cannabis treats asthma symptoms is by discouraging\ninflammation and opening the passages of the respiratory system. This,\nin turn, decreases coughing and shortness of breath. While many people\nmay imagine the effects of smoking marijuana and smoking cigarettes to\nbe similar, the effects of marijuana on the bronchial passages are\nactually the *opposite* of tobacco cigarettes - which constrict the\npassages of the airway, causing asthma symptoms to worsen.\n\nA 2012\n[study](http://jama.jamanetwork.com/article.aspx?articleid=1104848)\npublished in *The* *Journal of the American Medical Association* found\nthat people who suffered from asthma and smoked marijuana on a moderate\nbasis actually *increased* their lung function, without suffering the\nlung damage associated with tobacco cigarettes.\n\nThese results have surprised almost everyone, from consumers to doctors\nwho specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of asthma. It's clear the\neffectiveness of medical marijuana on asthma symptoms has the potential\nto revolutionize how the condition is treated in the future.\n\n**Cannabis Vaporizers vs. Corticosteroids**\n\nOne thing many medical professionals are considering is whether\n[cannabis can replace or decrease the use of\ncorticosteroids](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55c260b465613800060f0000/asthma-patients-may-breathe-easier-with-cannabis)\nfor the treatment of asthma. Inhalers containing corticosteroids are\ncurrently the most-diagnosed treatment for asthma, but unfortunately,\nthe medications contained within prescribed inhalers have been\nassociated with [dangerous side\neffects](https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/steroids/),\nincluding depression, anxiety and high blood pressure. Because of this,\nmany asthma sufferers have been looking for steroid-free treatment\nsolutions - and marijuana is currently one of the leading options.\n\nOne of the best ways to deliver cannabis to a person suffering from\nasthma is through vaporization. Modern inhalers work by vaporizing the\nmedicine within, so it stands to reason marijuana vaporizers could\nbecome just as popular in the asthmatic community. In addition to being\nsafer and cleaner than smoking, vaporizers are also highly portable,\nefficient and effective. Because of these characteristics, cannabis\nvaporizers could easily replace vaporized corticosteroids with a safer\nand more effective medicine.\n\n**The Bottom Line**\n\nWhile only time will tell whether marijuana gains popularity as a\ntreatment for asthma, it's clear the compounds contained within\nmarijuana (including THC and CBD) possess powerful anti-inflammatory\nproperties that can help decrease and alleviate the symptoms of asthma.\nAdditionally, the easy availability and proven effectiveness of delivery\nmethods like marijuana vaporization can help asthma sufferers have\naccess to a safe, efficient treatment to manage their symptoms.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/zippidyserendipity/16193758604/in/photolist-qEZffy-9gwra2-67xhV8-nNTqkA-kVXXBe-gjjEXm-9b1cch-7dVvXJ-q2TRtx-pAAFAo-4fMWBk-4pXsd1-am2eL-quA8v1-fv781p-a4zrck-3ekWt9-jir4dy-4CzUjr-7hNRem-6nhmcq-r495gT-8KSU42-ajg5GJ-bziDJQ-6AGFio-kVYSYf-mFKz51-98n3CK-kVXnNV-Bu36d-5PNEYR-pvUqhQ-s2hZ1-N5MoN-c3bLtd-rp7PDC-5DxCLH-nSHZak-4sMFm9-5SY4Xo-6YAAzs-6ACuLg-9rHh21-p5UBJC-6AGETq-aaQcLJ-9kh3bS-8n6c7h-oxTr4v)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.4184397163120568,"src":"/static/bd08024adfd8d79cdf71886773eeb393/ee604/64ea9feb776d0692902f9a533c78bd8c.png","srcSet":"/static/bd08024adfd8d79cdf71886773eeb393/69585/64ea9feb776d0692902f9a533c78bd8c.png 200w,\n/static/bd08024adfd8d79cdf71886773eeb393/497c6/64ea9feb776d0692902f9a533c78bd8c.png 400w,\n/static/bd08024adfd8d79cdf71886773eeb393/ee604/64ea9feb776d0692902f9a533c78bd8c.png 800w,\n/static/bd08024adfd8d79cdf71886773eeb393/6a660/64ea9feb776d0692902f9a533c78bd8c.png 851w","srcWebp":"/static/bd08024adfd8d79cdf71886773eeb393/58556/64ea9feb776d0692902f9a533c78bd8c.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/bd08024adfd8d79cdf71886773eeb393/61e93/64ea9feb776d0692902f9a533c78bd8c.webp 200w,\n/static/bd08024adfd8d79cdf71886773eeb393/1f5c5/64ea9feb776d0692902f9a533c78bd8c.webp 400w,\n/static/bd08024adfd8d79cdf71886773eeb393/58556/64ea9feb776d0692902f9a533c78bd8c.webp 800w,\n/static/bd08024adfd8d79cdf71886773eeb393/4141f/64ea9feb776d0692902f9a533c78bd8c.webp 851w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_2046-markdown","title":"The Connection Between Marijuana and Anxiety","slug":"the-connection-between-marijuana-and-anxiety","content":"People familiar with marijuana know that the plant can have two very\ndifferent effects. Sometimes, people who consume marijuana feel\npleasantly mellow and anxiety-free. Other times, marijuana consumption\nresults in paranoid feelings that leave the consumer less than relaxed.\nMany people wonder how the same plant can produce two reactions that are\nso very different. The answer comes down to brain chemistry and each\nuser's individual experiences.\n\n**How Marijuana Affects the Brain**\n\nIn order to understand why marijuana sometimes causes relaxation and\nsometimes causes paranoia, it's important to understand how the\ncompounds contained in marijuana affect the human brain. When marijuana\nis consumed, the cannabinoids (such as THC) in the plant react with\nreceptors in the brain. Many of these receptors are located in the\namygdala, which is responsible for processing complex emotions such as\nstress, fear, and paranoia. As the cannabinoids react within the brain,\nthey influence the function of the amygdala, causing a series of\nemotions that can be either positive (relaxation and happiness) or\nnegative (paranoia and anxiety).\n\nIn some cases, cannabinoids like THC can overstimulate the brain,\nleading to feelings of paranoia and anxiety. This is especially common\nin people who are new to the use of medical marijuana. While nobody\nknows exactly why THC produces anxious feelings on some occasions but\nnot on others, one working theory is that the human body relies on a\nstore of natural endocannabinoids that act very similarly to the\ncompounds found in medical marijuana.\n\nThe brains of people who have suffered trauma or intense stress have\nbeen found to have lower levels of endocannabinoids. When individuals\nwith depleted endocannabinoid levels consume medical marijuana, the\ncannabinoids contained within the plant replenish the body's store of\nendocannabinoids, which produces a relaxing effect. This may offer some\nhint as to why marijuana makes some people feel relaxed and others\nanxious. While further research is needed to solidify this connection,\nresearchers are optimistic about the potential treatments that this\nconnection may pose for people suffering from mood disorders.\n\n**Marijuana and Anxiety**\n\nThe first thing to understand about the connection between marijuana and\nanxiety is that a consumer's pre-marijuana anxiety levels have a huge\neffect on post-marijuana anxiety levels. According to [a 2009\nreview](http://www.uniad.org.br/desenvolvimento/images/stories/arquivos/Cannabis_and_anxiety.pdf)\nof several prominent cannabis and anxiety studies, people who use\ncannabis frequently have higher anxiety levels than moderate users.\n\nAdditionally, these consumers generally show signs of anxiety disorders\n*before* they show signs of cannabis dependence. Upon further review,\nresearchers interpreted these results to mean that people who are\nnaturally prone to anxiety tend to use cannabis as a means to cope with\nthat anxiety. This theory lies in direct opposition to the theory that\ncannabis causes anxiety.\n\nWith those results in mind, however, it is important to remember that\nthe presence of anxiety is highly dependent upon many factors, including\nthe following:\n\n-   Family history\n\n<!-- -->\n\n-   Personality\n\n<!-- -->\n\n-   Gender\n\n<!-- -->\n\n-   A consumer's personal history of paranoia or anxiety\n\nWhen a consumer uses cannabis on a regular basis, other factors like the\nfrequency of cannabis use and the dose consumed can affect anxiety\nlevels as well. With that being said, researchers have noted that people\nwho use marijuana on a regular basis actually see a decrease in anxiety\nlevels. As a general rule, new users or those who consume a high level\nof THC are more likely to experience marijuana-induced paranoia or\nanxiety.\n\n**Avoiding Paranoia and Anxiety When Using Marijuana**\n\nDespite the fact that marijuana and anxiety are highly individualized,\nthere are things consumers can do to avoid marijuana-induced spells of\nanxiety and paranoia. These include the following:\n\n-   Consumers who are new to marijuana or have experienced anxiety and\n    paranoia while using cannabis in the past should opt for a strain\n    that is low in THC and/or [high in\n    CBD](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56b4fec6ea6a2d000c000077/high-cbd-marijuana-strains).\n    Because CBD is non-psychoactive, it's likely to decrease anxiety and\n    produce a more relaxed and lucid experience.\n\n<!-- -->\n\n-   Regardless of whether a consumer is an experienced marijuana user or\n    not, it's important to be careful about doses while\n    consuming marijuana. As a general rule, it's more difficult to\n    control the dose of\n    [oils](https://www.hellomd.com/products/5c6c9b099fcb5d56b3f3df6d/wellness-cannabis-tincture)\n    and\n    [edibles](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56ce39abde99bd000c0000bb/how-to-make-marijuana-brownies-recipe)\n    than it is\n    [vaporizing](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/56b10a386d677f000b00007d/vaporizing-or-vaping-what-you-need-to-know)\n    or smoking. Consumers who have had poor experiences with marijuana\n    in the past should consider smoking or vaporizing and upping the\n    intake dose slowly to avoid uncomfortable episodes.\n\n<!-- -->\n\n-   One of the best ways to avoid marijuana-induced anxiety and paranoia\n    is to always consume cannabis products in a comfortable and\n    calm space. Selecting to use these products at home rather than in a\n    crowded setting can help consumers reduce the likelihood of\n    marijuana-induced paranoia naturally.\n\n<!-- -->\n\n-   Consumers who are having difficulty avoiding anxiety even after\n    trying the above tips should consider changing the strain of\n    marijuana consumed. While this may seem like a simple tip, every\n    strain of marijuana offers a different selection of chemicals, which\n    affect the body differently. Consumers shouldn't be afraid to\n    experiment with [different\n    strains](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55d4c0dc6338310006000000/indica-or-sativa-making-the-right-choice)\n    to determine which ones work best for their personal preferences\n    and needs. When experimenting with new strains, consumers should\n    remember that Sativa strains generally produce a more active\n    experience while Indica strains are known to be more mellow\n    and relaxed.\n\nWhile marijuana-induced anxiety and paranoia do occasionally happen,\nthere are steps consumers can take to avoid these negative emotions. By\nbeing educated about how marijuana affects the brain and knowing what to\ndo to limit the risk of anxiety and paranoia, consumers can be proactive\nabout ensuring a positive marijuana experience every time.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/aarontait/4838674414/in/photolist-8nztjW-5kvvMH-6nPdsQ-cHpX2U-7RcebZ-5GZ9gG-212Mh-8RfLJ6-2eoZM-5w7Yug-ZzSST-bmjrrW-aCZNJ8-5FjL5v-9pgCL-vadyu-bD2hug-vadyw-5fBjdX-9oFteL-59VJ6B-6bDkq8-4APEGb-4VdtNb-99ARHw-bAqUVa-s8iL6-3bNYMX-bnNUht-8f536s-AvTY1-kMkEz-5bU1W2-8LbqWZ-4FJL46-E6Ah6-8kRK6T-8pQUew-9Z95id-5SbiPY-5w9Cm5-8NTwV2-5XaTNt-4P4NsU-8FZhNo-4VdtN7-8kmdKZ-6CZwwt-4gVAQh-6U6qdZ)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/png;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.3888888888888888,"src":"/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/ee604/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.png","srcSet":"/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/69585/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.png 200w,\n/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/497c6/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.png 400w,\n/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/ee604/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.png 800w,\n/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/22700/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.png 914w","srcWebp":"/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/58556/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/61e93/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.webp 200w,\n/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/1f5c5/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.webp 400w,\n/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/58556/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.webp 800w,\n/static/22cb299019a2bbd3be1e160ad19d6bfa/851bf/e63c76197dd32ac43740f55aaab18c5b.webp 914w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1982-markdown","title":"Medicinal Cannabis for Multiple Sclerosis. Does it Work?","slug":"medicinal-cannabis-for-multiple-sclerosis-does-it-work","content":"\n[Multiple\nsclerosis](http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/condition/multiple-sclerosis) (MS) is\na complex disease that is thought to arise when the immune system\nmalfunctions and attacks the nervous system. Estimates suggest that\naround 200 people are in the U.S. are diagnosed with the condition each\nweek, with women affected twice as often as men.\n\nPeople with\n[MS](http://www.ninds.nih.gov/disorders/multiple_sclerosis/detail_multiple_sclerosis.htm)\nexperience symptoms that can range in severity and duration. One of the\nmost common symptoms of MS is\n[spasticity](http://www.nationalmssociety.org/Symptoms-Diagnosis/MS-Symptoms/Spasticity),\nwhich causes painful, uncontrollable muscle spasms. Spasticity can\naffect any part of the body, but it occurs most often in the legs. Other\nsymptoms of MS include clumsiness, vision problems, tingling or numbness\nin the limbs, weak muscles and bladder control problems. Often, people\nwith MS have periods when they experience symptoms, called attacks,\nfollowed by periods without symptoms, called remission.\n\nConventional Therapies Cause Adverse Effects\n--------------------------------------------\n\nThere is no known cure for MS, but a combination of treatments can help\nmanage the disease. Treatment of MS has two aspects: immunomodulatory\ntherapy (IMT), which reduces the frequency of attacks and slows the\nprogression of the disease, and therapies to relieve symptoms.\nConventional treatments for MS often put patients at risk for a variety\nof side effects, including drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, nausea and\ndiarrhea. Thus, the need for new treatments that relieve the symptoms of\nthe disease with fewer side effects is clear.\n\nCannabis Offers Effective Relief From MS Symptoms\n-------------------------------------------------\n\nNumerous studies have revealed the benefits of medicinal cannabis, or\nmarijuana, for alleviating multiple MS symptoms. In 2003, [Zajicek et\nal.](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14615106) conducted one of the\nlargest studies investigating the effect of medicinal cannabis on\npatients with the disease. The results revealed self-reported\nimprovements in pain, spasms, spasticity and sleep quality in\nparticipants who used whole-plant cannabis-based medicine (CBM) extracts\nor tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). A study by [Collin et\nal.](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17355549) in 2007 supported the\nfindings of Zajicek et al. In a trial of CBM for the treatment of\nspasticity caused by MS, researchers found that participants who used\nCBM recorded significantly improved scores on the Numerical Rating\nScale, an 11-point scale for self-reporting of spasticity. Additionally,\nresearch by\n[Corey-Bloom](http://www.cmaj.ca/content/early/2012/05/14/cmaj.110837)\nof the University of California, San Diego revealed a significant\nreduction in spasticity in participants who were already on medication\nfor MS and who smoked cannabis once daily for three days during the\ntrial.\n\nMultiple studies have also shown the efficacy of medicinal cannabis in\ntreating [neuropathic\npain](http://www.medicaljane.com/2013/08/16/vaporizing-cannabis-is-an-effective-treatment-for-neuropathic-pain/),\nthe [most\ncommon](http://www.ms.about.com/od/signssymptoms/a/pain_overview.htm)\ntype of pain experienced by people with MS. A\n[study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3566631/) conducted\nby researchers at the University of California, Davis between 2009 and\n2011 revealed that vaporized cannabis significantly reduced neuropathic\npain in people with MS, without affecting mood. The majority of the\nparticipants in the study were experiencing neuropathic pain despite\ntraditional therapy. Research by [Wade et\nal.](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/12617376) in 2013 produced\nsimilar findings to those of the University of California study. In a\nstudy of 24 patients with neurogenic symptoms unresponsive to standard\ntreatments, Wade et al. found that whole-plant cannabis extracts\nprovided significantly superior pain relief compared with placebo.\nAdditionally, the results of research by [Wilsey et\nal.](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18403272) in 2008 and [Ware et\nal.](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2950205/) in 2010\ncontribute to mounting evidence that cannabis may be effective at\nrelieving neuropathic pain and may be an alternative for people who do\nnot respond to, or cannot tolerate, conventional therapies.\n\nMedicinal Cannabis as Treatment of MS, Not Just the Symptoms\n------------------------------------------------------------\n\nA review by [Pertwee et\nal.](http://link.springer.com/article/10.1007%2Fs12035-007-0005-2#/page-1)\nin 2007 found evidence to suggest that medicinal cannabis may be useful\nbeyond symptom control in people with MS. The chemicals, or\ncannabinoids, in medicinal cannabis are structurally similar to\nendogenous\ncannabinoids,\nwhich are naturally occurring chemicals that help to regulate nerve\nimpulse transmission. Because of this similarity, it is hypothesized\nthat they can attach themselves to molecules called CB2 cannabinoid\nreceptors on immune cells within the nervous system and activate them,\ndecreasing inflammation and suppressing some of the changes that give\nrise to the progression of MS. Research by [Ben-Shabat et\nal.](https://www.weizmann.ac.il/neurobiology/labs/vogel/PDFs/98EJP353-23.pdf)\nin 1998 revealed that cannabinoids may work more effectively in\ncombination than alone: an observation termed the [entourage\neffect](http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/j.1476-5381.2011.01238.x/pdf).\nThus, whole-plant CBM may relieve the symptoms of MS better than a\nmedicine containing only one or two cannabinoids.\n\nEvidence for Cannabis's Safety and Efficacy Grows\n-------------------------------------------------\n\nGiven its high efficacy and low risk of adverse effects, whole-plant CBM\nmay be an effective add-on treatment for people with MS; however,\nfederal law still classifies cannabis as a Schedule I drug with no\nmedicinal benefit. As a result, many people with MS are being denied\naccess to a potentially life-changing therapy. Proponents of medicinal\ncannabis are campaigning for a change to federal law so that the\nthousands of Americans who live with MS can have safe, legal access to\nmedical marijuana under a physician's guidance. Many high-profile\nnational and international health organizations, including the Montel\nWilliams MS Foundation and the American Academy of Family Physicians,\nsupport the outright legalization of medicinal cannabis. Legalization\nwould enable people with MS to use cannabis to manage their symptoms\nmore effectively and perhaps even delay progression of the disease,\nwithout fearing the potential legal repercussions.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/38068250@N08/6956654569)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/14b42/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.jpg","srcSet":"/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/f836f/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.jpg 200w,\n/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/2244e/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.jpg 400w,\n/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/14b42/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.jpg 800w,\n/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/47498/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/58556/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/61e93/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.webp 200w,\n/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/1f5c5/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.webp 400w,\n/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/58556/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.webp 800w,\n/static/8699d0b3271eec558b6ecafbd3358683/99238/1e5a13bc538f58d486465e9891656504.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1959-markdown","title":"Cancer, Cannabis Oil, and the United Kingdom","slug":"cancer-cannabis-oil-and-the-united-kingdom","content":"There is a growing body of evidence that cannabis can help alleviate the\npain of cancer, reduce the side effects of chemotherapy, and even reduce\ncertain cancerous tumors. Despite this and other evidence that medical\nmarijuana is beneficial for a number of other diseases, the United\nKingdom continues to ban medical marijuana and criminalize the\npossession, use, and growth of cannabis.\n\nCancer in the United Kingdom\n----------------------------\n\nAs it is in many nations of the world, cancer is the leading cause of death in the United Kingdom, accounting\nfor 29 percent of all deaths in 2012. According to [Cancer Research\nUK](http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/health-professional/cancer-statistics),\nmore than 330,000 people are diagnosed with cancer every year, and about\n162,000 people die from it. The 10-year survival rate is 50 percent, and\ncancers of the breast, lung, prostate, and bowels account for more than\nhalf of yearly cancer diagnoses.\n\nTreatment traditionally consists of surgery, chemotherapy, radiation\ntherapy, or a combination of all three. Other types of treatment include\nimmunotherapy and hormone therapy. But traditional treatments don't\nalways work, and the side effects can be debilitating. Some of these\nside effects include:\n\n-   Nausea\n-   Vomiting\n-   Fatigue\n-   Loss of appetite\n-   Loss of hair\n\nIn addition, a cancer diagnosis and the accompanying treatment have been\nassociated with mental health disorders, such as [depression and\nanxiety](http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/early/2014/10/03/JCO.2014.56.0086.abstract).\n\nCannabis and Cancer\n-------------------\n\nCannabis has been used to treat many illnesses and conditions for\nthousands of years, despite the lack of scientific evidence for its use.\n[England](http://medicalmarijuana.procon.org/view.timeline.php?timelineID=000026)\nhas a rich history of medicinal cannabis use. In 1621, Robert Burton\npublished *The Anatomy of Melancholy*, in which he supported the use of\ncannabis for treating depression. Thirty years later, Nicholas Culpeper\nrecommended hemp extract for treating headache, gout, and arthritis. In\nthe 1800s, Dr. William O'Shaughnessy promoted the use of cannabis for\nmuscle spasms, menstrual cramps, rheumatism, and seizures. Queen\nVictoria herself is anecdotally reported to have used cannabis to\nrelieve menstrual cramps. Despite cannabis's extensive history, the\nscientific basis was lacking.\n\nResearch into the effects of cannabis on cancer began in earnest about\n100 years later. In 1974, researchers at the [Medical College of\nVirginia](http://jnci.oxfordjournals.org/content/55/3/597) found that\ncannabis slowed the growth of cancerous tumors in mice.\n\nIn the past 20 years other research has found that cannabis can:\n\n-   Reduce [nausea and\n    vomiting](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3165951/)\n    associated with chemotherapy\n-   Reduce pain and inflammation of\n    [chemotherapy](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5596a4413264380006220000/kicking-cancer-and-chemotherapy-symptoms-with-cannabis)\n-   Reduce [cancer\n    pain](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5596a4413264380006220000/kicking-cancer-and-chemotherapy-symptoms-with-cannabis)\n-   Improve\n    [appetite](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/5596a4413264380006220000/kicking-cancer-and-chemotherapy-symptoms-with-cannabis)\n-   Shrink\n    [brain](http://www.nature.com/bjc/journal/v95/n2/abs/6603236a.html)\n    and [breast](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22776349) cancer\n    tumors\n\nEven the [National Institute on Drug\nAbuse](https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/drugfacts/marijuana-medicine)\nin the United States has revised its publication on marijuana by\nrecognizing the positive effects of cannabis for some cancer patients.\n\nWhere the UK Stands on Cannabis\n-------------------------------\n\nIn 1928, the use, growth, and possession of marijuana became illegal in\nthe UK under the [Dangerous Drugs\nAct](http://moj.gov.jm/sites/default/files/laws/The%20Dangerous%20Drugs%20Act.pdf).\nThis occurred despite lack of evidence that cannabis was, in fact,\ndangerous. Cannabis is currently listed as a [class B\nsubstance](https://www.gov.uk/penalties-drug-possession-dealing),\nmeaning that its possession can result in a fine and/or five years in\nprison, and its cultivation can results in a fine and/or 14 years in\nprison.\n\nIn 2010, the oromucosal spray\n[Sativex](http://www.nhs.uk/ipgmedia/national/multiple%20sclerosis%20trust/assets/sativex.pdf)\nwas licensed in the UK for treating multiple sclerosis spasticity. This\nmedication is derived from two strains of cannabis and contains both\ndelta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), cannabinoids\nthat have been associated with many of the medical effects currently\nbeing studied. The use of Sativex is restricted only to multiple\nsclerosis patients who are not responding to traditional treatments or\nwho cannot tolerate the side effects of traditional treatment, and the\ncost of Sativex in the UK remains high and out of reach for many\npatients. Despite this relaxing of the cannabis ban, the use of cannabis\nfor treating cancer still remains illegal.\n\nBud Buddies\n-----------\n\nFrom 2002 to 2005, a grassroots organization, [Bud\nBuddies](http://www.cannabiscure.info/files/bud_buddies.htm), supplied\nill patients with medical marijuana for free. This organization had\nresearched the benefits of medical marijuana from around the globe and\nfelt it was their mission to help those in need. Although they were\nforced to close in 2007, they continue their work on developing a\nhigh-quality cannabis oil, albeit in Spain, and to promote legislative\nchange in the UK through *Project Storm*. This\n[documentary](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58X5KhW80pw) features\nadvanced cancer patients in the UK who have come to rely on cannabis for\ntreatment and symptom relief.\n\nCannabis Oil in the UK\n----------------------\n\nIt is currently illegal for anyone in the UK to possess cannabis\nproducts, including cannabis oil. [Cannabis\noil](https://www.hellomd.com/health-wellness/55b7e6426264330006310000/methods-of-administering-medical-marijuana)\nis concentrated oil extracted from the cannabis plant. Depending on the\nratio of THC to CBD, the oil can cause the high feeling of marijuana.\nWhile some continue to advocate smoking cannabis for the faster onset of\neffects, smoking is not always beneficial to those with cancer or those\nundergoing chemotherapy. Cannabis oil provides a healthier method of\ndelivery. It can be taken via an oral syringe, in a pill capsule form,\nor dropped under the tongue. For some, it can be added to food or drink.\n\nAccording to *Project Storm*, cancer patients continue to seek cannabis\nfor their illness, even with the knowledge that they could be arrested.\nSome have learned how to extract the oil themselves and grow their own\ncannabis plants. Some seek relief from black market suppliers, and some\nrely on overseas shipping from countries where medical marijuana is\nlegal.\n\n\"Reefer Madness\" seems to be alive and well in the UK. Despite the\ngrowing body of evidence that cannabis and medical marijuana can provide relief to those\nsuffering from cancer, numerous countries legalizing medical marijuana,\nand the pleas of many in the UK's medical community, the UK continues to\ntreat cannabis as a dangerous drug.\n\n[Photo Credit](https://www.flickr.com/photos/canonsnapper/302415829/in/photolist-sHXG2-9hBNtE-qGLLPP-qMpv14-5i77ha-qMpA4R-q83hG2-q7PGW1-qMpvr4-q83fsc-dYJSqj-5ibr59-qMnFD4-AnCnk-q7PNHS-qMpykR-r2wZqm-r4Fpsg-ceuMxE-r2x2cC-qMfgyU-qMnFjr-r2uwLE-4Uuen3-r2x3Rj-qLnNnG-r2wZ4E-q7PKqE-q7PHio-qMgLf1-qMnDP2-q7PMZC-q7PEeh-r4QoYM-qMfpRL-r4KwUd-qMgK9o-q7PJwW-q7PK9s-qMgMmQ-qMgDc3-eeq4Kq-eeq4F7-r1WbKK-5kBtyt-6nXDCP-bjdiYt-5KTb1K-92Kj1t-6FUAXd)","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5151515151515151,"src":"/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/14b42/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.jpg","srcSet":"/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/f836f/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.jpg 200w,\n/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/2244e/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.jpg 400w,\n/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/14b42/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.jpg 800w,\n/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/47498/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.jpg 1200w","srcWebp":"/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/58556/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/61e93/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.webp 200w,\n/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/1f5c5/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.webp 400w,\n/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/58556/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.webp 800w,\n/static/52ccbeb0fd97c9805d6ed5b66951acb1/99238/b16f3720d4dad9a8523afa99b4cd6759.webp 1200w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}},{"node":{"id":"Article_1904-markdown","title":"Medical Marijuana Helps Treat Undesired Effects of Chemotherapy","slug":"medical-marijuana-helps-treat-undesired-effects-of-chemotherapy","content":"Too Bad Former President Carter Won't Have Easy Access to it\r\n------------------------------------------------------------\r\n\r\nAccording to the National Cancer Institute, there'll be an [estimated\r\n1,658,370 new cases of cancer in\r\n2015](http://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/what-is-cancer/statistics)\r\nalone. The World Health Organization even has a grimmer number: new\r\ncases of cancer will rise to about [22 million in the next two\r\ndecades](http://www.who.int/mediacentre/factsheets/fs297/en/). Cancer\r\nhas become one of the most burdensome diseases to ever plague modern\r\nsociety.\r\n\r\nIn August 2015, former President Jimmy Carter announced that he has\r\nbecome one of the latest people to face the burden of this disease and\r\nthe subsequent horrors associated with its therapy. The [CNN\r\narticle](http://edition.cnn.com/2015/08/20/health/carter-melanoma-treatment/)\r\nnotes that the former president had a surgery last May to remove a\r\n\"small mass\" on his liver, only to find out after several tests that the\r\nmass turned out to be Stage IV melanoma, a type of cancer that develops\r\nin the cells that produce the skin pigment, melanin.\r\n\r\nThis news came on the heels of another [news\r\narticle](http://www.newsweek.com/2015/07/31/keep-toke-alive-356032.html)\r\nthat details the benefits of medical marijuana to people who are facing\r\nthe horrors of chemotherapy. Not exactly the kind of therapy former\r\nPresident Carter opted for. However, the benefits of medical cannabis\r\nare worth emphasizing, given the range of undesirable side effects of\r\ncancer therapies, particularly chemotherapy.\r\n\r\nPerhaps one of the most popular applications of medical marijuana is its\r\nuse in reducing nausea and vomiting, a common side effect of\r\nchemotherapy. In the US, two drugs based on marijuana compounds have\r\nbeen approved for medical use. The first is Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC),\r\nan active cannabis chemical that takes on a capsule form in Dronabinol\r\n(Marinol®). This drug has been approved by the FDA since 1985 to treat\r\nnausea and vomiting. Interestingly, Dronabinol also stimulate appetite,\r\nhelping you improve your food intake and maintain a healthy body weight,\r\nwhich allows you to function better and tolerate the effects of therapy.\r\nSimilarly, Nabilone (Cesamet®), a synthetic cannabinoid, is also used to\r\ntreat nausea and vomiting when no other drugs work.\r\n\r\nAnother common application of medical marijuana is in its use to relieve\r\npain. The evidence that supports its beneficial effects on a wide range\r\nof pain disorders is well established. Thus, if you're feeling cancer\r\npain, medical cannabis could be a welcomed part of your treatment\r\nregimen. In fact, a [research published in\r\n2008](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/18095921) done by Dr. Mellar\r\nDavis, Director of Research of the Harry R. Horvitz Center for\r\nPalliative Medicine, assessed Nabilone's efficacy in treating nausea and\r\nvomiting as well as in relieving pain by reviewing available treatment\r\ntrials and other published literature on the subject. The research shows\r\nthat while the drug is not as effective in acute pain, it has benefits\r\nin alleviating neuropathic pain.\r\n\r\nFurther, a new drug, Nabiximols, a mouth spray that contains equal\r\namount of cannabidiol (CBD) and THC, has been used in many countries to\r\ntreat neuropathic pain. Canada, the United Kingdom, and Germany are a\r\nfew of the developed countries that approved the use of this drug in the\r\ntreatment of Multiple Sclerosis (MS) spasticity.\r\n\r\nCancer and chemotherapy will also take its toll on your mood. Many\r\npatients report taking the downward spiral to anxiety and depression,\r\nwhich makes cannabis a good antidote because of its anti-anxiety and\r\nantidepressant properties. In a\r\n[study](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3079847/) headed by\r\nMateus Bergamaschi from the University of Sao Paulo, it is found that\r\nCBD reduces the anxiety of participants subjected to a simulated public\r\nspeaking test. The clinical trial of this study involved 12 participants\r\nwith social anxiety disorder (SAD), who received 600 mg CBD; 12\r\nparticipants with SAD who received placebo; and 12 participants without\r\nSAD were used as healthy control.\r\n\r\nA team from the University of Mississippi, headed by Abir T. El-Alfy,\r\nalso conducted another [study in\r\n2010](http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2866040/), which\r\nsought to assess the antidepressant-like effect of a form of THC and\r\nother cannabinoids on mice. The study's findings reported that\r\nphytocannabinoids exhibit antidepressant-like effects in animal models.\r\n\r\nWhile numerous studies provide evidence in the efficacy of medical\r\nmarijuana in alleviating the undesired side effects of chemotherapy, the\r\nreal controversy lies in its benefit in treating cancer itself. So far,\r\nthe medical community is divided on this issue; but current studies\r\nabound to establish the cancer-fighting activity of cannabis. A [2009\r\nstudy](http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/279571.php) conducted by\r\na research team at Complutense University and University of Anglea in\r\nthe UK, headed by Dr. Peter McCormick, induced human breast tumors on\r\nmice to find out if THC will inhibit the growth of the tumor. The\r\nfindings show that THC exhibited anti-cancer properties.\r\n\r\nThere's wealth of scientific data and anecdotal evidence supporting the\r\nuse of medical cannabis in treating cancer-related symptoms and common\r\nside effects of chemotherapy. Furthermore, there's an explosion of\r\nfurther scientific studies geared towards providing evidence that\r\nmedical marijuana may be the wonder drug that many cancer patients have\r\nbeen waiting for.\r\n\r\nBack in 1979, former President Jimmy Carter ruffled some feathers\r\nfollowing his controversial stance in decriminalizing medical marijuana,\r\nwhich makes it even more regrettable that he won't have easy access to\r\nit while undergoing cancer therapy. This is because while Haleigh's Hope\r\nAct, Georgia's medical cannabis law, was enacted recently, it falls\r\nshort for many patients with debilitating conditions. Granted, the law\r\nmay be a step in the right direction, but patients from Georgia,\r\nincluding the former president, will still have to go through hurdles to\r\naccess medical cannabis.\r\n\r\n[Photo Credit.](https://www.flickr.com/photos/alendrathril/4255030518/in/photolist-7u19k9-eZyu3-hn1Q1R-eZytL-kLFxF-8pgMt6-zq4yYU-5EcFEA-5hxUac-7Yp6Mc-HeRGf-5ENwNp-abrxk6-4H3wr7-tLKbN-sDhcWy-bgyqyV-66nzGu-9Nr2sh-EPxi1-kH1GK-9pBrBH-9pEtA5-82oXTD-pLgzWT-tKbd3-Gj9AL-DkFRZ-9t9B1E-5FZKcV-57NxRi-5G51dy-5ENxea-eZytu-w5781-izfEG-6qW8Qh-55fz2o-HH3dx-gAHok1-5ENwCz-eZyvh-6qRXbi-9Jzx7S-rGNdor-5EpCj9-ciNADq-9RNtHp-5ESPWN-9KisF)\r\n","image":{"childImageSharp":{"fluid":{"base64":"data:image/jpeg;base64,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","aspectRatio":1.5037593984962405,"src":"/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/14b42/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.jpg","srcSet":"/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/f836f/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.jpg 200w,\n/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/2244e/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.jpg 400w,\n/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/14b42/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.jpg 800w,\n/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/16310/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.jpg 1024w","srcWebp":"/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/58556/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.webp","srcSetWebp":"/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/61e93/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.webp 200w,\n/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/1f5c5/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.webp 400w,\n/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/58556/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.webp 800w,\n/static/122dcdf620cd4d2eae10746d276e2bb0/cc834/f4b4bd2c59e4548d8bec4215aa8614d1.webp 1024w","sizes":"(max-width: 800px) 100vw, 800px"}}}}}]}},"pageContext":{"limit":12,"skip":72,"numPages":10,"currentPage":7,"id":5327,"name":"Health Conditions","slug":"health-conditions","country":"US"}},"staticQueryHashes":["3949754563","4179947113","4202924991"]}