ADHD is a condition which encompasses a wide range of symptoms including inattention, hyperactivity and impulsiveness. Research on the use of medical marijuana for the treatment of ADHD is limited however a number of preclinical studies have provided evidence of marijuana’s potential as a treatment for this disorder. The strongest evidence comes from research which shows that the endocannabinoid system can influence dopamine levels in the brain which may be altered in patients with ADHD. A study published in 2009 found that anandamide levels (one of the cannabinoids that are naturally found in humans) were higher in patients with ADHD. This seems to indicate that the human body may naturally produce more endocannabinoids in an attempt to counter the symptoms of ADHD, leading researchers to believe that the endocannabinoid system could be effective in the treatment of this disorder. Furthermore, studies show that cannabinoid receptors are found in higher density in areas of the brain that are linked to ADHD, specifically the amygdala and hippocampus regions.

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It’s no secret that marijuana helps to increase appetite, but its potential to treat anorexia is not that simple. Research suggests anorexia leads to changes in the brain, specifically pathways which are part of the endocannabinoid system. A recent study in Belgium concluded that change in the brain’s cannabinoid system likely takes place as an effect, rather than a cause of anorexia. Specifically, their findings suggest that the body creates more receptors to compensate for a “chronically hypoactive” endocannabinoid system in cases of anorexia. But these changes may only be temporary, since receptors rebounded to normal levels after the experiments stopped. The endocannabinoid system acts as a regulator of appetite. Some scientists believe that the body may produce lower levels of cannabiniods in order to improve the ability to survive during prolonged starvation or anorexic states. Therefore, patients with anorexia may experience a natural decrease in appetite because of changes that occur in the brain.

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Scientists now understand that a cannabinoid molecule known as cannabidiol, or CBD, is responsible for many of the anxiety-relieving effects of marijuana. CBD, like the more well-known cannabinoid THC, is one of over 100 such molecules found in the marijuana plant. CBD has been shown to act on natural receptors that are found in our nervous system known as CB1 receptors. Marijuana can reduce anxiety because of its effect on the cannabinoid receptors compensating for the reduction in the production of natural endocannabinoids, specifically in the amygdala which is the part of the brain that is involved in regulating anxiety and the fight-or-flight response. A study led by Dr Sachin Patel and published in The Journal Neuron, showed for the first time how nerve cells in this part of the brain make and release their own natural ‘endocannabinoids’. The natural endocannabinoid system regulates anxiety and the response to stress by dampening signals in the brain.

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Patients with asthma take extra caution when it comes to smoking anything, since asthma is a potentially life-threatening disorder that can severely disrupt one’s breathing. While it may seem logical for asthmatics to avoid marijuana, research seems to support the opposite – that is, marijuana could be an effective treatment for asthma. Research has shown marijuana to be effective at reversing the bronchoconstriction in patients with asthma. Studies have identified CB1 receptors on nerve cells of the airway, suggesting a role of cannabinoid receptors in the contraction of airway muscles. Naturally occurring cannabinoids which mimic the effects of THC, such as anandamide, may also be able to control the contraction of airway muscles by activating CB1 receptors. THC provides the same therapeutic benefits as natural cannabinoids, but with a stronger and longer-lasting effect. THC has shown to elicit similar effects on the airway regardless of the route of administration.

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The effectiveness of marijuana for treating symptoms related to gastrointestinal disorders is widely recognized and researched. The most common gastrointestinal disorders are Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS) and Inflammatory Bowel Disease (Crohn’s and Ulcerative Colitis) which effect millions of people. The disorders are different, but each causes a great deal of discomfort and distress and both can be disabling. Painful cramping, chronic diarrhea or constipation, nausea, and inflammation of the intestines are all symptoms of these GI disorders that can be alleviated by marijuana. Research suggests that marijuana is effective in treating the symptoms of these GI disorders in part because it interacts with the endogenous cannabinoid receptors in the digestive tract, which can result in calming spasms, reducing pain, and improving motility. Marijuana has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties which may aid in the pain relief of chronic abdominal pain.

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Research shows marijuana is a safe and effective way to ease chronic pain from various medical conditions. Studies in chronic pain of both neuropathic and inflammatory origin have found marijuana to be effective treatment. Cannabinoids are involved in the release of endogenous opioids which moderate pain. The pain mediation responses of marijuana are related to the location of CB1 receptors in central nervous system and peripheral nerves. CB2 receptors are active in both acute and chronic pain, especially that of inflammatory origin. While some studies have suggested that cannabis is no more effective than codeine in controlling pain, the side effect profile of marijuana versus narcotic pain relievers shows that marijuana is a safer option to control chronic pain.

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Epilepsy is a persistent condition of the brain. It involves unpredictable abnormal electrical discharges or misfiring of brain cells (neurons). This misfiring in the brain can cause episodes of bodily convulsions, loss of coordination, loss of consciousness or altered sensory states. These episodes are commonly called seizures. People with epilepsy have persistent and recurring seizures. One may be born with epilepsy, or may acquire it because of disease or injury. Marijuana has anti-convulsant properties mainly due to Cannabidiol (CBD), a compound found at higher levels in some strains of marijuana (most notable is the Charlotte’s Web strain), make cannabis an excellent candidate for controlling the spasms associated with Epilepsy. Evidence is continuing to grow that marijuana may indeed be a better anti-convulsant than standard prescription medications.

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Insomnia means having a hard time getting to sleep, staying asleep, or both. Many patients report that when compared to conventional sleep medications, marijuana works better, is not habit-forming, and leaves them having less side effects the next day. Although most adults have experienced these types of symptoms at one time or another, an estimated 30%–50% of the general population has some degree of insomnia, and 10% have chronic insomnia. Research shows that the cannabinoid CBD helps with sleep better than THC. When using marijuana for insomnia, it is important to keep in mind which strain to use. Most patients find that Indica strains are more relaxing with a pronounced sedative quality. Inhaled cannabis – preferably smoke-free vapor – generally provides an immediate effect and lasts for about 3–4 hours. Edible or ingested cannabis, on the other hand, takes up to an hour to have an effect, but lasts for up to 6–8 hours. Therefore, an edible marijuana product, taken about an hour before bedtime, can work very well to help get a full night sleep.

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It has been proven by various research time and time again, that marijuana is a highly effective in the treatment of nausea and vomiting regardless of the cause. Nausea and vomiting may prove to be more harmful to the body in prolonged cases. It may cause severe dehydration as well as loss of appetite thus leading to malnutrition. THC binds to endocannabinoid receptors in the brain to provide relief from nausea, smoking (preferably vapor) marijuana provides superior treatment for vomiting when compared to THC ingested orally. Even though there are around 10 standard anti-emetic drugs for nausea and vomiting, it has been found that nine of them are ineffective in a specific situation or result in intolerable side effects. A 2008 review published in the European Journal of Cancer Care analyzed 30 clinical studies using cannabinoid drugs synthesized in the lab (such as Marinol) and concluded that they were better than standard anti-nausea drugs in alleviating the nausea and vomiting that accompanies chemotherapy. Despite all the above-mentioned drugs that are available, marijuana is still the best medication as it provides fast and safe relief.

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Spasms may affect many different types of muscles in the body, leading to many different symptoms and presentations. THC has each been found to relieve a broad range of muscle spasms in a number of human and animal studies. A 1990 double-blind trial comparing THC with codeine demonstrated that while they both displayed an analgesic effect in comparison with a placebo, “only delta-9 THC showed a significant beneficial effect on spasticity” meaning that medical marijuana has positive benefits for muscle spasms. Unlike marijuana, powerful barbiturates and muscle relaxers currently in use for treatment of severe muscle spasms are known to have serious and life-threatening side effects. Medical marijuana patients suffering from severe spastic conditions have reported that marijuana significantly improves their quality of life.

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