The therapeutic benefits of cannabis are becoming increasingly recognized worldwide. A recent study from New Zealand adds to the growing body of evidence supporting the positive effects of cannabis on pain, sleeplessness, and anxiety.
The study, a collaboration between researchers from the University of Otago, Victoria University, and the University of Auckland, explored the experiences of 213 people who were using cannabis for therapeutic reasons. The results were striking: almost 96% of participants reported that cannabis helped them with a number of conditions, and 49% said they had been able to reduce or entirely stop their prescription medicine.
These findings are consistent with other studies conducted in New Zealand and around the world. The most common therapeutic benefits reported by participants were pain management, improved sleep, and better mental health. Even for conditions such as autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and difficulty eating, 98% of participants found that cannabis helped.
Interestingly, the study also found that many participants were able to decrease or stop their use of prescribed medicines, many of which were opioid-based. This suggests that cannabis could potentially offer a safer alternative to opioids, which are known for their risk of dependence and other negative side effects.
However, the researchers caution that this doesn't mean prescribed medicines should be replaced entirely by cannabis. Both approaches have their place, and cannabis could be particularly beneficial for patients with chronic pain and other conditions that are refractory to conventional treatment.
These findings underscore the importance of understanding the broader impacts of cannabis use, beyond its psychoactive effects. At Medcan University, we are committed to fostering this understanding through our comprehensive education programs. Our curriculum is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate the complex landscape of the cannabis industry, including the potential therapeutic benefits and the challenges associated with its use.
The study also highlighted the barriers many New Zealanders face in accessing medicinal cannabis, primarily due to cost and the reluctance of many physicians to prescribe it. These barriers are not unique to New Zealand and are faced by patients in many parts of the world. This is a challenge that we at Medcan University are actively addressing through our advocacy efforts and our commitment to providing accessible education on cannabis.
The researchers call for an evaluation of current policies and more "real-world studies" examining the experiences of people using medicinal cannabis. They also suggest that more creative clinical research could help alleviate physicians' concerns about efficacy. This aligns with our approach at Medcan University, where we emphasize the importance of staying informed about the latest research and developments in the cannabis industry.
As we continue to explore the therapeutic potential of cannabis, it's crucial to ensure that policies and practices reflect the latest scientific evidence. At Medcan University, we are dedicated to providing our students with the most up-to-date and accurate information available in the field of cannabis. We believe that through education, we can help shape a future where the benefits of cannabis are fully realized and accessible to all.
