Everything you want to know about medical cannabis
Find out everything you want to know about therapeutic cannabis: its uses, side effects, medicine reimbursements and more.
What is medical cannabis?
The term medical cannabis refers to the use of preparations or active ingredients derived from the Cannabis Sativa plant, called cannabinoids such as tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD), as a therapy for treating certain diseases or relieving certain symptoms.
What is the difference between THC and CBD?
THC and CBD are cannabinoids that act on the endocannabinoid system. The endocannabinoid system, discovered only 30 years ago, plays a key role in maintaining different balances in the human body. It is an intercellular communication system, which is naturally activated to create homeostasis, but which can be stimulated by phytocannabinoids, that is to say, cannabinoids of plant origin, such as those found in the marijuana plant. These cannabinoids cause different effects from those naturally produced by our bodies.
The main receptors of the endocannabinoid system in our bodies are CB1 and CB2, which are found in our central nervous system and immune system. THC is the psychoactive component of cannabis and acts on these two receptors in the human brain. CB1 influences pleasure, appetite, memory, and concentration, while CB2 moderates the sensation of pain and plays a role in homeostasis for certain parts of the body, such as the kidneys and liver.
THC, meanwhile, increases appetite and feelings of pleasure, in addition to causing drowsiness. This is why it is used in treatments against insomnia and loss of appetite. In general, cannabis strains with a higher THC are the most sought after for recreational use. It is also the most often forbidden or restricted element in many countries of the world.
CBD, on the other hand, interacts with brain receptors. In fact, it neutralizes some of the effects of THC. Therefore, the proportion of CBD plays an important role in determining the effect that will be felt when marijuana is used. Indeed, CBD reduces the sensation of anxiety caused by THC and has antipsychotic properties.
CBD is the most popular component in medical marijuana strains. It has anti-inflammatory properties superior to THC and has no psychotropic effects. It is widely used for conditions such as arthritis and rheumatism. CBD also has an anti-convulsive effect that reduces muscle spasms, which is why it is usually prescribed for some types of epilepsy. CDB is also an anxiolytic and an antipsychotic. Some studies seem to demonstrate its effectiveness in treating schizophrenia.
Remember that the two main active components of cannabis produce different effects, but which interact and balance one another.
Which diseases and conditions are treated by medical cannabis?
Medicinal cannabis is used to treat several conditions, such as:
Palliative care
Nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy
Wasting syndrome
Multiple sclerosis, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injuries, and spinal cord diseases
Epilepsy
Pain
Arthritides and musculoskeletal disorders
Glaucoma
Asthma
Hypertension
Stress
Psychiatric disorders
Anxiety
Alzheimer’s disease and dementia
Inflammation
Gastrointestinal system disorders
For more information and to discover all the possible uses of medical cannabis, visit Health Canada’s website.
What are the main health effects of medical cannabis?
Medical marijuana:
Relieves pain. This includes different types of chronic pain, including pain caused by nerve damage.
Controls nausea and vomiting. Medical cannabis is most commonly used to control nausea and vomiting caused by chemotherapy.
Restores the appetite. It helps people who don’t eat enough and lose weight because of other diseases, such as HIV / AIDS and cancer.
Relieves anxiety. Medical cannabis can produce a relaxing sensation that reduces anxiety.
Fights insomnia: Certain strains of Cannabis with the appropriate dosage of THC and CBD effectively combat insomnia and other sleep disorders.
Who can have access to medical cannabis?
In October 2018, Canada legalized the use of recreational cannabis, but therapeutic cannabis has been legal in Canada since 2001. Health Canada is responsible for giving out licenses to authorized producers so that they can distribute medical marijuana to patients.
Under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR), producers can only sell directly to registered patients or deliver medical cannabis to them through the postal service. According to Health Canada, patients who have authorization from a health professional can have access to medical cannabis in the following three ways:
By buying it from a seller who is authorized by the federal government
By registering on the Health Canada website to produce a regulated quantity that meets their medical needs
By designating someone who will produce medical cannabis for them
What are the side effects of Therapeutic Cannabis?
Different varieties of marijuana contain different amounts of cannabinoids so the effects may vary depending on how cannabis is ingested. Some side effects that have been reported include:
Depression
Sleepiness
Dizziness
Heart rate acceleration
Hallucinations
A drop in blood pressure
Some strains of cannabis can also affect judgment and coordination, which could lead to accidents and injuries. When used during adolescence, while the brain is still developing, marijuana can affect IQ and mental function permanently. To learn all about the side effects of medical marijuana, visit Health Canada’s website.
How can I get reimbursed for my medical cannabis prescription?
If the CNESST, the SAAQ, the IVAC and/or the RAMQ refuse to reimburse you for your prescription of medical cannabis, contact SOS Cannabis and we will be happy to help you. Complete your application in a few clicks on our website and our team will get in touch with you as soon as possible.
SOS Cannabis is the first law firm specializing in the reimbursement of expenses related to the use of medical cannabis in Canada. Our services are currently available in Quebec and soon in Ontario.