In reality, we all have cannabinoids in our body that we produce naturally by our body. These endogenous (own) cannabinoids are created through a system that all humans and vertebrate animals have, which is known as the endocannabinoid system. This system keeps us in balance and contributes to the process of homeostasis, also participating together with others. body systems such as the cardiovascular, immune system (defenses), digestive system among others. The endocannabinoid system is also related to pain perception, mood, memory, the way we learn, bone development and density, the ability to be asleep or awake known as the sleep-wake cycle, among others. .
“Medical cannabis produces addiction”
At this point it is essential to differentiate between the use of medicinal cannabis versus recreational use. To date, there are no figures on the risk of developing cannabis use disorder when cannabis is used for medicinal purposes. What it is possible to say is that because such low doses of THC are used in clinical practice, the probability of developing this problem is close to zero. By having supervised and controlled use by a doctor specializing in this type of treatment, no cases of cannabis use disorders have been observed.
On the other hand, regarding recreational consumption, the use of high concentrations (mainly THC) produces an impact on the reward system, impulsivity and memory at the brain level. Current figures establish that 1 in 10 adults can develop addiction when consuming high concentrations of cannabis, especially in those who start younger during adolescence, and in whom there is frequent unregulated consumption.Medical cannabis is an individualized treatment and a useful tool to control the symptoms caused by some diseases such as chronic pain, refractory epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, nausea and vomiting secondary to chemotherapy, anxiety, lack of appetite in patients with HIV and cancer, among other ailments, but it is NOT a miracle drug nor does it fit everyone's needs.
It is essential to remember that medicinal cannabis is not for everyone, and that it has specific indications and contraindications. That is to say, today there are patients who should not be consuming cannabinoid-based therapies. For example, patients with uncontrolled cardiovascular diseases such as arrhythmias, uncontrolled high blood pressure and recent history of myocardial infarctions, among others, should not consume products where THC predominates. Likewise, patients with uncontrolled psychiatric illness such as schizophrenia, psychotic episodes and bipolar disorder, among others, should not consume products rich in THC either.
Finally, patients under 18 years of age should also not consume products enriched in THC as it can affect neurocognitive development and increase the risk of developing cannabis use disorders. However, in the pediatric population it is possible to use products where CBD predominates. A precise selection of the patient, the type of cannabinoid and its route of administration must be made by a doctor specialized in the use of these therapies.
"Cannabis cures cancer"
To date, there are no clinical studies in humans that demonstrate that medicinal cannabis produces direct curative effects on cancer disease. While it is true that the anti-cancer effect of cannabis has been explored in preclinical studies (that is, in animals and cellular tissue), much research is still needed on the direct curative effect on Cancer. However, what medicinal cannabis does do for cancer patients is to help control, in a complementary and non-harmful way, the symptoms caused by this disease such as pain, anxiety, insomnia, lack of appetite and/or some of the effects caused by treatments such as nausea and vomiting secondary to chemotherapy.
“Medical cannabis is completely harmless and since it is derived from a plant it does not produce side effects”
This is also a common myth. Today we know that medicinal cannabis can produce side effects that in most cases are classified as mild to moderate. Additionally, these effects are related to the doses administered of either THC or CBD. Although both can produce side effects, most effects are related to high doses of THC.
The most common side effects related to both THC and CBD are dizziness, drowsiness (feeling sleepy during the day), and feeling dry in the mouth. These effects generally disappear over the days, as the body assimilates or develops tolerance to these cannabinoids. For this reason, it is important to start treatment with the lowest possible doses, slowly interspersing them until the desired therapeutic effects are achieved.
Source: drmaferarboleda