Can medical cannabis reduce opioid abuse?
Research published on 25th of August 2014 shows correlation between states where medical cannabis is legal and opioid abuse rates. Researchers discovered that before 2010 in states, where medical cannabis is legal, there was 24,8% reduction of opioid related overdoses. The study includes data from 1999 until 2010.
The scientists suggest that the reduction of opioid related overdoses could be result of using medical cannabis as adjuvant treatment for pain relief and avoiding painkillers. However, the team admits that further research is required to confirm the effect of medical cannabis on opioid abuse.
Cannabis and sickle cell anemia
Research team from San Francisco General Hospital is starting a new clinical trial to explore the effect of vaporized cannabis on patients with sickle cell anemia (genetic disease that causes abnormal red blood cells). Their research is based on previous studies with mice. CBD has improved sickle cell anemia symptoms in mice – less pain and inflammation.
Cannabis and rare diseases
Insys Therapeutics has received approval to use CBD orphan drug for treatment of glioblastoma multiforme (aggressive form of brain tumor with poor prognosis). The company plans to use CBD for treatment of other rare diseases.
Cannabis and rheumatoid arthritis
Rheumatoid arthritis is autoimmune disease, which causes chronic pain and inflammation of tissues and organs, especially in joints. Research team from China has discovered that anti-inflammation is associated with cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2R) activation. Their research suggests that CBD can benefit patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
Cannabis and glaucoma
Glaucoma is condition, which causes damage to the optical nerve. One of the reasons for this damage is high pressure within the eye. The effect of cannabis on patients with glaucoma was studied back in 1970s when patients and researchers have discovered improvement in patients with glaucoma. It is known that cannabis can reduce the pressure within the eye and help patients. However, this effect is temporary and physicians recommend medical cannabis to be combined with current treatment.